I'd like to display a large Army duffle bag

It's stenciled with the name of a recently deceased friend, and I'd like to use it at the lake cottage.
  12 answers
  • Linda Freiberg Linda Freiberg on Sep 28, 2016
    Stuff it with batting or whatever you have on hand and prop it in an open corner. Use a large frame without the glass and frame it in an artful way. Gather things that you know were his favorites and display them in the bag. Cover a stool or chair or footstool with it. Make a giant pillow with it or cut it up and make a bunch of pillows. Check Pinterest for denim ideas and use the bag instead. Hope this helps. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. Linda
    • Christin Harding Christin Harding on Sep 28, 2016
      Thank You Linda Freiberg! I'm gathering ideas-a friend suggested I put it in a 'shadowbox' kind of table top, which I really like, too!
  • Christin Harding Christin Harding on Sep 28, 2016
    (the more ideas, the better-if others have one, please share with me! I'm open to anything :)
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 28, 2016
    Hang it on a wall with a wooden hanger or a nice rustic rope.
  • Julies1949 Julies1949 on Sep 28, 2016
    Stuff it with tissue paper to maintain the shape and hang it from swing arm curtain rods http://www.costco.ca/Versailles-Swing-Arm-Curtain-Rod-Set-2-Pack.product.100155580.html
  • Ellie Ellie on Sep 29, 2016
    stuff it full of polystyrene beads and make a bean bag
  • Stephanie Stephanie on Sep 29, 2016
    First, I would like to say how sorry I am for your loss. I like the idea of a shadow box, but was thinking that a wall hanging shadow box (I believe Michael's or any large craft store has these and can order one special if they don't have the proper size) with an American Flag background and a picture of your friend in his/her uniform. Simple, yet elegant at the same time, and the box would preserve the duffle bag. You may want to check out a bridal shop that preserves gowns. They might have the best advice on properly preserving the bag. Good luck with finding your choice.
  • Gma Kirk Gma Kirk on Sep 29, 2016
    Stuff it with batting and use as a large pillow on your bed or couch (or porch bed swing if you had one!) Another idea would be to make a tube/cylinder of heavy duty cardboard rolled up to fit snugly inside it and then put a tray or round glass on top of it to use as a side table.
  • Christin Harding Christin Harding on Sep 29, 2016
    Thanks, all. These are wonderful ideas, and so very much appreciated! I will incorporate more than one into a display-you're all terrific!
  • Larry Larry on Sep 29, 2016
    how about stuff it with any thing put a pot in the top of it put a flower in it put in a corner
  • IFortuna IFortuna on Sep 29, 2016
    I think I would incorporate it in a quilt. Perhaps making pillows and such from the duffel bag would put too much wear on it and in time it would disintegrate. Perhaps it would be best to frame it and put it on a wall in order to keep dust and debris off of it. Best of luck and deepest condolences.
  • Bit By Bit Shop Bit By Bit Shop on Sep 30, 2016
    I'm sorry you lost your friend. Since it is a large duffle can you use it in a bedroom to hold extra bed linens, robe etc for a guest? Perhaps use it on a high shelf to hold extra towels in a bathroom. We always have a bag packed to leave house relatively quickly for spur of moment get away. Maybe you could use it to conceal your "getaway" bag & it would look cool all ready to go at a moments notice display near a door. Otherwise try to incorporate some other fond memory you have of that friend & combine them, music, flowers, guitar, a bible/prayer beads, poker cards, booze? Something that brings a smile to your face, memories of good times. I'm sure your friend would want your grief to pass quickly & for you to be happy. My deepest sympathy to you & yours.
  • Christin Harding Christin Harding on Sep 30, 2016
    Thank you!! Terrific ideas, and I know everyone who knew him will deeply appreciate whatever use we come up with-I'll present all of your ideas, and see what the family would most feel is the meaningful. Thanks again :)