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
metamorphis monday @ between naps on the porch
motivation monday @ making our life matter
make it pretty monday @ the dedicated house
inspire me monday @ my uncommon slice of suburbia
celebrate your story @ the sweet sensations
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
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
