Wednesday, February 20, 2013

~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...

31 comments:

Julie Marie said...

I love this Rebecca!... sooo pretty!... and I love how you described it as "junky junk"... there is a difference you know, between "good junk" and "junky junk"... tee hee hee, love you!... xoxo Julie Marie

Lululiz said...

What an amazing transformation! The 'new' tote looks just fabulous.

Jan Hermann said...

Oh, how pretty! Love it!

Jan ♥

stefanie said...

love!!!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca,
What a lovely, exotic looking straw shopping tote you created! Genius idea.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Your bag turned out so pretty! I have a few straw bags in my booth, maybe I will make one over ;)

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Just lovely, Rebecca! I love how you did the liner. Also love how the fringe peeks over the top. The flowers were a wonderful finishing touch.

Maggie said...

TRES CHIC!! Love it, Rebecca! And the trusty chip brush to the rescue again!! Glad I stocked up on them. This really is a delicious transformation. The fringe at the top is inspired!!

Maggie

NanaDiana said...

Rebecca-That turned out beautifully! I just love it! Akin to making a silk purse out of a sow's ear? xo Diana

Kim Gillian said...

Wow, very pretty!

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Just glorious!! Great bag for a lovely shopping day, Di

Theresa said...

How DO you DO that? Take a nothing bag and make it glorious:) Have a blessed week dear friend! Can't wait to see the booth:) HUGS!

White Lace and Promises said...

How in the world do you do it?
Incredible.

Janet said...

So pretty and such a great transformation! I just wanted to let you know I gave you a special shout out on my new lamp makeover post!
Blessings,
Janet

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Your booth is going to be sooo gorgeous, everything you touch turns out FABULOUS!

Carol

joanne said...

cute idea. I love when you can turn nothing into something special at almost no cost. Yay you!

Anneke said...

your bag turned out very pretty with a lovely shabby flower.
great work and also your pillow from the previous post.
greetings from ann

Anneke said...

your bag turned out very pretty with a lovely shabby flower.
great work and also your pillow from the previous post.
greetings from ann

Shabby chic Sandy said...

That bag is adorable--love the flowers!

Desires of the Heart said...

Wow!! What a transformation!! The straw bag is just gorgeous!!! I love straw bags, but have never even thought of dry brushing them!!! Love the lining and the lovely flowers. I would be proud to carry it anywhere. You did good, Rebecca. Love your projects. Blessings, Linda

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

I love what you have done with this bag! I guess I will be looking for them at my local thrift store now. lol.

Simply Debbie said...

Oh Rebecca,
Your hands are so blessed...be careful on the snow and ice.
yOUR TRANSFORMATION WAS JUST GORGEOUS.
i LIKE TO FELL OUT OF MY CHAIR LAUGHING WHEN i READ WHAT dIANA POSTED...it was a very good description.
I know your booth is stunning.
Hugs

Ginger said...

Love, love, love it. Only you could make it so beautiful.
Hugs
Ginger

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Love how this junky tote became fabulous!!! Stay safe and snuggly warm! I was just thinking of you when I saw the snow in Oklahoma on the news!

Love and hugs,
Debbie xxoo

Ann said...

What a wonderful transformation! I am amazed at your creativity that you can see beyond junky to pretty. I love the idea of a recycled product.

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Oh my Rebecca...you just keep cranking out gorgeous things! I have passed by so many of these straw bags before. Now I'll be snapping them up!

Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays! Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Deborah

sharon's shabby creations said...

Dear Rebecca,

I am in love.......
Your bag is amazing!!!!!!11

Hugs Sharon

Ivy and Elephants said...

I just LOVE your tote!!! The natural color is just perfect with everything!
I love how you frayed the lining, too. Such thoughtful attention to detail. Thanks for sharing and always inspiring!
Hugs,
Patti

Elizabeth Johnson said...

I've seen so many of these totes before and never imagined it could be so beautiful. You have worked magic!
~Elizabeth

Deanna said...

That's a darling creation!
Love it.

You my dear are an extremely talented Lady!
d

Barbara Jean said...

I just bought one of those bags at a thrift store. Was going to put flowers in it, but maybe I'll do this instead.... sure I will. ha ha.

do love the thought of adding a tinge of white to the straw color though.

be blessed
barb

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