Who’s game for a picnic? Today, I’m in the mood for a vintage picnic basket makeover. Isn’t this a beautiful vintage piece?
Unfortunately, it’s a bit damaged and looking a little rough. Not only is the handle is busted off, but also the interior isn’t as pretty as it has potential to be. Likewise, you can see my past picnic basket makeovers HERE.
Who’s ready to see the vintage beauty revived? Let’s have at it! What is more, you’ll see the other gal’s projects in a bit.
REVIVAL
First, I need to address that broken handle. When looking closely, the handles were attached into the braided edge with a bent nail, but not all the way through the basket edge. However, if I want to make this stable for future use, I’m needing to remedy that. Further, I use my tools to pry off the handles and give them a new coat of paint.
Then, I head to my local hardware store (skip the big box stores, folks) and get new hardware.
Next, while I wait for the handles to cure, I tackle the picnic basket itself. I begin by taping off the diamond design and painting the interior and exterior with a custom mixed soft green color.
Last, once I have that base coat on, I remove the tape and patiently highlight those beautiful caning details in the exterior of the basket. I want to give a nod to the original designer and era while updating it. What is more, this gives me a chance to add my own personal touches – a sort of therapy to let my brain unload.
FINISHING TOUCHES
As a result to the damaged handles, I need to make holes in that frame that will allow me to add the new hardware to support the weight of a filled basket. First, I use my drills to tap into the basket frame. That being the case, I also need to enlarge the basket handle holes as well using the same drill bit.
Likewise, at the same time, I also want to add a bit of whimsy to the basket lid. I mean, who doesn’t love some fun, right?
PICNIC ANYONE?
Finally, my vintage picnic basket makeover is complete. It came from broken and dilapidated to a new lease on life.
Not only does the new hardware revive the function of this basket, but it also adds that lovely metallic touch. Also, here is a look at the party happening on the top.
By the way, there’s still plenty of room for fun on the inside. What would you take on your picnic? In all honesty, I’d take my kids (tee hee). They are my best friends that I absolutely adore spending my time with, in any form. I have such fond memories of just simply being in nature enjoying the blessings from God all around me.
While my goal is always to inspire you to give DIY a try, I also hope you enjoy my creative adventures too.
SHARE
In addition to leaving me some comment love below, also take a minute to pin and share this makeover fun so others will be inspired too.
Last , but not least, be sure to sign up for my newsletter to see the end result of this vintage bench below.
Also, more creative jaunts like this vintage picnic basket:
LOVE this!!! Soooo darned cute!!! I shared this with my sister who has never met a picnic basket she didn’t love. She uses them as end tables, storage and art. This definitely is an art piece!!! ???
How fun is that?!? You both a kindred spirits and we’d have fun with baskets! tee hee. Thank you, Rebecca.
I just found you, thanks ti Artsy Chicks Rule! I love how you took that worn-out looking basket and gave it new life. I love baskets and one of the ones I’ll be refurbishing soon is an old picnic basket.
I’m so glad you found me, Stephanie! 😀 You are a kindred spirit.
This picnic basket revival turned out great! I love the diamond pattern and the colors that you chose. I have a question about the hardware pieces that you purchased for the handles; what are they called? I’ve never seen anything like them before.
Thanks so much! Ya know, I normally dig stuff out myself, but this time I just asked the guy and he pulled them out of those boxes holding hardware and then I asked for washers…DONE. I could find out, but not sure at the moment.
Picnic baskets are getting harder to find in thrift stores but I keep looking! Love the detail and how you did the top. Nice work!
They make such great storage for anything, really. Treasures to have for sure!
Just a lovely rebirth… this make-over makes my heart happy! Picnic baskets are precious treasures in this day & age of instant everything, brings back a pace & time where we made our own food, found an inspiring place to break bread with people we love & thank God for all those blessings…so meaningful. Keep inspiring us!
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Yes, a time to just be and be with those we love…as it was meant to be.
This turned out so pretty! I love how you brought out the diamond details!
I had to make those shine. 😀 Thank you, Audra!
OMGosh, i love the pattern design you added/created on the side! It looks amazing Larissa! XOXO
Those were too pretty to hide. I just love these baskets! Thank you, Denise.
I did a crewel picture years ago like the one you have in one of your pictures – same frame and everything! I enjoy your posts – thank you.
That is so awesome! I just love fiber art. Great minds! Thank you for the smile, Margie.
Larissa, this basket turned out so cute! I love that makeover!
I’m so tickled to hear it, Donna. It took me hours, but I feel it deserved it. Thanks!
I love how you highlighted that pattern with paint…so pretty!! XOXO
My eyes were popping out by the time I was done, but I’m glad I did it. Thanks, girl!
Awesome, it’s so beautiful now, Larissa! xoxo
Thank you bunches, Nancy. 😀
Adorable basket update Larissa!
Thank you. It was a doozy to figure out the handles and repairs, but not too hard.
Fun and playful Larissa! I like the diamond pattern and the colors you chose. For some reason I can’t reply to Mommy Deer but the screws for the handles are rivet screws I believe.
Thanks! Yes, I believe that’s what they are, but I remember a different name of sorts from the label on the box. Haste makes waste, right? haha. I’ll figure it out and update.
Hi Larissa! I love the way it came out. Great job!!
happy dancing over here!! 😀 Thank you, Cheryl. It was fun to do.
I love your picnic basket upcycle. I have a similar basket. Do you think acrylic paint would work on this basket? What kind of paint did you use?
Thank you.
Leslie
Hi Leslie, and thanks! Yes, I used acrylic paints and that would be perfect. I hope you have fun with it!