DIY An 18" Doll Suitcase

This suitcase is a good size for our doll's 
clothing! She will even have room for
souvenirs!

       Every American girl's favorite doll needs his or her own suitcase for vacations and ours are no exception! I've upcycled a cute little box that looks just like a suitcase into something more practical for the dolls to pack full of vacation necessities. There is plenty of space for changes of clothes, plus hair dryer and swimsuit. Then, of course, our dolls will need a pretend toothbrush and toothpaste plus many more intimate hygiene accessories.
       Supplies you will need to make your own version of this craft include: a suitcase shaped box or a box that is of the size and shape you prefer for your own doll's travel needs, decorative paper for the lining and outside of case, Mod Podge, a handle, a clasp opening, felt scraps for lining, a decorative fabric for interior, ribbon for trim, hot glue gun and hot glue, needle and thread for some simple sewing.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. First you will need to acquire a box and attach a handle and clasp if you cannot find a 'suitcase shaped box' for the craft. The one that I found had a ribbon for the handle and I had to switch this out with a stronger, more durable plastic one. I found this on a different box and attached it through the original holes where the ribbon had been to begin with.
2. The clasp was already attached to the lid of my suitcase and this is really the attachment you should look for when scouting for a craft like this one. These types of boxes are ver inexpensive in resale and also in dollar stores all across the U.S.
3. The third step is to decoupage both the inside and out of the suitcase with decorative paper. I chose to cover the outside of my suitcase with a 'travel' themed paper that would blend in with the pale pink trim that I left unaltered.
4. The interior of my doll suitcase already was decoupaged with a green and white check, therefore, it was simple enough for me to find a fabric in the same print.
5. I used the fabric to cover thin felt liners cut the the back and sides of the suitcase interior in order to make lined pockets.
6. I sewed the fabric around the lining using simple straight, hand stitching. Then I hot glued the pockets in place, leaving openings for accessories and clothing.
7. Then, I hot glued a ribbon in place to tie around the clothes and hold them steady inside the suitcase. 
8. I also added a bit if ribbon for decorative trim to the edge of the larger pocket on the inside of the lid.

Left, a discarded box that looks like a suitcase purchased for mere pennies. Center, see
 the box opened. Right, I've reattached a stronger plastic handle.

Left, a matching green and white check fabric for extra added pockets. Right, the fabric
 matches the decoupaged interior of the suitcase already.

Left, I hot glued the ribbon trims and ties into the suitcase. Center, the pockets are for
 additional accessories and clothing. Right, see there is room for a doll's toothbrush,
 comb, makeup, etc...

Left, our Tonner doll is getting ready for a vacation. Center, she is checking to make sure
she has included her swimsuit and hair dryer. Right, now that she's packed she must
 carry her luggage downstairs to the car and wait for her family to take her to the airport.

Dolls On Vacation:

• Our Generation doll packing bags to travel to the beach
• Put a miniature room in a suitcase