Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway-Improper Cross-Stitch: 35+ Properly Naughty Patterns

by

Giveaway-Improper Cross-Stitch: 35+ Properly Naughty Patterns

Leave a comment in today’s post by Aug 23, 2018 and you are in the running for this fun and snarky cross-stitch book.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

A fun, witty, nerdy, and irreverent craft book for the modern cross-stitcher.

Sometimes it’s good to be a little…improper. Profane, funny, and smart, Haley Pierson-Cox’s IMPROPER CROSS-STITCH invites the modern crafter to bring personality and humor to their cross stitch projects. From a fully designed “Damn it feels good to be a crafter” to the beautiful Art Deco inspired “fuck,” Haley’s patterns are fresh, lively and just what the crafter ordered.

In this book, she’ll introduce readers to the joys of stitching the naughty, the profane, the irreverent, and the just plain awesome. First, she starts with a basic lesson in cross-stitch technique, no previous experience required. Then, once readers know your way around an embroidery hoop and a skein of floss, the books moves on to the designs?35 in total, ranging from hip, to nerdy, to ironically domestic?where Haley encourages crafters to embrace their inner snark with gleeful abandon.

Her easy to follow instructions and colorful designs can make a cross stitcher out of anyone. In all her years of crafting, Haley’s learned many things, but this simple fact remains one of the most important: There is absolutely nothing in this world quite so satisfying as enshrining something deeply inappropriate within the delicate stitches of a cross-stitch sampler. It’s truly one of life’s great delights!

Comments

  3. Now that I’m old, I could probably get way with displaying/gifting these. You know, old people do unpredictable things.

  7. What a cute find!!! My husband and my sister always wear shirts with snarky comments!! Some you have to really think about, some are so obvious that it is funny when folks are puzzled!! I cannot think of a better gift for my baby-sister, who is also my bestest-friend e.v.e.r.!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this book! Whether i win or not, my “sissy-poo” will have one copy in her stocking!!! Thanks for sharing such a great find!!!!

  9. I haven’t cross stitched in a few years, preferring to knit and quilt…..but this book just might make me pick up my needle, floss and aida cloth again!

  12. Oh, I am totally down for this! I have friends that will love the gifts I would make from this book! LOLOL

  13. I love to come across designs that are a little off-color in content. I always have a friend that it will fit!

  16. Because NOTHING says “Merry Christmas!” like a little elf butt …and I’m just the chick to do it!

  19. Omg i am laughing so hard at some of the improper cross stitch patterns. I’m going to make a crochet cross stitch blanket and would love to use these for them.

  20. I haven’t cross stitched in years. My sister-in-law got me into it when I was a teenager but I gave it up. Now she’s gotten bored with it and I am picking it up. She recently gave me all of her supplies and so all I need now are some fun patterns to get started on.

  23. I would love to be the winner of these great cross-stitch patterns. Sounds like a lot of funny ones and a little ornery. I’m an old gal and I have some friends that get a kick out of these ‘gifts’. Of course there are some I would hang on my walls.

  25. Used the naughty elves from the cover for a birthday card. It really got a hoot from everyone.

Have you read?

25 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Suitcases: Easy DIY Vintage Luggage Ideas You’ll Actually Use

If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t walk past a vintage suitcase at an op shop without wondering if it deserves one more adventure. There’s something about those worn leather handles, faded travel stickers, and sturdy old clasps that makes them far too charming to send to landfill.

I have a soft spot for old luggage because it tells a story. Every scratch and sticker hints at holidays, train journeys, family road trips, or perhaps someone’s honeymoon decades ago. Even when a suitcase is no longer practical for travelling, it’s often still perfectly useful as a decorative piece or clever storage solution.

The wonderful thing about repurposing old suitcases is that almost anyone can do it. Some projects require nothing more than a good clean, while others become weekend DIY transformations complete with paint, timber legs, wallpaper lining or a few decorative handles. Vintage suitcases work beautifully with farmhouse, cottagecore, industrial, shabby chic and modern eclectic decorating styles.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, reducing waste by reusing household items helps keep useful materials out of landfill and reduces demand for new products. Giving an old suitcase a second life is both sustainable and surprisingly budget-friendly.

Whether you’ve rescued one from Grandma’s attic, picked one up at a thrift store, or simply have an old suitcase gathering dust in the garage, here are some of my favourite ways to transform it into something beautiful and practical.

1. Turn It Into A Stylish Coffee Table

One of the most popular vintage suitcase projects.

Simply attach wooden legs or modern hairpin legs to the bottom, leaving the lid functional for hidden storage. It’s perfect for magazines, blankets or board games.

Best for: Hard-shell vintage suitcases.

2. Create A Pet Bed

One of my absolute favourites.

Remove the lid (optional), add short timber legs and a custom cushion and your dog or cat suddenly has the most Instagram-worthy bed in the house.

3. Make A Bedside Table

Stack two or three matching suitcases beside the bed.

