Hello, sweet friends! It’s hard to believe that it is Trash-to-Treasure Tuesday again already, but no complaints here…I love it! My trashy makeover today involves a quick fix for a broken picnic basket!
This picnic basket originally looked like this before I painted it several years ago:
I spray painted it in Rustoleum’s Robin Egg Blue because I just loved that color!
I’ve included a few affiliate links so you can find the products I love.
I’ve had them stacked in our living room holding Brennan’s toys…
He was only seven when I redid them and he had tons of little toy parts all over the place, so these were a great place to corral them at the end of the day.
One day, Brennan decided the blue one would make an excellent chair, and that’s how it ended up like this:
It’s been sitting in our living room like this for forever, and I was going to just toss it and find a replacement, but then I decided to take another look at it.
Surely, I could fix this, right?
Well, not exactly. Not like it was originally anyway.
Here’s what I decided to do instead.
A quick fix for a broken picnic basket
Instead of weaving a new top since that is a skill I do not possess, I removed all of the weave on top:
That left a frame of sorts on the top:
Before I went any further, I gave the insides a coat of spray primer, followed by some white spray paint, just so it looked more perty on the inside.
To replace the woven part, I cut a piece of hardboard to fit the top. (It’s like pegboard but without the holes.)
Paint
I wanted to paint it the same color as the rest of the basket, but I wasn’t able to find it anywhere. Instead, I painted it in a 50/50 mix of Vintage Duck Egg Blue and Cotton white that I had left over from this headboard bench, and it was almost a perfect match!
Transfer Time
Then I pulled out this Gilded Floral transfer from Redesign. This one comes with three 8.5″ x 11″ sheets:
I started by adding the biggest bloom:
Then I continued layering until I had a look I liked:
Seal
I sealed with Clear Coat in Satin using the blue sponge applicator:
Attach the new top
To attach the new top to my basket, I used my Logan Point Driver. It’s amazing for securing mirrors back into their frames, or chalkboards, and for projects like this.
It works a bit like a staple gun, but instead of shooting staples, it shoots these metal points:
My hubby bought this for me for Christmas several years ago and I use it all the time!
It will still not support the weight of a small boy though lol.
The After
Here is how this busted picnic basket looks now!
Okay that angle hasn’t changed ha ha…let’s see that top!
First, a little peek…
I enjoyed layering all the flowers to get a look I loved!
And, I still had several pieces leftover for another project.
the inside
The backside of this hardboard had a dry erase surface. Mid pandemic, I was having a hard time finding hardboard on both sides, so I settled for this when I was in search of hardboard to make chalkboards. I wanted to cover that with something and this fabric was perfect!
These started out as curtain panels and I think I’m nearing the end of it. I’ve used it HERE, HERE, HERE and many more, and it was just right for this project too!
I used my rotary cutting set (comes with rotary cutter, straight edge ruler, and self-healing cutting mat) to minimize fraying while cutting and to get perfectly straight cuts:
Then I used matte Mod Podge to adhere it like a glue.
This basket would be cute for so many purposes!
Here I’m envisioning it in a guest room holding towels and toiletries!
It would be perfect for holding magazines, knitting or crocheting supplies, or even shoes or slippers by the door.
Mine still holds toys. I haven’t the heart to get rid of them…just yet.
This won’t work for every bashed in basket, but it was a great save for this one!
My friends have four more Trash-to-Treasure makeovers for you at the links below! Enjoy!!
If you love a basket makeover like I do, here’s 15+ more!
See them all HERE!
I finally started on our Halloween decor yesterday woohoo!! I know Halloween isn’t for everyone, but I LOVE it! I was afraid with my back going out that I wouldn’t get to put it up this year. I’m taking my time and really enjoying it!
I’ll be back on Thursday with a spooky makeover for this box:
UPDATE: See how I Halloweenified this box HERE now!
Have a lovely day!!
XOXO,
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Mary Kaiser says
Wow, such a great fix! I think it is better than the orginal (don’t tell Brennan 🙂 ) I love that fabric inside the lid, and you may be an artist when it comes to arranging the transfers! Do not sell your self short, I bet you could do basket weaving also, I beleive that you can do anything because you are the most creative and talented person I know!!
Christy says
Aww you are always the sweetest, Mary! Thank you so much my friend! XOXO
Janette says
What a gorgeous makeover, this looks so pretty, and so glad you didn’t chuck it in the bin.x
Christy says
Thank you so much, Janette! I am too! XOXO
Larissa ~ Prodigal Pieces says
Good on ya dor not quitting on it! 🙌🏻 It looks fantastic now and will serve many more years. Gotta love thos kid memories.
Christy says
Thanks, Larissa! I’m so glad I was able to fix it lol! XOXO
Bev w says
I actually like it better. Love the layers!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Bev! XOXO
Denise Cox says
As usual, love it (and the blue)!! But, more than that, LOVE the stencil and how you overlapped the flowers !! Sooo pretty!! I swear, you ARE “The QUEEN OF STENCIL”…😉👸🏼
Christy says
Thank you so much, Denise! This is one of my favorite colors ever lol. I could’ve just kept on going with those flowers ha ha! XOXO
Janice Holt says
I knew you would fit this basket and did you ever. It turned out so pretty and the transfers go perfect with it. Then the nice surprise when you open it and see the lovely fabric. You will be needing it one day to put a grandchild’s toys in or maybe they will just play with Brennan’s toys. Glad your back is better and always love seeing your Halloween decorations.
Christy says
Thank you, Janice! I almost like it better now lol. And yes, those toys will probably still be in there by the time Jack has littles! That time will be here before you know it! XOXO
Cheryl Atkinson says
Hi Christy! Another great save. Everytime you use a new transfer I think I have to get it. So pretty.
