Friday, July 13, 2012

A Mousehouse Kids Crafty Suitcase Tutorial and Giveaway

Hello all, well I've finally got a chance to share my latest project- these little crafty suitcases I made back in April - it takes a while to write a long post like this nowadays! The pink one was for my daughters 5th birthday which she has absolutely loved.  I had the idea to make one after seeing these beautiful Moulin Roty ones in a magazine a few years ago- however they were pretty expensive and only had knitting supplies really so I thought I'd make one that had a bit of everything- knitting, beginner stitching, and lots of other kids crafty stuff. (Funnily enough I looked on pinterest last night to see if there were any other DIY kids craft kits and came across this gorgeous one made back in 2010 inspired by the same Moulin Roty suitcases!)
Some of it such as the knitting needles and the knitting spool are a bit too tricky to use for now but will be great in a few years time. It was so much fun collecting up the bits and pieces for the suitcase- some of it I've had for over a year as whenever I saw something cute such as the knitting needles or the animal measuring tape I'd just buy it and pop it away until I got the chance to get the suitcase done. And I also thought of some things I could make for the suitcase as well- a drawstring bag for her fabric stash, a needle book and pin cushion, a pencil case and a crayon roll. 
So I thought I'd share how I made the suitcase and what I put in it in case you would like to make your own version one day. 

Kids Crafty Suitcase Tutorial
1. Find a kids sized suitcase (mine is approx L29cm x W20cm x H9.5cm).  I bought mine from Bubbalooz- a NZ based website that has heaps of cute suitcases.  Or try searching online for mini suitcases, nesting suitcases or kids cardboard suitcases. You could also search ebay or trademe for a vintage suitcase!
2. Choose a piece of scrapbooking card for the inside lid of the suitcase- Spotlight has a good range.
3. Lie the suitcase upside down on your card, trace around it and cut it out. Then cut about 1 cm in again so it fits inside your lid (bit of trial and error here!) I then glued the card to a piece of black card to make it stronger.  
4. Decide what you would like to put on the inside lid part. I chose some embroidery thread bobbin cards printed from this fab blog here, a knitting mushroom (also called a knitting spool or knitting nancy), some kids knitting needles and some scissors. I got the knitting mushroom from here as part of a seedling kit or you could search Etsy as I saw a few on there too). The scissors were from Bernina here in Tauranga and the kids knitting needles were from the Tauranga Knitting Centre.
Place the items you want on your card and mark with a pencil where you need to make the holes for the elastic to go through to hold the items in place. Now place the card on a piece of wood and use a large nail and hammer to make the holes (see pic 1.) Thread hat elastic (tight but not too tight) through the holes and knot on the back (see pic 2.) Check that your items fit well. Use craft glue or PVA to glue the back of the card to the inside lid of the suitcase.
5. Fill up your suitcase with whatever crafty things take your fancy- here's my list of ideas- I didn't use all of them as mine ended up being more of a sewing/stitching suitcase than an arts and crafts one. I did include beads, pins, buttons etc so you'll have to decide whether they are appropriate for your kids (Amelie's pin cushion was put away very soon after she got her suitcase!!)

Stitching/Knitting
  • Childrens knitting needles 
  • Knitting mushroom 
  • crochet hook
  • 2 x ball of yarn
  • 4 x embroidery threads
  • hessian and Aida cloth (cross stitch fabric) for stitching practice - cut to fit into your suitcase
  • Felt rectangles for stitching practice - cut to fit into your suitcase + scraps of felt for projects
  •  Plastic needle for hessian for young stitchers
  • Large stitching needles for Aida cloth and felt for older children
  • embroidery hoop
  • Small sharp scissors - sharp enough to be able to cut fabric and felt
  • ‘Practice stitching’ cards- buy or make your own
  • Small plastic compartment container for beads, buttons etc
Sewing
  • fabric scraps
  • Pins
  • Novelty tape measure
  •  2 x rolls of ribbon
  •  buttons
  •  ric rac/other trims
  • elastic
  • safety pins for needle book
  • brooch backs
Art and craft
6. If you're a crafter you could make some things to go in the suitcase as well-as mentioned above I made a small drawstring bag, a needle book and pin cushion, a crayon roll and a pencil case. 
Right, that's it I think! Feel free to ask any questions- I'll write a post soon with some ideas for getting your kids into some beginner sewing and some simple things for them to make using the supplies in the suitcase.

And if you would love to get started on making your own crafty suitcase or would just like some crafty treats I've made up a few things to giveaway- a drawstring bag, needle book, pin cushion, notebook, crayon roll and a little container of craft supplies.

