To me, Spring is all about flowers. The fresh start after winter, the gorgeous colors hanging from branches and sprouting from the ground, and the fragrance that perfumes the air. And to celebrate the arrival of this season, I decided I needed some Spring door decor by upcycling a straw purse from the thrift store.
And yes, you’re right- I *HAVE* upcycled straw totes from the thrift store before on several occasions! Remember how I embellished this one with another thrifted find?
But anyway, back to TODAY’S upcycled project. Finding the right straw tote to refashion or upcycle was pretty easy. For whatever reason, thrift stores always seem to have a LOT of them, not matter what time of year it is.
There were LOTS of options for me to choose from, in different shapes and sizes. I selected one that was the right size for my front door, clean, and in overall good shape.
With straw purse in hand, I brought it home and began the process of upcycling it into the Spring door decor I had in my mind.
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Upcycling a Straw Purse for Spring
First, I needed to figure out how to add flowers without having them fall over or bunching up in the corners of the bag. I needed a lightweight stabilizer that would keep the stems upright, in place, but still movable. And something that wouldn’t cause the tote to sag from the weight.
See my dilemma?
I gave it some thought and came to a conclusion.
Environmentally-friendly, biodegradable packing peanuts would be absolutely PERFECT.
They checked all the boxes: lightweight but not rigid, and flexible enough to allow me to easily arrange floral stems inside.
Next, I filled up my straw purse about ¾ full with packing peanuts. Then, I headed to the craft store for some Spring flowers.
I always find good artificial flower options at Michael’s and selected some tulips (and other posies!) for my Spring door decor.
Next, I carefully arranged the Spring flowers in the straw tote, using the packing peanuts to hold the stems in place to allow for an orderly display!
When all was said and done, I ended up with this! Doesn’t it look like I just went to some amazing flower mart and filled my bag with the most stunning of blossoms?
All that was left to do was hang it on my front door!
Spring Door Decor from a Straw Purse
To hang it on my door, I hooked a loop of ribbon through a safety pin which I attached to the back of the straw tote.
Since my door is red, I used red ribbon so it would be less conspicuous. Then, I hung it up, stepped back, and fell in l-o-v-e.
Talk about a gorgeous and INSANELY easy Spring floral wreath to put together for your front door. Think you’ll look at the straw tote selection differently next time you’re thrifting?
And for even more Spring decorating ideas and inspiration, you might enjoy this collection of upcycling ideas for Spring:
I’m also excited to announce that my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, is now available to purchase! If you love fabric crafts and have a special affinity for flannel shirts and fabric, then you’ll love my book.
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Wow this door decor is so cute!
Thank you!
What a fun idea. I am going to the Thrift store today. Thanks for sharing.
You are so welcome, JoAnn!!
Oh my word, I’m going to share this on Facebook today. This is too cute! So glad you shared at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We love that you join us each week. 🙂
Its beautiful! Hugs,
Thanks, Sandi!
WOW! This is so clever and pretty! I’m pinning this and your umbrella”wreath”.
Thank you!! It’s so fun to be greeted by it every time I return home. 🙂
Beautiful! A frequent shopper at goodwill, l plan to make this cute “wreath”, however l plan to add a bow either to the handles in the center or centered on the front. I do love bows!
Thanks, Shirley!
Great idea! The purse reminds me of my grandma and makes me wonder what I can do with the hand-me-down old school purse of hers I have… Visiting from Vintage Charm.
Thank you so much!
Wonderful idea! They pair perfectly together and are so springy! Very cute!
Thank you so much!
Wow, the structural aspect of that tote *swoon*! You sure know how to pick ’em, girl…Love those tulips, think a trip to Michael’s is called for! Toodleoooooo…..
Thanks, Denise- it’s such a cute tote, right? And I’m already thinking about what I can re-reuse it for in the future!!
What a fun idea! This would be so easy and it is so cute! I see lots of bags at Goodwill but never thought of using them this way. Very clever!
Thanks, Linda!
Great idea for a unique wreath but then you always share the bestest ideas ☺ Pinning to share.
Ha!! You’re so good to me, Marie!! Thanks so much. 😀
So, so cute, Sarah!
That is so pretty! Love the idea!
That’s really pretty against the red door and the price was right! Gotta love some Goodwill inspiration.
Thank you so much, Gina!
This is absolutely adorable!! Fantastic change from the traditional wreath!❤️
Thanks, Traci!
I don’t have any packing peanuts, but I thought of something that may work just as well. Cut up a pool noodle and use the small pieces! And it only costs $1.00.
