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CLICK HERE FOR SUITCASE TOP TEMPLATE

CLICK HERE FOR SUITCASE BOTTOM TEMPLATE

Note: Please make sure your printing margins are set to .5 inches (half an inch) or the template may not print completely. In your browser's Menu bar,  select File > Page Setup, and change the margin settings to .5. (The selections may be slightly different between browsers.)

The finished suitcase box measures 3 x 2 x 1.75.

• Templates for both the suitcase lid and bottom (see above)
• Lid: 1 piece card stock 5" x 4"
• Bottom: 1 piece card stock 6" x 7"
• Support: 1 piece card stock 1.25" x 6.5"
• Hinge: 1 piece cloth, book cloth, ribbon, or paper 1" x 2.75"
• Handle: 1 piece narrow ribbon or cord 3"
• Latches: 2 pieces ribbon 12" each

• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Bone folder
• Hole punch
• Glue

• Rubber stamps, inks, stickers, etc.

1. Use templates to cut out suitcase lid and bottom; cut on solid lines, use a bone folder to score and fold on dotted lines. Make sure to fold accurately. The placement for the holes and the two X's.
2. Unfold and decorate both sides of the lid and bottom as desired. Be creative!
3. Apply glue to the inside of the sides, refold, tucking tabs into the folded edges of the adjacent sides. You will end up with two half-boxes the same width and length, one twice as deep as the other.
4. Measure the long side of the suitcase bottom; it should be 3". If it is larger or smaller, use that measurement.
5. Take the support piece and measure 1.75" from each end, making sure that the center portion is 3" or the measurement you got in Step 4.
6. Verify that the folded support piece fits properly along the inside of the suitcase (it will fit along three sides; the fourth is where the hinge will go). Make adjustments in the folds if necessary.
7. Glue the support in place.
8. Punch holes where you previously marked in the suitcase bottom. (You can add eyelets for a nice touch.)
9. Glue the hinge to the inside of the remaining side of the bottom, and inside one edge of the lid, ensuring that the edges of the lid and bottom match. After the glue dries, open and close the lid a few times to loosen a bit, making the suitcase easier to open.
10. Tie a knot in one end of the handle ribbon or cord, thread into the holes from inside the suitcase, and back through the other hole and knot the other end.
11. Glue the ribbons to the suitcase bottom (the side where the hinge is) where marked with an X.
12. Bring the ribbon ends around to the handle side, tie, and trim.

This is a perfect party favor or card for a bon voyage or graduation party!