...Edit 27 July Giveaway is now closed...

Just leave a comment here to enter...unfortunately I don't think you can enter by leaving a comment on my Facebook page as Facebook have tightened up the rules about running promotions (comments or questions are welcome though!) so to enter you'll need to leave a comment on this blog post - if you don't have a blogger account. just sign in as 'anonymous' and be sure to write your email address in the comment.  For extra entries let me know whether you are a Facebook 'liker', a blog follower or you could share this giveaway on Facebook or on your blog- just leave a separate comment for each one (I've taken off the word verification for comments so it'll be a little easier to comment now.)
International entries are welcome and the giveaway will close in 2 weeks time Friday the 27th July 7pm NZ time.
Happy crafting and thanks for reading!
 Megan x

148 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi I would LOVE to win!!! So gorgeous!

Unknown said...

I'm a blog follower!

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous and I am super inspired for my daughter's upcoming birthday. Your giveaway would be the perfect start1 melissajholm@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

...And FB liker too! (I assume I'm meant to leave separate comments for each?)

bee said...

This is one of the coolest, sweetest, cleverest things I've seen on my blog wanderings for some time. I would looooove to make one... will have my eyes open for any little suitcases! : )

Jane said...

TOO CUTE! Well done Megan!

Anonymous said...

You have one very lucky daughter - what a lovely gift to receive. Thanks for sharing, can't wait for your next blog post on the kiddies craft projects.

Miriam said...

Megan that is a stunning gift. I want one myself! I love your aesthetic and the beautiful way you put things together. Everything always looks SO professional! xx

Miriam said...

Would love to win as well and of course I do follow your blog - how could I not it is totally inspiring! :o)

Dee said...

What a gorgeous idea, and a generous giveaway. my daughter would be thrilled to have a set like this of her own (instead of having to ask me for things to use)
thanks megan!
d.

Dee said...

also a blog follower :)

Dee said...

aannnd a facebook liker :)

Sarah Gauntlett said...

so inspiring! I'd love to win!

Dayna Downs said...

Xmas this year is a crafty one for all the family so this will be just the thing for the 6 and 9yr old girls in the family.
I must say, you are just awesome and once I found your blog a few years ago I have been inspired to get off my bum and make the most of my days. I have also started a note book of my own with my lists of things I like, things I want to make and my interests for the year. Thanks so much.

Chloe said...

WOW that is sooo cool, very talented you are...your girls must love craft days in your house..my lil girl would love to win...chloe.willock@gmail.com

Stella said...

Oh WOW Megan! Once again I am blown away by your cleverness!! I am SO going to make one of these for Eleanor, I even have a cute wee suitcase just waiting to be used... (would it help my chances of winning if I mentioned that the suitcase is red with white polkadots? ;-))

Beautiful

Stella said...

and I'm a blog follower

Stella said...

and a facebook follower too!

Anonymous said...

What a great idea. I'm definitely going to try this
Anusha.bradley@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'm a FB liker too -anusha.bradley@gmail.com

(sweetlittle)librarygirl said...

Oh, these are so gorgeous Megan. I am very inspired! Thanks for sharing. I would love to enter your giveaway. x

(sweetlittle)librarygirl said...

PS I'm a facebook liker too! x

Jenny from Ohjoh said...

What a fabulous idea. They look great! My little peeps would love these! Hmmm a good christmas idea...
Thanks for sharing.
Jenny

Chris C said...

What a great idea - I have several little friends that would love these, thanks for the chance to win some goodies.

Chris C said...

I am also a follower on facebook.

Jodz said...

Please enter me too. I am a facebook and blog stalker oops I mean follower. lol

Plumpeachey said...

Beautiful, especially love the red one. I like to see and craft but don't have your eye for coloured. Do you have a tutorial for the needle book?

Alex said...

What a gorgeous idea! I would love to win this giveaway so that I could make one for my almost 5 year old - she would LOVE it.

Thanks!

nz green buttons said...

what a stunning idea! You have a talent for pulling things together Megan!

nz green buttons said...

I'm a follower!

nz green buttons said...

and Facebook too!!!! :)

Leonie said...

Oh wow Megan!! The craft suitcases are totally gorgeous!! I have a girl who would LOVE one so I think Im going to have to make her one. I've seen the suitcases at a newsagent here so I can't wait to go and buy one!
Great giveaway too!

Leonie said...

and Im a follower!

Leonie said...

and a liker!

Kimberley said...

What a wonderful idea! Absolutely gorgeous. It is an all boy household here, so I would love to give this to one of my gorgeous 3 nieces instead, 2 of whom will be living in Switzerland shortly - would keep them occupied while they try to learn German for their new school!

