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!
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Also, more DIY makeovers like this farmhouse dough bowl:
