I was thrilled to finally have a place to display them. I had been using them for storage in my project room but I love them here in the office.
I have been collecting them since October of last year and I still haven’t taken the price tags from Goodwill. I picked up each of them for under $11.
When I realized that my hubby had slipped our paper shredder behind the cases I had a light bulb moment. I could fasten the cases together and cut a hole in each one so that I could slip the paper shredder inside. All I would have to do is open the lid of the top case to access the shredder.
This is what it would look like. What a great idea! I hate that paper shredder, it is so ugly. But should I really cut holes in them, what if the size of paper shredders changes or they fall out of use. Well I would still have an fabulous one of a kind end table with the added bonus of the storage. I was ready to start sawing.
That is when I was visited by “crafter’s remorse”. You know what I am talking about, the sudden feeling that you should not alter anything old, sentamental, real wood or vintage. Mine went something like this: "If I cut holes in them, they could never been used as luggage again. But the likelihood of my using these cases to carry my pj’s and swim suits to a holiday in Italy is slim to none. Should I damage these vintage cases or leave them pristine?
So what am I to do? I need your help. Please leave me a comment giving me your opinion.
1)Do I cut into these suitcases to make them into a vintage cozy for our shredder?
or
2) Should they stay in their original form hoping for a vacation every once in a while?
Let me know what you think and thanks for reading,
Traci
I will be linking up to these wonderful parties:
oh...i don't know..i would lean towards not cutting them... and you never know when you might be off for Italy ! :-)
ReplyDeletei would keep them original....
Although I am all for repurposing, when something is still useful and still looks so great I'm not sure I would cut into them. When I stack mine up, I still use them for storage. That being said, you shouldn't feel guilty if you decide to cut them.
ReplyDeleteHappy to be a new follower from Vintage Inspiration Friday.
Laura
I collect old suitcases too. I use them to store extra bed linens and even craft supplies. If you could get away with simply drilling a hole for the cord I would go ahead. But if you have to drastically alter the suitcase I think I would advise you not to do it. Your blog is lovely!
ReplyDeleteDana
Only cut into the top one and run the cord out the back . That way only one is damaged . Do what ever you need to do to make them useable .
ReplyDeleteHow often do you use the paper shredder? Could you just keep it in a closet and pull out as needed? Or just keep it hidden behind the suitcases? I would not cut them, they are great for storage even if you don't use them on a trip :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I understand your predicament, I really do. I buy old books and then can't bear to cut them for projects...Great idea for hiding the shredder, but I think the suitcases are so useful for storage, I wouldn't alter them. I don't see a trip in their future, but I wouldn't change them.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you will find a cute hamper to re-purpose and hide the shredder. I have a wicker one that might just work for that purpose, hmmm.
I say only cut them if they are damaged already or needing repairs. Your's look like they are still in pretty good shape, how about the bottoms? I have a couple that idea would be great for; because they are damaged...
ReplyDeleteit just depends on the condition already. Otherwise, you can continue to use them for storage!
Take care--
I agree with cutting a hole only in the top case, just large enough to feed the cord through. Not everything in a house should be just for looks, function makes things even more amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to put in my two cents here ... Cut away, honey!! This is a GENIUS idea, and a great way to repurpose your old suitcases. If these were valuable antiques, I would recommend against it ... but they're not. You can cut the top of the large one, all the way through the middle one, and the bottom of the top one, attach them together with nuts, bolts, and washers, and slide the shredder right in. The shredder is out of sight, and the suitcases appear to be unaltered.
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!!
I totally agree with Hartwood Roses. Make those babies practical and still beautiful. I would definitely not blink an eye before cutting into them and solving your shredder eye-sore problem. Good luck!! :)
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is to keep the suitcases the way they are and come up with another solution for the shredder.
ReplyDeleteCut away girl! I think your idea is great. Better then leaving them untouched just in case! Can't wait to see the finished project! Be brave just don't run with scissors! lol
ReplyDeleteWhy not just put the shredder in the case and then string the cord out? I would think that you will have to open the case to use the shredder? The purpose seems to be to hide it, and how much work is it to plug it in each time!
ReplyDeleteI think you idea is great! If you could have form and function then you have a complete design in my book! I do agree with the comment above me and you should cut a hole out for the power cord! I love the suit cases! Great find!
ReplyDeleteTiffany {Living Savvy}
I say go for it and use it for the paper shredder! I have my paper shredder stored away and it is a pain to get it out. I would love to have something cute like that to use every day. Your mail pile will never get out of hand!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad about altering something, especially if you will use it frequently and you will love it. Our things are to serve us, not take up space waiting to be used. And when you do go on your fabulous vacation, you can take more practical luggage that won't get destroyed.
Can't wait to see what you decide. :-)
~Heather
i just put my vintage luggage to use too. my concern would be that if you cut into the luggage, wouldn't that actually weaken it. my luggage is somewhat fragile b/c it is so old. i think i'd stick the shredder in the closet and have a shredding party once a month or week or whatever. but i have a feeling that you will come up with the best solution for your use. btw, i came from nita's blog.
ReplyDeleteI received my first ever blog award and I am re-gifting it to you. Please see my blog post to grab your award :)
ReplyDeletehttp://northwesttexas.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-very-first-blog-award.html
I love the practicality of the idea but I wold balk at the actual cutting too! Love your blogs!
ReplyDeleteI would not cut them. They are in gorgeous shape..and I love the color and style. Enjoy them.
ReplyDelete