Craft Test Kitchen: Maps

On a recent trip to the Goodwill Outlet, Brittany and I purchased a collection of out date atlases.  While they may not useful for a road trip, we knew they were perfect for a craft!  We set to work creating accordion folds to make some pinwheels.

We also made a banner in a new pattern--the swallowtail flag.  Since this is the test kitchen, we experimented with using a pointed and straight edged top.  In the end, we favored the clean lines of the straight edge.  

We took a picture of multiple banners within our "craft portfolio."  You can see the map banner on the third strand from the top.  Of course, clients can select a whatever combination of shape and paper that fits their event theme.  The swallowtail is my new fave!

Here's a close up:

Here are some other adorable ways to use maps at an event:

Cut hearts out of maps: where you met, where you married (or honeymooned!), and where you live.  This idea could be easily modified: vacations with dates, birthplaces, where you've lived, etc.

Embroider a map with the route you took on a vacation (great for road tripping honeymooners!)

Or create a map garland!

We were excited to experiment with our atlases and love how the map crafts turned out!

Come Fly With Me: Travel-Themed Event Ideas!

To continue with this week's travel theme--which is very appropriate since I will be road tripping down to Louisiana tomorrow--today I'm sharing some party ideas perfect for any wanderer! There are so many genius ideas out there that incorporate a worldly theme in a subtle way. As with any theme, you don't want to go too overboard and make things feel cheesy. (Except if the theme is cheese. If so, please invite me!)

Speaking of inviting, the first step to any soiree is getting the word out. What better way to do that than with these adorable boarding pass invitations!

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The above ones were from a little boy's airplane-themed party, but could also work well as a destination wedding invite. The red, white, and blue scheme matches classic air mail envelopes, but could easily be switched out to match any event color scheme. 

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This invitation suite is so classic and lovely but still has quirky elements. I especially love the elegant calligraphied address, monogram, and seals juxtaposed with the mismatched stamps and twine! And the map-lined envelopes add a touch of whimsy to a usually boring spot.

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Once guests arrive, let them know where they'll touch down for the evening with this adorable map-backed escort card holder! Luggage tags are emblazoned with the guests' names and their home country/city for the night. The places correspond with the table numbers, below: rather than just writing out the location, this bride found some vintage postcards to mark the spots!

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Let's be serious. Food can sometimes be the best part of a vacation. So any travel-centric event should feature a decked out food and drink spot! The hostess of the hot air balloon-themed party below used stacked suitcases as a side table of sorts to display some delicious drinks and adorable balloon-shaped cookies. I love how the drinks were placed in those lovely stoppered bottles, and how the liquid coordinates so well with those vintage amber goblets and the bottom-most tan suitcase. And the basket is lined with pages from a road atlas--what a smart way to add height and also cushion all the glassware!

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This drink station has such a great vintage vibe thanks to the vintage suitcase, lantern, and those adorable straws! I also love all of the signage--the water pitcher is labeled as "Alaskan Glacier Ice Water," while the flags around the striped straws say "Bonjour!"

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This set-up is too cute for words (and yet I will attempt to describe why it's great!) Of course the suitcase packed with treats (or "In-Flight Snacks") is great, along with those two globes accessorizing the table! The cake bunting is probably my favorite touch, though--it's made of tiny paper airplanes, which were folded from maps, of course! The map backdrop also helps draw attention to the wall and prevents boring dead space.

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This "Precious Cargo" themed baby shower really steals the show. I love the aqua, red, and white color scheme (brought in by those awesome berry baskets, milk glass cake stands, and blue mason jars), the bunting, the antique baby scale, the luggage stashed on and under the table, and the hanging plane with its trailing message!

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This kids' "Around the World" themed birthday party looks so pulled together because of the great orange airplane logo that the hostess designed and carried through all the print goods, from the invitation to the utensil and water bottle wraps. The table settings are grounded by map placemats. Each guest received a pilot's hat and prepackaged food.

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This sophisticated tablescape is full without being too "busy." The clustered candles and sea shells look great in those metal and glass lanterns. The vintage postcards, maps, and blown-up envelope make a great backdrop for the table!

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How awesome are these book paper roses and paper airplanes! The "passports" are the wedding invitations, but would make fun programs, too! I'm also in love with those map pinwheels. When placed on sticks, the paper airplanes and pinwheels could make great centerpiece options!

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This tablescape draws its colors from the globes clustered on its center. The aqua and yellow pair so nicely with each other! I'm happy to announce that we recently acquired a globe for our rental inventory, and we're looking to add more so that clients can achieve this layered look.

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Paper mache suitcases make the perfect favor boxes when paired with paper luggage tags and stamps. I love the "Baggage Claim" tag--what a cute touch!

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I also love the simplicity of these favor boxes made from atlas paper--so smart and easy!

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Tiny boxes + twine + stamps = the cutest little favor boxes I ever did see...they look just like mini parcel packages!

