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Burlap Covered (and Slightly Chewed On) Thrift Store Basket

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This past Spring, I found a few really nice baskets at Goodwill at even nicer prices. I was so excited to transform them into something fun.

And then one of my dogs feasted on one before I even got them upstairs to my craft room or take ‘before’ shots of them. Do you remember that story? Some days, I feel like that’s the story of my life. Sigh…

Being as that the chewed up basket didn’t fit into my original transformation plan, I just stuck them in a corner of my craft room and forgot about them until I was cleaning out that room a few weeks ago. I was suddenly struck with inspiration for the larger of the two baskets. However, since the dog had already partially ruined my $3.99 treasure, I decided that I didn’t want to spend anymore money on supplies in case it didn’t work out.

I carried the basket into the backyard and spray painted the sides and bottom. I wanted it to be an antique white, but I only had half a can of American Accents Antique White and half a can of Krylon Fusion Dover White. So, I used up one can and then used up the other. They are close enough to the same color that it worked just fine. Spray paint is so darn amazing!

After it was dry, I brought it back inside and cut off as much of the damaged section as I could.

Then, I took a left over piece of burlap and recovered the top. First, I used my glue gun (of course I did!) and glued it so that that it was flush with the trim around the top of the basket.

I pulled it taught across the top of the basket (after adding a little piece of batting to the damaged part so that it wouldn’t cave in), cut the burlap to fit, and hot glued it to the back. I did the same thing to the sides, and it left me with little burlap wings on all four corners.

I folded each wing inwards and hot glued them in place, so it looks a little like a wrapped present on each side. There may be a better way to go about this, but since the shape of the basket is curved and I’m lazy, this is what I came up with.

Then, I decided that it need something to make it look more finished, so I found a ball of jute twine I had on hand and made braided jute trim. I measured around the basket one-and-a-half times and cut 6 pieces of twine that length. I put the ends of three pieces under a chair to keep them anchored and braided them together. Then, I glued them around the basket. I did one band of trim on top and one band of trim on the bottom, securing them with hot glue on the back.

The inside of the basket was lined with some sort of plastic-like fabric, so I wiped it down and added our living room throw blankets and Zack’s assortment of random books that he can never seem to put back on his bookshelves.

I’m working on lightening up my living room because we have a lot of dark furniture, so I put this on the side of our couches. I think it serves a great purpose and it’s a pretty accessory. The greatest part is that now the dog wants absolutely nothing to do with it. Win-win!

Not bad for a destroyed $4 basket, huh?

This was extremely easy to put together. Head on over to your local thrift store and challenge yourself to update a thrifty purchase with items you already have on hand. I bet you’ll surprise yourself!

P.S. I’m adding this to Today’s Creative Blog’s “Get Your Craft On” Party…

…and to Kimm’s “Trash to Treasure” Party over at Reinvented…

…and even to Kimba’s “DIY Day” Party!

I’m just a partyin’ kinda gal, I guess!

 

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Comments

  11. Autum says

    I don't know what you had in mind before the dog chewed it, but what you came up with as a solution is wonderful!! Love the hand made braided trim.

    Reply

  12. Shanty 2 Chic says

    You hand braided jute trim… OF COURSE you did! You are so smart… I love every one of your projects… Turned out BEAUTIFUL!
    ~Whitney

    Reply

  14. Pam says

    What a great solution for what could have been a disaster! I love, love, love baskets. I have a big one in our living room to store blankets in. I love the convenience of having them right there. Great job on your re-do!

    Pam

    Reply

  15. Richella says

    Lindsay, this is one of my favorites of all your posts. I mean, seriously. . . most of us would have just thought, "Darn!" and given up on the basket. Not only did you rescue it, you made it even cuter than it would ever have been otherwise. And you did it with things you had on hand. Now THAT is the kind of spunk and ingenuity that really gets me excited. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply

  16. Judy says

    Clever girl! Love the contrast of the white with the texture of the burlap. And how smart to add some braided trim. You are amazing!

    Judy

    Reply

  22. Isabella & Max Rooms says

    Too funny, but you made it work! Beautifully. Amazing how gorgeous burlap can end up looking.

    And speaking of dogs…I have been having some adventures with mine. I've learned in the last week that it is unwise to turn my back on him while working on projects! He just wants to be involved…yikes.

    Have a great day and enjoy that basket!

    Janell

    Reply

  28. Leanne says

    That looks so amazing. I absolutely love it! I really love the burlap top and the jute braid makes it look totally complete. Thanks for sharing such a great idea and a beautiful transformation with us.

    Reply

  29. the queen says

    Turned out great.

    Isn't it amazing what a little spray paint and some imagination can do?

    And now you can't be mad at the dog!

    Reply

  31. Dorothy says

    The basket looks lovely.
    I've got quite a few baskets round the house, they are great for storage, but the cat thinks they're there for him to sharpen his claws on and they are now very grotty.
    One day I'll copy your wonderful idea, thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  34. Kimmy @ my beautifully blessed life says

    So gorgeous! Who would have thought such an ugly basket would end up being a showcase piece!! Grear work!

    Reply

  35. Julie @ Little One-of-a-Kind Design says

    very very nice redo on the basket! burlap is great! Have you seen the bleeched burlap? i used it at my wedding to wrap potted mums.

    Reply

  36. Anonymous says

    It looks great!! I think you are so creative with what you did. I have never heard of braiding jute, I'm going to try it.

    Reply

  37. AJ says

    OMGosh! That was my basket I gave to Goodwill! I didn't know what to do with it after my son's toys outgrew it. But you made it look awesome! Can I have it back now?

    Reply

  43. Miss Mustard Seed says

    I LOVE how that basket turned out. Good for you to have a vision of what that basket could become. I think I would not have even noticed it. Thanks you for sharing!

    Reply

  47. Molly @ A Bit O' Shine says

    I, for one, am glad it was destroyed because it turned out extra fabulous in the end.The dog chewing was just an opportunity to be creative!

    Reply

  48. Amber B. says

    I NEVER would have thought to salvage the basket like that! I love it, and even better because it was so cheap. Great idea!

    Reply

  60. Judy says

    I came across your blog by accident…that was 3.5 hours ago, too long for me to remember where I found the link to you. Just wanted to say how inspiring all your work is and you have a beautiful home.

    Judy
    in a very wet, gray miserable Redditch, England

    Reply

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