Not only do they look beautiful, but they provide hidden storage for books, spare blankets and chargers.

4. Children’s Dress-Up Trunk

Paint the exterior in bright colours and fill it with costumes, hats and accessories.

It becomes both toy storage and part of imaginative play.

5. Vintage Blanket Storage

Keep seasonal quilts, crochet blankets or knitted throws neatly stored inside.

Unlike plastic tubs, vintage luggage actually adds character to the room.

6. Portable Craft Storage

This might be my favourite practical use.

Store:

  • knitting projects
  • crochet supplies
  • embroidery hoops
  • quilting fabric
  • sewing notions
  • scrapbooking supplies

Everything stays together and looks beautiful sitting on a shelf.

7. Fairy Garden

Fill the open suitcase with soil, moss, miniature furniture and tiny plants to create an enchanting fairy garden.

Perfect for patios or covered porches.

8. Indoor Succulent Garden

Vintage suitcases make stunning indoor planters.

Simply add a waterproof liner before planting.

9. Wall Shelf

Cut the suitcase in half (or use only the base) and mount it to the wall.

Instant vintage shelving with plenty of personality.

10. Entryway Welcome Display

Stand an old suitcase beside your front door.

Decorate it seasonally with flowers, lanterns, pumpkins or Christmas décor.

11. Mini Home Bar

Line the inside with wallpaper or peel-and-stick vinyl.

Add shelves and bottle holders for a beautiful portable cocktail cabinet.

12. Memory Box

Instead of storing treasured keepsakes in plastic tubs, dedicate an old suitcase to:

  • family photos
  • baby clothes
  • travel souvenirs
  • handwritten letters
  • Christmas decorations

13. Vintage Wedding Card Box

Decorate the suitcase with flowers and signage.

Guests simply place cards through a slot cut into the lid.

14. Dollhouse

One of the cutest children’s projects.

Each half becomes a room complete with wallpaper, miniature furniture and tiny accessories.

15. Portable Sewing Station

Fit the inside with pockets, elastic holders and removable trays.

Close the lid when you’re finished and carry everything away.

16. Plant Stand

Turn the suitcase into an elevated planter by adding timber legs.

Beautiful on verandahs or patios.

17. Hidden Charging Station

Hide power boards and charging cables inside while feeding cords through discreet holes.

No more cable clutter.

18. Hallway Bench

Attach a padded upholstered cushion to the lid and sturdy legs underneath.

You now have extra seating with hidden storage.

19. Christmas Decoration Storage

Vintage suitcases are ideal for storing fragile ornaments.

The rigid sides help protect delicate decorations year after year.

20. Bathroom Towel Storage

Roll towels neatly inside and leave the suitcase partially open for display.

A lovely cottage-style look.

21. Picnic Hamper

Replace the lining with washable fabric.

Add compartments for plates, cutlery and glasses.

Perfect for romantic picnics.

22. Portable Library

Store children’s favourite books inside.

The suitcase becomes a travelling reading corner.

23. Vinyl Record Storage

Vintage suitcases are almost the perfect size for LP collections.

A practical solution that also suits retro décor.

24. Seasonal Display Box

Open the lid and decorate inside with:

  • pumpkins
  • Easter décor
  • Christmas villages
  • dried flowers
  • vintage books

Swap decorations throughout the year.

25. Photography Prop

Old suitcases remain one of the most popular styling props for:

  • newborn photography
  • vintage weddings
  • market stalls
  • retail displays

26. Garden Tool Storage

Keep hand trowels, gloves, seed packets and twine together in one portable gardening case.

Great for greenhouse storage too.

27. Upcycled Side Table With Storage

Paint the exterior, replace the lining with patterned fabric and add modern furniture legs.

You end up with a completely unique side table that nobody else owns.

How To Clean A Vintage Suitcase Before Upcycling

Before starting any project:

  • Vacuum the interior thoroughly.
  • Wipe down the exterior with warm water and mild soap.
  • Remove mildew using diluted white vinegar.
  • Polish leather with leather conditioner.
  • Replace damaged lining if necessary.
  • Allow everything to dry completely before decorating.

If you discover mould that has deeply penetrated the suitcase, it’s best to avoid using it for fabric or clothing storage.

Where To Find Vintage Suitcases

Some of the best places include:

  • thrift stores
  • antique markets
  • garage sales
  • estate sales
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • charity shops
  • flea markets

Don’t worry too much about scratches or faded finishes—they often add character and can easily become part of the finished design.

Unlike many quick list posts, the real beauty of repurposing old suitcases is that they combine storage, sustainability, and vintage style in one project. Whether you transform yours into a pet bed, coffee table, planter, bedside cabinet or craft organiser, you’ll be preserving a little piece of history while creating something genuinely useful.

If you’re hunting for more creative upcycling inspiration, you might also enjoy:

  • Upcycled furniture tutorials on CraftGossip
  • Vintage home décor projects on CraftBits
  • DIY storage ideas using reclaimed materials