Have you ever felt like you’re not crafty or creative? Or maybe DIY seems daunting to you? The best way to get past that is to tackle a project suited to your abilities. Smalls are what I say are the best way to experiment – a small project that can be done in half a day and builds confidence.  I picked up these two thrifted pieces so I can turn them into farmhouse totes because they certainly ain’t that now. haha.

One of these is of the beach variety, and the other is prim as country prim can be. Neither are my style, so that’s when I take the opportunity to change them up to suit me. That’s where you have to envision what you want. Are you more coastal, or cottage, Boho, farmhouse, cabin, or maybe even cowboy(girl)? Either way, you can take what you have (or find thrifting or shopping Curb le Chic) and make it your own.

BEACHY BE GONE

First, let’s start with this seagull tote.  Since I’m a few states away from the beach, I prefer to keep things more to my locale. With that, I need to start fresh. I remove the decals and then set to sanding it down.

After that, I spray paint two coats of a flat white paint.

Then, once that cures, I tape off a few sections before I do two more coats of a spray chalk paint called, Serenity Blue. It may be hard to see the difference in my photo, but I have three taped stripes on the handle and one around the box.

Next, I remove the tape and add a little numerical fun. tee hee. We all have a favorite number, right? This one is suited for my end game. (pun intended)

It’s definitely still kinda coastal farmhouse with the blue and white, so we have found a fun compromise that updates it without going totally overboard.

PRIM & PROPER

Second, it’s time for miss country prim thang here to get a much-needed reprieve of those hearts and flowers.

The hearts pop off easy enough, but then I also need to sand off those flower dots because they’ll show through anything I do henceforth.

Next, after I refresh the wood with a similar stain and let it cure, I apply a coat of black milk paint.

Last, after that one coat cures, I distress a bit and apply a light coat of brown wax to give an aged appeal.

BLACK IT IS

Finally here’s the last of my farmhouse totes makeovers. This one is showcasing my antique Ball jars along with some beautiful blooms from my yard. Isn’t it lovely?

I tell ya, not only are these totes versatile for any room in your home, but they also make life handy. You can load up table condiments, bathroom accessories, or laundry supplies. Do you have any totes in your home? You can see my other tote tutorials HERE.

And who doesn’t love those pretty sights and scents in their home? mmmm…so good.

With all that in mind, you have to tell me…which tote makeover is your favorite? I’m honestly smitten with both, so I’m eager to also tell you they are both available in my online shop.

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Likewise, I’m all about inspiring you to break out of your comfort zone to try something new. In addition, let’s inspire others by pinning and sharing this farmhouse totes makeover.

Additionally, you don’t want to miss what’s coming up next when I tackle this French Provincial side table. Don’t miss a thing and be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

Also, more thrifty upcycles like these farmhouse totes: