How to Recycle a Suitcase

From Sherri Osborn, former About.com Guide

The original liner in my suitcase was a silky fabric glued onto dense cardboard. These were then glued inside the suitcase. Lucky for me, the glue that was used did not age well and several sections of the liner pieces were already pulling away from the suitcase.

I carefully removed each piece and set it aside to use as patterns for the pieces I will make. I had great success using a flat head screwdriver to pry the pieces away from the sides of the suitcase and a razor blade to scrape away any extra glue and cardboard pieces.

Once I got all of the old liner out, the suitcase still had a little bit of a musty smell. I then filled it with crumpled up newspaper and a few dryer softener sheets. I had read this would help get rid of any lingering odors and moisture and it did. Since I needed this to sit for a few days, I kept the suitcase closed tight and worked on decoupaging the outside of my suitcase. When the outside was done, the inside was ready for it's new liner.

Now you can get ready to make your new suitcase lining...