A Simple Thrift Store Makeover...

One good thing about cold winter days is getting projects done indoors! This week I worked on a simple makeover of a thrift store find!

I found this old wood tote. I liked the styling, but it was made of plywood
that didn't have a great look. So it was perfect for a little makeover...

I did want some of the wood to show through the paint, so I started by rubbing a candle over some areas of the tote where I wanted the paint to come off easily...

I used DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Relic for the paint...

After painting it, while it was still not quite dry, I took a damp paper towel and rubbed the areas where I had used the wax resist technique. No sanding!

On one side, I used a stencil I had from
Angie at Knick of Time's Vintage Sign Stencils...

she has some fun stencils for projects like this!

I just used part of the stencil, painting very lightly to give the look of an old crate label. I then sealed the tote with DecoArt Media Ultra-Matte Varnish.

I love this varnish...water-based, non-yellowing, and fast drying...

it has a great look when you want durability without gloss.

I used the tote to hold some pretty plants for Valentine's Day...

a maidenhair fern, a cyclamen, and a heart fern.

This tote will be fun to use in many ways throughout the year!

I am part of the DecoArt Blogger Outreach program and was provided with the products used in this post...all opinions are my own.

Before I go, thank you for your comments on my last post!

The winner of the Valentine ephemera is~
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage

Until next time...

30 comments

SusieFebruary 4, 2017 at 8:35 AM
Linda, You are a clever girl. I love the way it all looks . Now I want to go thrifting.:):) My grocery store has some pretty cyclamens. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
Curtains in My TreeFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:43 AM
You reminded me I need to get some valentine projects done today.
Your tote box looks great of course
Angie @ Knick of TimeFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:47 AM
I just love it when I find a blank, boring piece in a thrift store that's so easy to give a makeover like yours, Linda. Yours looks amazing now - so pretty! I love how you used my stencil on it - it was the a great idea to use just part of the stencil. It turned out perfect.
Our Hopeful HomeFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:35 AM
I love it when something "everyday" gets turned into something with vintage charm! I haven't tried the candle thing but I am going to soon. Much less messy than distressing! Looks great, love the plants you chose. xoKathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}
Connie in HartwoodFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:37 AM
Not blank or boring anymore!! Very nice job!
Pam KesslerFebruary 4, 2017 at 10:46 AM
That turned out pretty! Love the cyclamen too!
Vickie @ Ranger 911February 4, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Your tote turned out to be a darling spot to plant a winter garden, Linda! I'll have to remember the trick with a wax candle next time I'm trying for a weathered finish. Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
AnonymousFebruary 4, 2017 at 12:52 PM
Sweet project! I, too, grab totes whenever + wherever I see them! I stencil mine with a stripe +/or name +/or number, + we sell them at our markets here in the Midwest. I just found your blog! My name is Kay -- it sez I am anonymous??
Kim@Snug HarborFebruary 4, 2017 at 3:40 PM
Very cute - I love totes!

Thanks for the stencil link - I've been looking for a good place to get some from.
Brenda PruittFebruary 4, 2017 at 3:46 PM
You did a great job! And the plants and flowers help keep us going until spring. Bet you smile every time you pass it.
Brenda
Sharon @ Blue Willow HouseFebruary 4, 2017 at 3:50 PM
Love your tote and the way you painted/stenciled it is perfect. Pretty plants too especially the cyclamen!
My thrift store addictionFebruary 4, 2017 at 5:41 PM
Linda, this is just lovely! Funny thing, I started a wood tote project myself, today! Great minds ;)
JunkchiccottageFebruary 4, 2017 at 7:38 PM
This tote is so pretty Linda. Love this. Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Kris
Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieFebruary 4, 2017 at 9:02 PM
A very nice transformation, Linda! Love the wax technique - I'll have to try that one. They sell that paint at my local craft store. I think I'll pick some up! Love the pretty plants and your lovely table runner, too :) Sending hugs xo Karen
Mary BFebruary 5, 2017 at 6:34 AM
Cute project and thanks for the candle process tips!
K J DFebruary 5, 2017 at 7:30 AM
Love what you did.... great tip with the candle. Pretty plants too.
CeciliaFebruary 5, 2017 at 8:35 AM
Linda, this turned out so cute! I love how the candle wax resist gives it a more natural look than sanding! Very nice!
20 North OraFebruary 5, 2017 at 4:32 PM
What a great redo. Can be used for so many things. Love the flowers!

Judy
Blondie's JournalFebruary 5, 2017 at 9:59 PM
This is so cute, Linda! I'll remember the products for sure. You made it all sound so easy! Love the way you arranged everything, too.

Jane x
UnknownFebruary 6, 2017 at 2:35 PM
I love a good painted toolbox! And that cyclamen is beautiful. I stopped in to my local Bachmans a week or so ago and they had some really pretty ones, now I'm tempted to go back and get one!
Helen PhilippsFebruary 7, 2017 at 7:30 AM
This looks lovely Linda! I really like the lettering, and it looks so pretty filled with plants.
Helen xox
Karen LarkoFebruary 7, 2017 at 11:00 PM
Wow! What a difference. Turned out so lovely. The stencil really makes the piece. Love it!
krishnaFebruary 8, 2017 at 4:44 PM
Wow!! its look amazing.. you truly turned the trash into treasure.. XOXO

Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
HWIT BLOGGFebruary 9, 2017 at 2:24 AM
Lovely! Love that grey colour...great work!
Have a great day, take care :)
Warm hug from Titti and a snowy countryside
handmade by amaliaFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:39 AM
Another lovely makeover, Linda, and the plants are the perfect finishing touch.
Amalia
xo
Katie MansfieldFebruary 10, 2017 at 9:27 PM
Precious. I love the color.
PamFebruary 11, 2017 at 1:32 AM
Like you I love the winter months for getting the things done you can do in doors. Great thrift find and with a little love you have it looking great.
Debby Goes ShabbyMarch 5, 2017 at 7:15 PM
Love!

Debby
Debbygoesshabby.blogspot.com