mAKEOVER: FROM OLD SUITCASES TO sTORAGE SIDE TABLE

​The problem:  not enough storage space in craft studio area
​This was part of a craft studio remodel project, look for next posting about the entire room.

The Story
My good friend Michelle's mother was down sizing and relocating her home of many many years. She asked me to assist her with cleaning out her mother's attic which had been use by many many family members as storage.  Little did she know, I was thrilled to do it.  My inner child came out and I was imaging all the forgotten treasures, special memories of tokens, keepsakes, dishes, wedding dresses, hats, toys, movies, photos, etc... My imagination went wild thinking of all the possible oddities that await in the attic. 
 
It was clean out weekend... we ventured up the stairs to find an attic full of stuff that needed to be gone through and sorted by what to keep, trash, sell, or donate.  As we sorted through, the memories and stories started to come to life.  The experiences of those who came before and childhood memories filled the air.  It made a dirty job very rewarding.

The Process:
Out of the trash pile I gathered these old suitcases.
Design: to create a side table that doubles as storage.

• determine height needed
• secure stacking of each suitcase
• how each case could be opened or removed individually
• room style would determine legs

Cleanup: the cases were structurally fine, but in need of some good old fashioned elbow grease, deodorizing, and removing worn out linings and trimmings.  
Purchased ready made legs from hardware store along with appropriate hardware.
​Stained and attached the legs
Use double sided sticky Velcro in between the suitcases to secure one to the other, also allows for easy removing to access the storage areas.

Want to work with Janise on your own DIY projects? contact Janise
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