I really enjoy decorating for Memorial Day and the 4th of July.. The red white and blue doesn’t fit into my everyday home decor but its perfect for this time of year.  I don’t like to spend a lot of money on seasonal decor so I am always thinking about easy & inexpensive DIYs for the holidays. This 4th of July project is the perfect project.

This is a great vintage suitcase DIY idea! Repurpose it into a one of a kind 4th of July Party decoration. It's makes a perfect Memorial Day decoration too!

I am always on the lookout for old trunks and suitcases at garage sales and my favorite vintage shops. Over the years my collection has grown larger and I have gotten more selective. This suitcase was one that was in good shape but not really vintage looking enough so I decided to repurpose into one of my 4th of July decorations.

My thought actually was to paint one side for one holiday and the other side for another… so far I have not come up with the idea for the other side. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them! Just let me know in the comments.

So grab an old suitcase, some paint, a brush and even the kids if you have them and lets get started.

This is a great vintage suitcase DIY idea! Repurpose it into a one of a kind 4th of July Party decoration. It's makes a perfect Memorial Day decoration too!

4th of July Suitcase Supplies:

This is a great vintage suitcase DIY idea! Repurpose it into a one of a kind 4th of July Party decoration. It's makes a perfect Memorial Day decoration too!

4th of July Suitcase Instructions:

Step 1) Clean the suitcase well with Krud Kutter or the cleaner to make sure all those years of grime are wiped away.

Step 2) Allow to thoroughly dry. The paint will not adhere proper if the suitcase is still damp.

Step 2a) This step is not required but you know me, I lightly scuffed mine with 22o grid sandpaper before I started painting.

This is a great vintage suitcase DIY idea! Repurpose it into a one of a kind 4th of July Party decoration. It's makes a perfect Memorial Day decoration too!

Step 3) I just dug in painting but if you do not feel confident or are worried you can lightly draw your stripes first with a pencil. No rulers allowed for this project though! Keep it whimsical!

Step 4) I started with the blue square and then went on to the red and white stripes.

Step 5) Using a piece of white chalk I drew a star and filled it in with white paint. I did have to use several coats of white paint to go over the blue. If I did it again, I may have painted around the start with blue and then paint to star white.

Step 6) Optional: Spray with acrylic sealer for extra protection after the paint is completely dry.

This is a great vintage suitcase DIY idea! Repurpose it into a one of a kind 4th of July Party decoration. It's makes a perfect Memorial Day decoration too!

Isn’t this little guy the cutest? I have thought about antiquing it up with a diluted brown acrylic paint wash, or write part of the start spangled banner on the white stripes… make this project your own!

Be sure to check out my other ideas for 4th of July Decor!

4th of july americana decor

Each and everyone of you inspire me and I LOVE to see the work that you’ve created. Feel free to share with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. And as always, be sure to follow Diva Of DIY on Pinterest and sign up for our FREE Newsletter to receive the latest projects delivered straight to your inbox!