I have just the opposite problem- no pool noodles, LOL! But I love me some enviro-friendly packing peanuts (I’m anti-styrofoam). 🙂 Happy crafting!
Please,,how did you attach it to the door,,,,thankyou
Hi, Dorothy! That’s actually in the blog post- I used a ribbon and safety pin. 🙂
how do you attach it to the door itself..do you put a nail on the door to hang the ribbon on?? thankyou,,clever ideas
Oh, I see! Yes, there’s a nail in the door- in fact, it was in the door when we bought the house! 🙂
I hope you don’t mind, but I want to do that today for my no pazaz front door. Like you I fell absolutely in LOVE with it. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. I could never think of something so pretty on my own. Thank you for this idea. I already have everything I need. First I have to paint my UGLY DOOR. Can’t hang something that pretty on it…
You are so very welcome, Denise! And even better, I can still use the tote as a tote if I want!! Double-duty thrift store buy. 🙂
I love it!
Thank you, Stephanie!
I love that you always recycle something as part of your projects and I am totally in love with this idea. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
Thank you, Sharon!!
I love this non traditional shaped wreath and your red door!
Thank you so much!!
Just absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you, Pamela!
Uh mah gud Sara another adorable project!! Will look for a straw tote at my local Goodwill!!
LOL thank you so much!!! I have a feeling there’s going to be a run on straw totes at thrift stores across the country now. 😉
What a great idea. Really like the packing peanuts vs. floral foam. Will definitely be using this idea in the future.
Thank you, Colleen!
Sarah, This is totally gorgeous! Your pictures are spectacular! Pinned and tweeted to share. Thanks for linking up for Snickerdoodle Sunday!
~Laurie
Thank you so much, Laurie!
It is so pretty! I bet a block of floral Styrofoam could work well too for stability. Thanks for linking up with the creative circle!
What a smart idea! I never would have thought to do that! Love it!
Thank you so much, Liz!
What a clever idea!!…and cheap too, that I like. I can just see a wren thinking that it’s a great place to build her nest lol
hahaha- and wrens will totally do that, build a nest in a wreath!!
I ♥♥♥ your new door “wreath”…I might steal this idea!
Have a great week.
Thanks, Marigene!
This is an adorable idea. I need to make one for my front porch. Pinned & shared. thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party!
Thank you!
Fantastic idea! I actually have an old tote that would be perfect for this! Thanks for linking up at Dishing it! & Digging It!
Thank you, Jennifer!
This is so adorable and I love how incredibly easy it is to put together! Great job! 🙂
Thank you so much!
OMG! You are so creative!! Gotta make this one! Thanks for sharing at Dishing It & Digging It!!
Thank you so, so much, Lori!
Sarah what a darling idea for a wicker purse, it turned out so darn cute!!
Thanks for sharing on the #OMHGWW this week!
Hope you have a great week!
Thank you so much, Karren!
Hello Sadie,
This idea is super charming. I had considered doing something similar but opted for an urn filled with faux flowers and greens. When I tire of the porch as it is now, I may switch out to a cute straw handbag. Yours contrasts nicely with your cheerful front door color.
I’m a co-hostess for Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop. We would love to have you share this project with us. The party goes live each Wednesday at 7 p.m MST.
🙂
Olivia
Reinvented Collection
Oops, I just noticed that your name is Sarah, not Sadie. I’m sorry, Sarah. 🙂
Ha- no worries, it happens ALL the time. 😀
Will do- thanks!!
This is so pretty and absolutely striking against your door! I will never look at a straw bag in the same way again. Thank you for sharing your links with us again this week at Celebrate Your Story. It’s always a treat to have you join us!
Thank you so much, Sandra!!
love this idea will have to try it thanks for sharing
Thank you, Lorraine!
I have to say that this is one of the most creative things I have seen recently. It was so easy to put together and it turned out great. Simple and beautiful.
Thank you, Krista!
I LOVE this! What a clever way to use the GW straw purse. I’d be using that after the season is over!
That’s the best part!! I can “tote-ally” still use it as a tote bag! 😉
I absolutely love this! And the colors are so bright and cheery against your door. Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday this week 🙂
Thank you!!
Ahh this is adorable, and a cheap way to make a perfect wreath for Spring time. Thanks for sharing with us all. Pinning for later.
Thanks so much!
Sarah this is an awesome idea. Looks stunning on your beautiful front door.
XO
Julie
Thank you, Julie!!
It looks gorgeous – great idea! I just put together a wreath myself with silk flowers to dress up our front door for spring; looks pretty good – but it will be even better once the snow melts. #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Thanks, Candace!!
I love your door decor.
Thank you, Trish!