Michelle said...

Would love to win this!!! Am also a FB liker :)

Domestic Diva said...

Lovely! Thanks for the chance.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Domestic Diva said...

I follow on gfc.

lovelydomesticdiva (at) gmail (dot) com

Jo said...

What a lovely giveaway, and what a special gift for your girls. Am feeling inspired - thank you Megan!

Jo said...

And I'm a FB liker!

Hana said...

Megan - this is such a cool idea!!! I am totally going to give it a go for Christmas. I'm always inspired when I visit Mousehouse!! H xo

remaliah said...

Beautiful! Great idea for our girls :)

remaliah said...

I'm a facebook follower

remaliah said...

...and a blog follower!

Anonymous said...

You continue to amaze me with your talent and creativity. I love your choice of colours. My daughter would love one of these, and so would I!! Deborah
aldeb@orcon.net.nz

Unknown said...

That's so inspiring, gorgeous and useful to boot. And I can even start making one if I don't win - I have the novelty pig tape measure!

Kate said...

Please, please, please draw me out of your crafty hat. I would sooo love to win.... and thank you so much for the opportunity! Love Kate xxooxx.

Heidi said...

I've just come across your blog!! a crafter after my own heart :) This is a fantastic, inspiring idea, Thank You! Heidi

Craftysquirrel said...

What a lovely idea and generous give away.

Lily said...

I love this little suitcase. I am definitely going to make two of these for my little neices. They are a bit young (5 and 3) maybe at the moment but knowing how long I take to finish things I can start now! Funnily enought I use little suitcases like these for my own sewing and crochet things. xxx

kirri Raper said...

wow what a fabulous idea, i think these are great for any age! i would love one myself! I think i am going to make some of these for my friends, what a great christmas present they will make!

i follow on facebook
i follow the blog
and i will share on facebook to

my fingers are crossed now!
carry on with the fantastic work, it really brightens my day! xxxx

kirri.louise.raper@hotmail.co.uk

Lisa S said...

What a wonderful idea! My kids would love this. lisa_maria(at)hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

My daughter's just "discovered" sewing so something to jump-start her latest obsession would be fantastic!
My email is ruth_delaney@hotmail.co.uk
Love the blog!
Ruth

Julie said...

Hi there - thanks so much for the chance to enter this great giveaway - I love your blog & find lots of inspiration from your posts. This is a fantastic idea to put together & am keen to give it a go - thanks so much. :-) Julie X x

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous what a great idea, love your blog! I am currenly working on dollshouse for my 3 yr olds birthday pressy, after seeing your one I was super inspired :) I am now a stay at home mum so have slightly more time on my hands to try lots of crafty projects, so thanks heaps for all your wonderful ideas!
I am a facebook liker and blog reader
Katherine :)
k.c.clarke@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

This is fantastic! My Daughter would love one, the giveaway would be a great start.
gregandvic2001@yahoo.com
Victoria

Anonymous said...

And I'm a Facebook liked too!
Victoria
Gregandvic2001@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

GORGEOUS! What a great rainy day activity I love it and so would my nearly 4 year old would make a great bday present for her upcoming birthday! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow would love to be a part of this giveaway. My daughter is turning 4 next month and is requesting a sewing machine so what a perfect match to go with it. Thanks for the chance.
dana@westvic.com.au

PolyCraftual said...

This is a gorgeous idea. I've done similar for friends before, but never is such a gorgeous container. I'm wanting to do something like this for my daughter, I'm already starting to get her crafting bits, even tho she's not quite 1 yet.

PolyCraftual said...

I'm also a follower on Facebook.

Innogen & Igraine said...

What a great idea - I just need a nudge to get started - it's so easy to look at the finished product in the shop and think -'I can't so that!'...but we so can!! thank you

Innogen & Igraine said...

Oh - I am a FB liker too :)

Rhiannon said...

I love this idea and have been collecting things to put one together for Yuna at some stage, but yours are very cute and colour coordinated. I'm sure Yuna would love one :)

Rhiannon said...

I also follow you on Facebook :)

Purveyors of all things Handmade said...

Awesome Awesome Wow just a great idea... xx

Purveyors of all things Handmade said...

I have also shared this on my people puppies facebook page

Purveyors of all things Handmade said...

And just shared on my handmade titirangi market page.

Purveyors of all things Handmade said...

I am a liker too...

Purveyors of all things Handmade said...

So Sorry and a follower

Sarah said...

Long time follower and lover of all ur crafty creations.

I wanna be creative said...

Iyou have such a great eye for fabric and styling, the suitcases look just beautiful!

