Vintage Luggage

I went on a Hartmann Luggage kick when I first moved to Middle Tennessee since their main factory is in Lebanon, a short drive East of here. My brother Jim, notorious for his knowledge of all high-quality brands, got me started on their bags. He and his wife were avid collectors of the luggage; and the first year they came down, we went to Hartmann's day-after-Thanksgiving sale. Oh my. He bought me several pieces for a late birthday gift in their red and brown large polka dot Luxe pattern. I still love all my pieces to this day and use them every chance I get.

Before we found a house here, we rented a small apartment for a couple of years. In that little apartment, I would hit Ebay with decorating on the brain. I thought a vintage guest room would be cute, complete with vintage luggage. And so folks, that is where this little piece came from. (Don't you love the paisley fabric?) I think it's probably 1960s/70s vintage. It was extremely cheap, and I knew I would have the perfect spot for it once we found a house. Of course, it has been in one closet or another since I bought it! Until now.

I was skimming through one of my mags the other day and saw the cutest idea for a pet bed. Get an old piece of luggage, add legs to the bottom, put a blanket in it and voila, instant bed. It even has a spot to put the toys!

I took the old bag out and put it in the living room where Miss Bev proceeded to get right into it. I knew then that it would be a perfect resting spot for the cats.

The kid and I went to the hardware store and picked up four wooden finials with the screws already in them and four 2 inch square wood molding pieces. I stained them brown and drilled holes into the square pieces and the bottom of the luggage where I could screw the finials into the wooden pieces on the inside of the bag. I then put an old blanket in the bottom, closed the ribbon pulls over it and it was done.

The babies love it. Bev, of course, got first dibs; but now Dave is sleeping in it. I put it behind the sofa facing the kitchen so they can keep an eye on all the action. (I think I need to stain the legs a little darker to make them look older. And one leg is a little crooked!! hehe.) But isn't this the cutest?

I tell you, some people are just too creative. I never, in a million years, would have thought about using this for a pet bed. But now, it is just the perfect accessory for my little ones. And they seem to agree! There's only one left to try it out--Abby. I'll keep you posted!