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. Thrifted Wooden Totes Before Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com 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. Removing Decals from Beach Tote for Farmhouse Totes Makeover | prodigalpieces.com After that, I spray paint two coats of a flat white paint. Spray Painting Beach Blue Tote | prodigalpieces.com 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. Painting Stripes on Farmhouse Totes | prodigalpieces.com 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) No. 2 Bathroom TP Holder for Farmhouse Totes Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse bathroom diy Blue Farmhouse Bathroom Tote ~ No. 2 TP holder by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse diy bathroom 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. Farmhouse Bathroom Decor from Salvaged Finds ~ Farmhouse Totes by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy homedecor Bathroom No. 2 TP Tote by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces bathroom diy

PRIM & PROPER

Second, it's time for miss country prim thang here to get a much-needed reprieve of those hearts and flowers. Primi Pine Tote Before Makeover into Farmhouse Totes | prodigalpieces.com 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. Sanding Wooden Prim Tote for Farmhouse Totes Makeover | prodigalpieces.com Next, after I refresh the wood with a similar stain and let it cure, I apply a coat of black milk paint. Painting Black Milk Paint on Thrited Tote | prodigalpieces.com Last, after that one coat cures, I distress a bit and apply a light coat of brown wax to give an aged appeal. Waxing Black Farmhouse Totes | prodigalpieces.com

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? Farmhouse Style Table Centerpiece from Thrifted Find by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy homedecor farmhouse Blue Ball Jar Centerpiece from Farmhouse Totes by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces flowers balljar farmhouseI 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. Farmhouse Totes Centerpiece from Thrifted Find by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces rustic thrifted upcycled Top View of Farmhouse Totes Full of Flowers by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces flowers diy home And who doesn't love those pretty sights and scents in their home? mmmm...so good. Summer Bloom Tote Centerpiece by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse flowers diy Black Farmhouse Totes for Farmhouse Decor by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse thrifted upcycled 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.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

SHARE

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. Two thrifted find are in much need of a new look. These farmhouse totes are now ready for home decor fun. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces farmhouse upcycled homedecor 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! blog signatureVintage Mersman French Provincial Side Table Before Makeover by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

Also, more thrifty upcycles like these farmhouse totes:

Check out how to paint ceramic easily and with bit of DIY fun. Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces diy crafts paint farmhouse homeDIY: Thrift Store Glass into Coordinating Collection by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com  



Rebecca - NC

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 06:52:30

Both are so cute AND so useful now!! I’d have a tough time choosing…. Honestly, it’s amazing how you can see potential in all that 80’s “charm!” ??

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 07:07:41

I just can't help myself. haha! You know I love hearing from you, Rebecca. Thanks!

Rita

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 08:04:26

Ernie meenie minie mo…. I like both. Though because I’m in SWFL and also from the Jersey shore the light blue tote speaks to me loud and clear. You have see what others wish they could. Pinned it!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 08:31:55

tee hee! I'm smitten with blue no matter what the style fo' sho'. I so enjoy sharing what I do!

Vickie Rider

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 13:52:25

Both are so much better now. But I live in west central Ohio and not drawn to the coastal farmhouse decor, even though it looks great, I would pick the black one . love how you take things so dated and update them so well.

Carroll Xavier

Shared publicly - 2022-05-12 15:42:35

Both are gorgeous updates, I would have usually chosen coastal (being on Vancouver Island) but really love the look of the black with the blue jars. You are so creative and inventive, it's a joy to read your blog every week :)

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-05-13 06:00:04

Thank you, Vickie. I'm not into coastal farmhouse either. ;) I certainly have fun!

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-05-13 06:01:17

Thank you! I didn't intend for coastal, just saying it could suit that purpose as well if you really wanted it too. I'm all farmhouse here! :D Thank you for the love, Carroll.

Karl-Heinz

Shared publicly - 2022-06-23 12:47:41

I just found your site today and I think your projects are just great and inspiring. Thanks also for the detailed presentation. Please keep it up. Best regards Karl Heinz

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2022-06-23 15:28:44

Thank you, Karl. It's fun for me to share. :)

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