Christy says
Thank you, Cheryl! I just want to use them all ha ha! XOXO
Cory says
This is a gorgeous upcycle, love! So fresh and pretty. Fabulous job but also so generous in sharing your tips and skills with us! ♥️♥️♥️
Christy says
Aww Thank you so much, Cory! It is always a pleasure to share! XOXO
Cletia says
Wow!! This turned out great Christy! Much better than the original
Christy says
Thank you so much, Cletia! I like it better too! Have a fabulous week, my friend! XOXO
Denise - Salvaged Inspirations says
It looks beautiful Christy – elevated and way better than the original top! XOXO
Christy says
Thank you so much, my beautiful friend! It never knew it could be so fancy lol! XOXO
Kathy from Jax says
What a great fixer upper you did. I love the color and the transfer you used. I understand about not gettting rid of the toys. My mother kept many of our childhood toys and passed them down to us. I like to place them under my Christmas tree for decoration. Visitors are always amazed that I still have so many. They bring back so many memories. And…. I’m so happy you’re getting out the Halloween decorations. I show your video to many of my friends. I can’t wait to see what you do this year. I’m off to see what your trash to treasure friends are up to today.
Christy says
Hi Kathy! Thank you! I have a bunch of the boys’ toys that I just don’t have the heart to get rid of. Some are just fun memories for me and they don’t even remember them lol. I don’t have many from my own childhood, so maybe that’s why. Great idea to put them under the tree! And yes! I am so excited to be able to get my Halloween decorating done! It’s almost there. Have a great week! XOXO
Cyndi says
Beautiful job! I’m so glad you could save this darling basket. (My motto is Never Throw Anything Away. 😉 I looove that transfer and the fabric!
Christy says
I’m so glad you like it, Cyndi! Thank you! XOXO
Niki says
Very cute, and a great idea to store toys in it. I see stacked baskets or vintage luggage a lot. I always think if I did that it would be a hot mess. I like the blue, and the transfer together- and I’ve always liked that fabric!
Christy says
Thank you, Niki! This set of baskets has been wonderful for collecting all those tiny toy parts. I’ve never been good at making my kids keep their toys in their rooms, so this is a good alternative. I love the look of stacked suitcases also! Such great extra storage! XOXO
ROBIN says
YEA! SO, GLAD YOUR BACK IS FEELING BETTER. AND MOST PLEASE THE YOUR DECORATIONS ARE GOING UP. I LOVE WHEN YOU DECORATE FOR HALLOWEEN!!! BE SAFE!! SEE YOU SOON ADMIRING YOUR IMAGINATION!!!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Robin! I am so thrilled to be able to decorate this year! I was really afraid it wasn’t going to happen. I’m not quite done, but it has been really fun! XOXO
Sharon L Austin says
Much pretty now anyway! I love the interior of the lid.
Christy says
Thank you, Sharon! I don’t think this basket ever knew it could be so fancy lol! XOXO
Mary says
Love how you remade this basket, Christy! Glad you stuck with it and transformed the top…looks ah-mazing! Very clever and creative and will be a keepsake for years to come!
Christy says
Thank you, Mary! I’m so glad I don’t have to look at that broken basket lid every time I walk into my living room lol. XOXO
Leslie says
A genius fix and gorgeous result!
I recently met someone who works in the movie industry here in Alberta. Her job is in the props department. She doesn’t have a great deal of time with her filming schedule, but has offered to help me with my refinishing projects. I am so excited to finally get started. I have a little homemade stool I bought for $5.00. I’ll pass along before and after pictures. But first I need to start a 2 x 8 foot embroidery panel due December 1st.
All my best to you …. /leslie
Christy says
Thank you, Leslie! Oh fun! It’s always more fun to create with friends! Enjoy! XOXO
Marcie Lovett says
Great save, Christy. No one has time to reweave a basket like that! Now it looks even better than before, although I had my bet on stripes 😉 The fabric reflects the transfer so well – excellent solution, and even better than painting it blue if it were wood. If you decide to let it go, I bet it will sell quickly.
Christy says
Ain’t nobody got time for basket weaving LOL! Thank you, Marcie! That’s exactly right… I don’t have time for that, but this I can do! Glad I was able to “fix” it! XOXO
Patty says
Look what that sweet “little” boy did – helped his mom make this basket more beautiful the second time around!!❤️
Christy says
Ha ha he sure did! He must have known it could be so much more lol! Thanks, Patty! XOXO
Val says
What a great fix! I probably would have just tossed the broken basket in the trash. I love seeing your creativity.
Christy says
Thank you, Val! I was about to toss it until I realized there was a frame of sorts on the top part. Game changer! XOXO
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
Super cute save, Christy! “This basket still won’t support the weight of a little boy…” LOL! That sure sounds like something my 7 year old son would test out. 🙂
Christy says
Thanks, Jen! Ha ha! Gotta love our boys! XOXO
Petra says
You fixed it up beautifully and colour-matched the paint perfectly! SO many uses but just keep those toys in it! Well done you! xo
Christy says
Thank you, Petra! I think I will hang onto those toys ha ha! XOXO
Michele M. says
WOW!! What a GREAT save! It’s gorgeous! And a funny-not-funny story.
Kids. What ya going to do, right? But you know how fast they grow up.
Love the basket better than original!!!!
Christy says
Aww thanks so much, Michele! I just couldn’t be mad at that little face? At 12 though, he might be in trouble lol! They do grow up so fast! XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
That’s the prettiest fix ever!! Love it!! xo
Christy says
Thank you so much, my blogging bestie!! XOXO