Little stitch and me said...

I think your suitcases are amazing, I would have loved one when I was little. I will make one for my daughter when she is old enough x

Alison said...

Wonderfully inspiring! What a treat!
sotreadsoftly@xtra.co.nz

sweet emmelie said...

OMG BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am definitly making one for my oldest for her bithday. She would just scream if she got one of these and an awesome giveaway to get started!

Kobie said...

I am blog follower whom is very excited to have a chance at winning. Thank you.

Jollym said...

What a fantastic idea, my daughter would be over the moon to win this give-away :)

Jollym said...

I'm a follower :)

Jollym said...

And I'm a liker :)

Julian Levi said...

I liked your blog and I posted similar to yours.....

premature baby clothes

Anonymous said...

Wow! You are so creative. I would love to win a little something crafty :)

Anonymous said...

I am a blog follower!

Anonymous said...

I'm also a facebook fan!

Hey Mickey said...

love this idea Megan.....my niece has just started getting interested in sewing so would make a perfect gift for her upcoming birthday......thanks for more inspiration!

Hey Mickey said...

I follow your blog - it always has such lovely ideas.....i just need to follow through and make some of them now!

lbhaydon said...

Wow these are so neat, my daughters would be thrilled to win one! I can see myself getting one of these ready for my crafty little girl so thank you for all the ideas :)

lbhaydon said...

Also a FB fan!

Sue said...

I love this as an idea for gifts. Now just need to get creative. Thanks for the inspiration.

Bungalowgirl said...

These are just so so so gorgeous. I would love to win this little pile of goodies for my own little girl. melx

Bungalowgirl said...

And I'm a new follower too, love all the colour and creations. melx

My Handmadehappiness said...

WoW would love to win this cute case!! thanx for the chance x

My Handmadehappiness said...

I am already a silent follower!!! x

Gill said...

Gorgeous!
Count me in please!

Hei Lo's Creation said...

This is beautiful! We would love to win this. My daughter loves playing on the floor next to me when I sew and this will keep her occupy!

Madeleine @ NZ Ecochick said...

Amazing prize. Would love to win this. I am also a facebook follower.

Anonymous said...

This is absolutely gorgeous. I have been a 'stalker' on your blog for ages and have been so blown away by your creativity and your skills. Would so love to win this for my daughters. Email is gavinandgeorgia@xtra.co.nz. Love your blog so much!

Wendy O said...

Wow what a fantastic idea and what little girl would not love this!! Would so love to win one of these and will have to give it a go at making one as well :-) thank you for sharing :-)

Bluebell and Ruby said...

I would love this such a cute idea!

Ursula said...

So so so cute!!! Would love to win!

xox
Ursula

Ursula said...

Shared this on facebook as well. :-)
xox
Ursula

Ursula said...

Follower of your blog. :-)

xox
Ursula

Anonymous said...

I am sure you get told how fabulously clever you are all the time, but I would like to reiterate the fact. Clever not only to create such wonderful things and moments but to then find the time to write about them, photograph them and think up fabulous blogs about them for our enjoyment - all while mothering! How fabulously clever. One day I hope to make time to craft such beauties as these but for now I will be content to hope I am the lucky recipient of one you have crafted. Thanks for the recipe and the give away. Kind regards. Email - sugarkane@xtra.co.nz

Saskia said...

Hi Megan,
Love the work. you are so talented Lady!
I'd be stoked to win this, for myself even!
Love Saskia
x

Saskia said...

Ohhh, I also "Like" you on FB!
x

Widge said...

Such a beautiful gift idea. I know my girls would loooooove a craft version!

p.s i follow here :)

alliemarie said...

My little Eliza is 3 and would adore receiving this and of course I would enjoy it just as much!!! It is lovely! I have followed you for a while and find you very creative and always choosing such brilliant fabrics, etc. Hoping to win!
joy to you, allison
allie.wurgler@gmail.com

alliemarie said...

like you on fb!!!!
allie.wurgler@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Stunning and inspirational! propinquity@windowslive.com

Anonymous said...

Also a facebook liker... propinquity@windowslive.com

Anonymous said...

And a blog revisiter, always coveting your ideas! (Just about to start my own first busy book, thanks to your inspiration!) propinquity@windowslive.com

Bron66 said...

What a fantastic idea!! I love it.

an ika said...

Cute !
Love to win !

Anna

ksurty@aol.com

an ika said...

Liked on fb-Anna Ku

an ika said...

Iam blog follower via GFC

an ika said...

on fb-https://www.facebook.com/anna.ku.526/posts/421328994586253


ksurty@aol.com

Notchka said...

