weathered baskets diy

i wanted to share how i transformed some baskets using paint.

it all started when i spied this basket out shopping.  i was drawn to the shape, which is pretty basic but it spoke to me for whatever reason, BUT i didn't like the color|finish.  you see, at first i saw the natural unbleached wicker version, but then i looked over and saw that there was also a weathered, driftwood finish.    it HAD to come home with me.  and it did.

so it got me thinking that i could and should do something similar at home with some baskets i've wanted to upcycle and transform for awhile now.  a looong while, remember this post?

there's nothing wrong with these baskets they just needed some updating in my eyes.

i used the same technique for all of these projects.  first i painted all of them in a gray clay based paint similar to chalk paint.  it doesn't have to be perfect since it's wicker which in itself makes it pretty imperfect since it's difficult to get in all the nooks and crannies, but that's good because you want some of the wicker showing through to add depth.  

when the paint is dry (i let mine sit over night) then i gave it a white wash finish with watered down white clay based paint.  as i applied the white wash i wiped it down with a paper towel until i reached the desired effect i wanted.   this adds a further layer of depth.

there's no science here.  i didn't follow any formula or dyi instructions.  i just wanted that weathered gray driftwood look you see on so many things out there.  so i played mad scientist for a couple of days and i'm happy with the results.  paint a base of gray and then white wash it with a combination of white paint and water.  although i used clay based paint i'm sure you can apply chalk, craft, milk and many other types of paint achieving very similar results.  it's meant to be weathered, therefore imperfect.  phew!  takes some of the pressure off.

  i had found this flat wall basket at a local thrift store for a couple dollars and i loved the bones but knew i had to transform it eventually. 

after i paint distressed it, i also added some burlap and the french graphic from the grapics fairy. 

i absolutely love how it turned out and it graces our front door at the moment with some of the limelight hydrangeas from the backyard. 

i can't wait to dress it up throughout the seasons.

i have had the above basket for a very long time.  it has a liner that i'm not using any more now that i weathered it. 

it use to sit on the bottom of my coffee table with magazines but now i moved it to the guest room. 

this is an old piece of furniture from my home growing up & the basket makes a nice addition. 

last but not least are my little trio of baskets.  i bought these baskets at michael's, knowing i had to change them so that they fit into the bathroom decor. 

they were the perfect size, but totally the wrong color.  i wanted the baskets to organize the cubbies in the kids' bathroom and this was the perfect technique to coordinate the baskets to the bathroom.  i added the slate tags i shared here.

i will share more of the bathroom soon, i just need to update a  couple of things first.

just goes to show that sometimes you can alter things to fit your needs and desires.  i'm not saying that you want to redo everything you buy new; i certainly don't. 

but it's nice to know there's options if need be.  here i updated a thrift find, an oldied but a goodie and the new baskets were the right size, but not the right color  (i had been searching for awhile, carrying the dimensions in my purse for what seemed like forever).

so happy to have this done. 

  a-tisket, a-tasket

some weathered diy baskets

sharing @:

saturday sparks @ pieced pastimes

share it one more time @ shabby fu fu

a bouquet of talent @ life on lakeshore drive

sundays at home @ love of home

creative corner @ curly crafty mom

dishing it digging it @ rustic & refined

amaze me monday @ dwellings-the heart of your home

show&share @ coastal charm

metamorphis monday @ between naps on the porch

motivation monday @ making our life matter

the scoop @ stonegable

make it pretty monday @ the dedicated house

inspire me monday @ my uncommon slice of suburbia

celebrate your story @ the sweet sensations

mmm @ keeping it simple

inspire me tuesday @ a stroll thru life

talk of the town @ the knick of time

the inspiration board @ carolyn's homework

wake-up wednesdays @ god's growing garden

wow @ savvy southern style

sizzle into summer @ diy by design

wordless wednesday @ oh my heartsie girl

vintage charm party @ charm bracelet diva

home&garden @ a delightsome life

syc @ have a daily cup of mrs. olson

home sweet home @ the charm home

share your style @ little farmstead

feathered nest friday @ french country cottage

friday's 5 features @ diy-vintage-chic

simple&sweet @ rooted in thyme

morning cup of joe @ the cottage market

shabbilicious friday @ shabby art boutique

pinworthy projects @ my suburban kitchen

craft frenzy @ the crafted sparrow

the creative collection @ the crafted sparrow

party palooza @ i heart naptime

funatstic friday @ olives & okra

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Comments

[Sandi magle]

Very nice ideas here. The thrift stores are full of abandoned baskets, so cheap---you just have to be patient in looking for the right one. And the whitewash spray or paint is a great way to update them. Thanks for the great post, Sandi

[Lori]

I love what you did with your baskets! The whitewash look is to "in" right now. Thank you for sharing and linking up at DI & DI Link Party. We enjoy having you!

[MaryJo Materazo]

i know sandi. there are so many at thifts and so inexpensive. trying to figure out creative ways to put them to good uses. thanks for stopping by! xo- mj

[MaryJo Materazo]

hi lori! thanks so much to you for hosting every week. i appreciate so much that you stopped by & left a sweet comment. xo- mj

[Sandra Garth]

What a lovely way to welcome guests into your home it is beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us again at Celebrate Your Story.

[MaryJo Materazo]

thanks for stopping by sandra. i love joining at celebrate your story. xo- mj

[Dianne]

I like the finished baskets! You have inspired me to go dig out some and paint.

xo Dianne

[MaryJo Materazo]

thanks dianne! yes do it, you'll be so happy. it's such an easy way to give baskets a new life. thanks for stopping by. i love visitors! xo- mj

[Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}]

I'm a huge proponent of painting baskets so you're not alone. I especially love the one on your door. I picked up the exact same one at a thrift store but it's about 20 times larger and I'm not sure what to do with it! Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and fill it with flowers then hang it on the front door! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen

[Sherry]

Pretty look for all of the baskets! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

[MaryJo Materazo]

hi kathleen- i would love to see your hanging basket when you have it all done. i haven't picked up any baskets thrifting in awhile, but now i want to get more. lol. xo- mj

[MaryJo Materazo]

thanks sherry! have a wonderful week. xo- mj