That is such a cute idea! 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is such a fun idea for your door! It looks great! Thanks so much for linking up to The Handmade Hangout. I’ll be featuring you on my blog when the new linky goes live today at 6pm ET. I hope you’ll stop by and link up again! (www.occasionallycrafty.com)
Thanks, Valerie- I’ll be there!! 😀
I love this idea! So unique.
🙂
http://gwingal.blogspot.com/
Appreciate that, Nikki!
This is super simple yet fabulously beautiful! You have inspired me to make my own! Love it. So happy to find your post via fav things hop!
Thanks so much, Suzie!
This is so pretty!! I don’t know which one I love best…the umbrella or the bag! Both are beautiful! =) Pinned for the future!! =)
Thanks, Melanie!!
Sarah, this is so pretty! I just may have to recreate this idea (I even have a red door!). Just letting you know that I will be featuring your straw bag at Best of the Weekend tomorrow night. Thanks so much for linking up with us!
Thank you so very much, Amy- I’ll be there!!!
Great post! We go to Michaels for all our supplies. Good value and quality. I love seeing items being used for things they aren’t designed for, like using a tote as a wreath : ). I will be featuring this on my next Peace, Love, Link-Up, Friday the 8th. Stop by and share some more projects!
Thank you so much!! 😀
Sarah, I love this! How creative! I’ll be featuring your straw tote door decor at Saturday’s Snickerdoodle Sunday.
THANKS, Beverly!!! I hope you guys are doing wonderfully- and I’ll be there. 🙂
This looks SO pretty!!
I would love for you to share this at my Facebook Group for Recipes, Crafts, and Tips and Tricks!! https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thanks, Jess!
Beautiful!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Its really great!! I love it against the red door too.
It’s so pretty Sarah, what a great idea to use the tote on your door! Love it, it’s so unique! Thank you for sharing this at Sweet Inspiration #2! Have a lovely weekend!
Thank you, Katrin- you, too!
Sarah, this is such a lovely way to upcycle a bag!! It looks so beautiful!! I’m going to be on the lookout for straw bags like this when thrifting this summer. Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Thanks, Keri!
I love this!! I sometimes see bags like this at the discount store and would never use one personally, but think that they look great! Now I can use them for this! 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is so gorgeous! Absolutely beautiful!!
Thank you so much, Jennifer!
I think I like your old “wreath” and new one equally! Both very unique and beautiful.
Thanks, Jen!
I have always had a fondness for straw purses but never wanted to actually carry one. Now I can buy one and put it on my door. Love it!!!!!
Thank you so much, Adriann!!!
That is so, so clever! And so approachable, too! That just might be my next front door decor project 🙂 Pinning!
Thank you!!
Sarah, what a great idea, using a straw tote. I love the red front door. Thank you sharing on Your Inspired Design Link Party.
Thank you so very much!
What a fun idea!! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY Party!
This Basket is adorable Sarah I have saved it as I love the idea
Thank you so very much!
I have been trying to find the perfect second hand frame to put on my front door for Spring. This is a really beautiful option. Thank you very much for the inspiration. I especially love the old umbrella idea. Nicely done.!
Thank you so much, Leanna!
Such a cute idea! 🙂
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
It’s beautiful and so creative! I don’t think my mind would have went to front door decor when I saw the purses at Goodwill, but this is just perfect and so unique. Thank you for sharing it!
Thanks so much, Teresa!
This is SO pretty, and yet so simple Sarah – I love it and pinned it!
Thank you!!
What a lovely warm way to welcome your guests or just to come home to everyday! You never cease to amaze me with your cleverness Sarah!!
Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful door tote with us over at Waste Not Wednesday!
Thank you so much, Sam! XOXO
I have been eying up wreaths at home stores and way too expensive for my tastes so this gives me a great option and an outlet for my creativity. Many times when I feel I need a change I pretend I have no money and my creativity takes a giant leap,my budget survives intact, and my husband is grateful!
Thank you, Donna! I think the possibilities are endless with this! 🙂
Fabulous idea ! This is so unique for the summer !
Thanks so much!
How can I purchase the straw tote spring wreath?
Hi, Betty- thank you for your interest. That blog post is actually 4 years old and unfortunately, I no longer have the project anymore.
Love this! I have several straw purses. I need to figure out how to attach to my door. The over the door hangers are ok for a huge wreath but i think too big for this.plus, they eat the paint. Thinking….
I actually found some clear acrylic door hangers on Amazon! They are very smooth and should be much gentler on the paint. Plus they come in several lengths- I bought 12″ and 15″ for different sized wreaths: Here’s the link for the 12″ ones and here’s the link for the 15″ ones. Hope this helps!