Oh Megan - you are so inspirational. All that juicy colour - how could a little girl not be inspired to craft for life. I must say Miss 3.5 is already asking for a sewing machine for her Birthday (!!), but I had some fuzzy plan for starting her off with hand sewing, crochet....this has just blown me away! If I was lucky enough to win you would save this Mama a lot of making - otherwise, your are super inspirational :)

Notchka said...

Of course I follow this here blog....

Notchka said...

....and your FB page too.

Angela said...

Gorgeous. I think you have enough followers now that this is considered a long shot. I'm taking it!

Angela said...

(old-time follower)

Skooks said...

What an incredible case! My 5 year old has been begging to do more sewing and absolutely adores everything artsy and craftsy. This is such a perfect idea for her!

Bree said...

I would love this for me! I'll be traveling to Spain in August and I can imagine tucking this in my suitcase.

Bree
bdoody11 at yahoo dot com

Bree said...

I'm a blog follower...

Bree
bdoody11 at yahoo dot com

Bree said...

I liked you on Facebook!

Bree
bdoody11 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Hey there - found your blog from a Pinterest link & have truly fallen in love! Thanks for the cutest idea - I want one for ME!! My daughter is still too young - so I'll have plenty of time to round up some great items! Thanks!

mdgates said...

My daughter would love one of these. They are so adorable. I would love to win some cute things to get it started:) Thanks! mdgates@cox.net

Rachel L K said...

This is so beautiful! What a great project, totally trying this!

Rachel L K said...

Liked you on Facebook!

Anonymous said...

What a good idea! No doubt my daughter would love playing with this in a few years! So, I must begin it now !!
celivicto(at)yahoo(dot)fr

Anonymous said...

I have liked four facebook page!

celivicto(at)yahoo(dot)fr

Helen said...

Hi. I've just discovered your blog. I am in love with everything I have seen here so far! These little cases are adorable - I am going to make one for my little miss. Thanks for the tutorial. And the chance to win some goodies!
ps I'm in Hamilton - we are practically neighbours!

Helen said...

I am following your blog.

Sophie Slim said...

I have seen one of these in REAL LIFE and they are AMAZING!!!

Seriously!! I wish I owned one!!

x

Anonymous said...

Oh lovely! I would dearly love to win, my 10 year old son would covet one of those cases (in manly colours of course). He knits, sews and is always borrowing my stuff. Of course my daughter would want one too... Thanks! parry@clear.net.nz

Mumma Bear said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! These are all so super cute! I am sitting here just thinking how I best get on to making my xmas list, which I want to make as much myself as possible! BRILLIANT! If I won your giveaway that would be even more Brilliant!

Unknown said...

What a great giveaway! Thanks for sharing with us!
Susanshaw2@gmail.com

Jessica said...

What a amazing giveaway and creative prize! thanks so much for the chance!

Jessica said...

and i'm a facebook 'liker' :)

Alys said...

My daughters would absolutely love this - so girly. I would really love to win.

Anonymous said...

ohh please enter me for the comp, I am both an avid blog reader and facebook watcher/liker !! I have two boys but love crafting and have two necies that are sharing my love. Mind you my oldest (4yrs) is sitting now doing some breakfast sewing as he calls it (using the weetbix box) thanx debdornbusch@gmail.com

Shereen said...

Those are so cute! Would love to win!

Shereen said...

I'm a blog follower!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful project! I love inspiring the next generation to create! mitszi@mitsziko.com

Anonymous said...

I am also a Facebook liker, as of today! :) mitszi@mitsziko.com

Room 12 said...

They are awesome Megan. we loved Amelie sharing hers with our class last term. I am inspired to make one for my niece...just need time! I have seen cute cases at Dollar
Value at Bethlehem but not sure of the price.

Anonymous said...

Very cute Megan! I think a version with stickers, stamps, small toys and books could be a nice idea for boys to encourage some quiet time too. I'm not an official follower but your blog is a daily read via my Favorites!

Delphine said...

This is so pretty! Even if I don't win I will use your post as an inspiration and link to my blog..>As soon as I get around to make this little set!!

Sewing sets in cardboorads boes aren't the exclusivity of Moulin Roty. The sets you saw are their take on a very classic French toy. You could find sewing sets, dolls and their trousseau ...that kind of things. The principle was always the same, with cheap white elastic that would break very easily and drive organized little girl crazy!! I will make sure to make mine sturduy, thanks for the inspiration and the happy memories!

Unknown said...

What an ingenious and adorable idea! This would be a wonderful gift for my granddaughter who spends a lot of time with me crafting!

Related Posts with Thumbnails