It’s time for another round of inspiration from the Thrifty Style Team and this month, I’m sharing a pretty and thrifty DIY Grain Sack Striped Farmhouse Tote. After you check out my tutorial, head to the bottom of the post to see what all of the other Thrifty Style Team ladies are sharing.

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Front view of a white farmhouse tote with red grain sack stripes, vintage carpenter's rule, small American flag, weathered clay pots, and vintage wooden bobbins.

How To Make a Grain Sack Striped Farmhouse Tote:: The Supplies

Wooden Art Caddy – I found mine at the Dollar Spot at Target on clearance for under $1.00. If you don’t have one on hand, keep an eye open at yard sales and thrift stores, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, etc.

*Keep in mind that with this reverse stencil technique, the color of the tote you choose is what’s going to be the color of your stripes unless you want to take the extra step and go back and stencil on your stripes 

Painter’s tape and thin washi tape

Paint of choice – I chose shiplap (which is a nice white) chalk-style paint 

Paintbrush

How To Make the Grain Sack Stripes

You can either measure your tote to find the center or eye it up (that’s what I did) and add a strip of painter’s tape to the center of the tote the entire way around. 

Now, add TWO strips of washi tape on each side of the centered painter’s tape.

Also, add this same pattern to the handle so that the grain sack stripe is uniform and covers the entire tote, handle included.

Remove the washi tape strips to the left and the right of your center, wider strip.

Next, paint over the entire box, tape and all. You can either choose to leave the inside of the box the original color or paint it to match the outside. I chose to paint the entire box white, inside and out.

Allow the paint to dry and gently remove the painter’s tape, 

And the washi tape strips. Touch up any areas as needed.

Now, for the fun!

Styling Your Grain Sack Striped Farmhouse Tote

My first styling choice was to gather stuff from around the house: weathered clay pots, a clay bird, vintage wooden bobbins, and two items that are dear to my heart. My dad’s carpenter ruler and a flag he had attached to his car antenna. <3 

My next styling choice was fresh flowers clipped from my yard with vintage shears.

And my last, and probably most practical choice, was to load up the tote with some cute buffalo check flatware, grain sack towels, and cute paper straws fitting my theme. This would be great for picnics! 

Now, for the rest of the Thrifty Style Team’s inspiration! Click on the links below to be taken to their decorating ideas! 

Collage of photos with each photo featuring home decor made from thrifty and thrifted items with the text "14 Bloggers Decorate Using Thrifty Ideas"

Thrifty Yellow and Pink Spring Porch by Redhead Can Decorate

Rustic Shiplap-Inspired Wall Art by The Creek Line House

Ideas on How to Update a 15-Year-Old Bathroom Vanity by Duke Manor Farm

Make an Auricula Theatre – Thrifty Style by Heart and Vine

Window Seat Refresh by DIY Beautify

Green Painted Outdoor Table by Cottage at the Crossroads

Patio Decorating Ideas on a Budget by I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Vintage Box Makeover by Bliss Ranch

Easy DIY Nightstand From a Thrift Store Stool by Chatfield Court

Decorating with Thrifted Silver by 2 Bees in a Pod

DIY Grain Sack Striped Farmhouse Tote by The How-To How

Thrifted Picnic Basket Makeover by Salvage Sister & Mister

DIY Magazine Page Place Mats by What Meegan Makes

100 Year Old Barnwood Shelves by The DIY Village