It’s fun to find unique secondhand items while out and about, isn’t it? You can imagine the stories they carry with them or where they’re from. Take a peek at this tourist novelty item I recently came upon. I do believe it’s a wooden bowl from Mexico that was most likely purchased as a memento of a trip. Its value is not of great interest to me because it’s honestly not very much. However, I aim to transform it into a farmhouse dough bowl for my own liking.
It’s relatively lightweight and fairly simple in design, but offers a lovely, scalloped edge with a wood grain waiting to shine. Also, it looks as if they previous owner enjoyed it was wall decor as it has a plate hanger semi-fashioned to the back of it.
I’m always saying that if it’s wooden, it has potential to be more. In this case, this will be a super simple makeover that anyone can do. Let’s get started!
DIY TIME
First, I’m eager to see what’s under that tole painting. I have nothing against hand-painted wares as I create them myself often. However, just to show you how you can take what you find and make it your own, I’m going to begin by sanding off that finish.
I won’t be the first to say this part is the easy part. These types of decor typically have a thick lacquer-type finish that can get gummy if you stay in one place for too long. Not only did I use about 10 sanding pads, I also had to use just a bit hand-sanding for the curved edges. No worries, though! You keep at it and it will all pay off.
BARE AND BEAUTIFUL
As you can imagine, I just love the wood grain this bowl offers AND the raw finish. In the past decade, I’ve come across dozens of antique dough bowls and troughs. Most I’ve listed in my online shop and the never last long, but I have also stashed away some for myself. When I find them, they are oiled with love from decades of use and the best food ever, I’m sure.
With my farmhouse dough bowl makeover, I left some of the wear here and there to really add character to the bowl. And, doilies make everything better, am I right?
WRAP UP
In short, I’m just loving the way it came out. You can use it as I staged it here, as a centerpiece. Or, mount it on the wall, lean it on the shelf, or fill with goodies as a sort of gift basket.
Also, one can’t go wrong with antique blue Ball jars. Even more excitedly, my limelight hydrangeas are just starting to open and I’m excited to see them turn color towards autumn. If you’d like to make this part of your home, you can find it available in my online store.
After this, I’m eager to share what I’m doing with these gifts from a friend. See my build with them HERE.
In addition, I hope you are finding this inspiring and are eager to find a tourist token of your own for a makeover. Do pin and share!
Likewise, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
Also, more DIY makeovers like this farmhouse dough bowl:
I have several antique dough bowls and you nailed this!!! The person who buys this will be getting a real deal. Even the cheapest factory knockoffs cost more and don’t look authentic. You hit it out of the park!!!
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Aren’t those bowls so handy? I just love them for so many things. Thanks for the giggles and love, Rebecca!
I loved your comment of finding dozens of antique. dough bowls. It tells me this antique dealer is definitely looking in the wrong state! In my 20 years of picking, I have probably found 5 or 6? I love what you did with this sweet bowl!
haha! Yeah, Ohio is great for antiques. Thanks so much, Sheryl!
I’m always SO inspired by your fabulous projects, it’s such a treat to see what amazing things you come up with! And, it helps me get that extra push to get to work on my own projects!
Thanks for sharing your light!!
You just made my day, Jill. That’s the spirit! 😀
Oh this turned out so beautiful! I was too late to get it ?
awww…thank you so much, Susan! 😀 Finds like these are fun to redo.
Amazing! This project made me question, how many other things am I passing up because I am not seeing the potential? The dough bowls are SO hard to find now; I would have held this in my hand at thrift store and put it back on the shelf because I wouldn’t see what you saw. It turned out beautiful Larissa! Thank you for inspiring once again! 🙂 Oh, and p.s. your project earlier this week? with the tank tops? I cut a hood off a shirt this week because I didn’t like it on there and thought wow, if I sew up this seam I will have a little pouch with a drawstring already in place 🙂 So you are rubbing off on me – thank you 🙂
I’m doin’ a happy dance, Mary!! The fact that you gave it a try is what I’m all about. Thank YOU!!
Wow, it does look like an authentic dough bowl, Larissa! One would never think it used to be a tole travel souvenir. Nice save!
Yay! Yes, I love tole painting, but this one just was too heavy, if you know what I mean. 😉
If you were to seal a sanded bowl, what kind of oil would you use to make it food safe?
You can use a basic hemp oil, olive oil, or any other food grade oil (almond oil, etc). Just refresh as needed.
The dough bowl looks really good. I like that you left some of the dark on it. I’m fortunate to have one that goes back several generations and a couple of newer ones. I enjoy them all.
Thanks! I bet you have wonderful treasures. I love when they have a story, especially of family ties.