~HOW TO MAKE A CHIC TOTE FROM JUNKY JUNK~

Today I'm going to share with you a wee little tutorial on how a thrift store wicker bag was transformed from something junky into something très chic and totalleeee fab!!!

 It all started with a trip to our local second-hand store where I'm sure to always find SOMETHING begging for a makeover...  Last week I found this cheapo wicker style Tote Bag with a incredibly limp and wilty turquoise cotton/poly lining.  Big plans were in store for this run-of-the-mill-tote-bag!!!  I see these bags all the time after summer fades into autumn for $1. :)

 First thing I did was careful snip the lining out as I needed to use it for a pattern for the new linen fabric I chose for the inside!

After the blue fabric was removed I cut a new fabric liner making note of the seam allowance used.  I chose a natural linen!!!

Didn't expect for the handle to come off with the fabric...I just hot glued them back into place vs. stitching them down.  Next I lightly brush painted (sorry...forgot to photograph it!) the entire wicker tote with my favorite soft white paint.  No need to paint the inside but I did lightly coat the upper inside rim!!!  I let it dry overnight!

The new fabric was frayed for a fringed effect and since I planned on hot gluing it into place (instead of sewing it down) a band of matching fabric was stitched close to the frayed edge.  Once the liner was sewn together it was attached to the inside, raw side against the inside of the Tote!

After the lining was in place the outside handle was decorated with roses, vintage French Net Lace and loops of old bobbin lace, too!  A little braid and a bit of frayed linen was also added to the floral mix!

An so there you have it!  A transformed Tote Bag that took MAYBE an hour to create!!!  This was a fun project and a sweet addition to most any booth space or shoppe!

I'm headed back down to my new booth space to price more product today!!!  It's snowing outside so I'm having a slow-motion day...  Hard to leave the cozy comfort of my home!!!

Hope to share pictures soon!

Today I'm linking up with:

Green Willow Pond for What We Accomplished Wednesdays

Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesdays

Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

 

Love to you...