DIY Wood Pallet Tote – A Repurposed Auction Find

If you love upcycling and repurposing, there’s no better place to find unique pieces than the Shipshewana Antique & Misc. Auction! Every Wednesday, bidders uncover incredible treasures—some ready to display, others just waiting for a little creativity to bring them back to life.

One of my latest finds? A rustic wood pallet tote, perfect for a farmhouse-style centerpiece or a functional storage piece. With just a little paint, wax, and some creative embellishments, I transformed this simple tote into a charming accent piece for any home. Here's how you can do it too!

Guest blogging Upcycling idea and work courtesy of Petal My Pretties

How to Upcycle a Wood Pallet Tote

Step 1: Sanding

Start by sanding the tote to smooth out rough edges while keeping its rustic character intact.

Step 2: Mixing & Painting

I wanted a custom green color, so I mixed a few shades of acrylic and chalk paint until I found the perfect hue. Instead of full coverage, I used a dry brush technique, lightly brushing the paint so that some natural wood peeked through.

Step 3: Painting the Handle

For contrast, I painted the handle in a Fusion mineral paint—a great choice for durability and coverage.

Step 4: Distressing for Character

Once both the green and pink paint dried, I lightly sanded the tote to give it a naturally aged look.

Step 5: Adding Antique Charm

To enhance the vintage feel, I applied Waverly Antiquing Wax in certain areas and wiped it back with a baby wipe. This step instantly gave the tote a timeworn, well-loved finish.

Step 6: Applying Transfers

One of my favorite ways to elevate DIY projects is by using rub-on transfers. They’re easy to apply and add intricate details without hand-painting. Simply rub the design onto your surface using the included tool, lift the backing, and seal with a polyacrylic top coat to protect the finish.

Step 7: Styling Your Tote

Now comes the fun part—deciding how to use it! This tote is versatile:

• Fill it with magazines or books for a rustic organizer
• Add fresh-cut flowers for a seasonal touch
• Use it as a decorative table centerpiece
• Style it with excelsior filler, greenery, a bird’s nest, and florals for a beautiful spring/summer arrangement

Find Your Next Upcycling Project at the Auction

The Shipshewana Antique & Misc. Auction is a goldmine for DIYers, home decorators, and vintage lovers. Whether you’re searching for furniture to flip, unique décor pieces, or rustic farmhouse finds, you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.

Come visit the auction and get inspired for your next upcycling project!