How to Make a DIY Garden Tote

Today I'm rescuing a 1980's tote complete with cut-out hearts.


I remember when we thought this style was the bomb!!


I'm thinking it will make a great repurposed garden tote now. 


Here are the steps I took to turn this old mess into a beautiful tote perfect for Mother's Day...
old 1980's magazine rack



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Garden tote with flowers



I started out by filling all the holes in the wood where the box was assembled with wood filler.
fixing up an old magazine rack


I gave the box a good sanding and a coat of grey chalky paint then sanded the edges to give it a distressed look.


It was better already!


Chalky painted old magazine rack


On one side of the tote I added a handle to hang a towel and on and on the other side of the box I created a canvas pocket from a scrap of canvas fabric. 


I attached the pocket using screws and washers to hold seed packets or papers.



I really think the pockets are the best part! 
magazine tote with a canvas pocket

I used an old curtain rod bracket to hold a roll of jute string on the inside of the tote.
DIY string holder for a garden tote


Lastly I added a chalkboard to the side.



DIY garden tote


The finished tote is so useful in the garden or for crafts, office supplies, knitting, or even in the kitchen.


I made another tote for the office from a thrift store find too!


The 80's never looked so good!



Garden tote with accessories to hold tools


It would also make a great DIY Mother's Day gift!
Garden tote gift for MOM with overlay
pin button
garden tote pin with overlay





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Homeroad
Homeroad

I am Susan, the author and creator at Homeroad. I am a wife, mother of 4 daughters, and a grandmother of 5 and counting. I am a retired teacher, a DIY blogger and an artist at heart. .

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Comments

  1. UnknownMay 13, 2017 at 8:00 AM

    This is so awesome! What a great reuse and a wonderful gift idea :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HomeroadMay 16, 2017 at 6:46 AM

      Thank you so much AW! The person who bought it was so happy with it :)

      Delete
  2. Tania PelletierMay 13, 2017 at 9:34 AM

    Well I just love this! What a great repurpose and a great new life for an U.G.L.Y. old thing!! :o)

    Tania

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HomeroadMay 16, 2017 at 6:46 AM

      Thank you Tania! Makes you look at old junk in a whole new way doesn't it :)

      Delete
  3. Carlene @ Organized ClutterMay 14, 2017 at 7:21 AM

    Super cute!

    ReplyDelete
  4. CandyleaMay 14, 2017 at 8:46 AM

    What a great idea! I probably would've passed on that old magazine rack but not anymore!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HomeroadMay 16, 2017 at 6:47 AM

      Keep your eyes open Candylea! You never know what might be your next favorite thing!

      Delete
  5. UnknownMay 14, 2017 at 5:08 PM

    Wow, what a lovely, handy idea. I have to try making one to. Hope you are having a beautiful Mother's Day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HomeroadMay 16, 2017 at 6:47 AM

      Thanks so much Ivory! I had a wonderful day and I hope you did too :)

      Delete
  6. Susan@Organized31May 15, 2017 at 11:20 PM

    I love your repurposed garden tote so much that I might even take up gardening!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HomeroadMay 16, 2017 at 6:48 AM

      Hahaha now if only my garden looked as good as my garden tote! LOL

      Delete

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