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Anyone else longing to host a party just to incorporate these cute travel ideas? Really, the theme can fit any occasion, from a going away party (duh!) to a housewarming to a wedding to a birthday!

More Luggage Inspiration: Decor and DIY

In the search for event inspiration, I also found lots of tutorials and products made with luggage.  Some of them were so creative I had to share.  Maybe they will speak a DIY idea and get you excited about tracking down your own set (or reusing those already tucked away in your closet!)

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My rating: Wow

This pic stood out to me because it goes beyond the standard end table I've seen before.  Suitcases of various sizes are stacked and puzzled to create a flat surface for the table top.  I know if Brandon were making this, he'd want to connect and reinforce the suitcases to ensure he had a sturdy base.  This photo was taken by a guest staying in the Oakland's Waterfront Hotel, so there isn't a tutorial on how they put the piece together.

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My rating: Woah

I'm actually in need of more bathroom storage (our master has a small footprint of 6x7) which is probably why this idea caught my eye.  Hung on the wall with shelves inside, the suitcases lid becomes the door.  They've attached a mirror to the front, but I'd prefer having the outside look as close to the original as possible.  I think opening the cabinet would have more wow factor with that contrast.

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My rating: Ohmigosh

This idea blows my mind!  So creative!  What I really like about this project is that you could use materials you might otherwise pass up.  The dresser might have out of date drawer fronts and the luggage could be worn and ripped on the sides, but in combination they look beautiful.  I'd choose luggage with sturdy metal handles that would stand up to years of pulling.

Two other projects I never would have dreamt up- a suitcase chair by REcreate designer Katie Thompson and a mini picnic table (with retractable legs!) tutorial by Instructables.

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And I also found this...

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My rating: Not Gonna Happen

I am a cat lover, but this is bizarre to me.  In my experience, cats are content to lie on an extra pillow (or the one you're trying to use), a magazine (especially when you're reading it), your lap (especially when you have somewhere to go).  You can buy them the best seat in the house.  They will not use it.  They will sit on your face before sitting in a kitty bed.  So yeah, I'm not buying or making this.


Are you inspired to use any luggage in your home? If so, how? Let me know in the comments!

Vintage in Use: Luggage

This week is travel week!  If you read this post about our trip to Urban Mining, then you know that suitcases have been on our business wish list.  I'm happy to tell you we've recently acquired a plethora of new (well, new to us) suitcases added to our inventory: a lovely tan leather piece, a black hardback, and a pretty blue suitcase, all renting for only $5, and a little red cutie for $3!

There are countless ways to decorate with luggage at an event.  Plus it provides the dual purpose of storage and style!  Ultimately, we'd like to have 5-6 bags so they can function for any clients' need.  

Sometimes on our shopping trips, we get odd reactions when we tell people we're buying an item for a rental business.  "Who would rent suitcases?" they seem to wonder.  Maybe next time we should be prepared with this stock of inspiration shots.

Vintage luggage looks great stashing favors, like these gift bags at a train-themed birthday party:

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Or these adorable little succulent favors (which also double as escort card holders) at a wedding reception!

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Suitcases also look chic holding sweets, like these lovely blue ones at a 1st birthday party:

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Or this wooden case adorned with a silver cake stand and lovely white cake:

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How cute is this luggage paired with vintage crates, tissue pouf balls, and rustic vintage cake stands and trays?

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Luggage also looks great stacked to accessorize a table:

And when opened can stash bottles of water to refresh your guests!

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At this hot air balloon-themed birthday bash, stacked suitcases act as a side table of sorts for a wicker basket that's doubling as drink storage:

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Pair an open suitcase with some chipboard letters, ribbon, and clothespins, and you have a beautiful nest to collect cards!

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Escort cards look so good nestled in vintage luggage, too:

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How lovely are these cards popping up amongst the bed of baby's breath?

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Programs are also right at home in vintage luggage, especially when paired with pretty bunting! We also specialize in party crafts and printables, and we can make lettered bunting like the one pictured.

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These stacked suitcases are the perfect place to stash the sign announcing the photo booth, along with a jar of fun props for guests to pose with! I had a photo booth at my wedding and it was a HUGE hit with guests!

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How amazing is this vintage vignette? The stacked suitcases make the perfect plateau for tea tins turned vases, a tiny vintage scale, mason jars brimming with apples, and an antique radio.

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And there are plenty of other suitcase-inspired event ideas, like these lovely luggage tag Save the Dates:

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Or luggage tag favors:

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Why not use luggage tags to display your seating assignments?

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Or if you and your future spouse share a love of traveling, ask for a luggage cake!

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Who knew that luggage could do so much more than toting your clothes and toiletries! I just love the chic look they bring to any event, and their storage capabilities! We're on the lookout for more pieces to join our inventory, and we'll let you know when they do!