~FRENCH WHITE BASKET MAKEOVER TUTORIAL~

See the photo of the sweet basket above?  Well...today I'm going to show you how I got it to look this way!  Ready???

 A couple of months ago while helping my momma
move to her new place she gave me this

UGLY BASKET! 

I'm sure it was gifted to her and probably came full of some sort of bath goods!  My mother knows I'm not one to throw anything out.  Even if I hate something I'll generally donate it before opting to go the landfill route!

Anyway...as I said she gifted me with the basket and since that day it's sat on my "I-MIGHT-DO-SHELF" waiting for a turn at a makeover!

Today I'm showing you how she was transformed.  Betcha it's going to make you think twice before you toss out something equally as crummy!
REMEMBER...THINK OUTSIDE THE BASKET!

I started by giving the basket a sloppy coating of dark wax by Annie Sloan and then wiping off the excess so it only settled into the grooves.  Basket was previously painted white!

While the wax was drying I started the lining makeover...

 I cut the purple check lining down the seems and added 1/2" to make up for the fabric that was cut away.  Instead of serging my seams I used a French Seam (blind seam) for the inside.

I made the new lining for the basket out of a natural white linen and opted to added vintage crochet lace and tattered ruffles (un-hemmed) to the the sides.

I sewed all the pieces together paying close attention to how the original one had been assembled.  Along the top edge of the new liner I turned it down about 1/4", placed the crochet lace on the underneath side and top stitched it in place.

Next I made two gathered ruffles to fit the length of each side of the basket.  The ruffles were then stitched in place just above the stop stitching for the crochet lace.  I wanted the lace to show underneath so the ruffles aren't too deep.

Next in line was making new ties for the ends.  The original purple checked ties were wimpy and short so I tripled the length of them and made them about 1 1/4" wide (before folding in half).

 I top stitched the ties together and then lightly frayed the edges before stitching them onto the liner at the end.

Here they are all tied up!

 Ruffle and lace side view!

 After the lining was assembled and tied onto the basket, vintage millinery flowers were added to one side, loops of ruched up rayon ribbon and a bit of vintage bling!

 Here's a close-up!

 And here she is again!  The final reveal!

Destined for the TRASH this sweet little basket was given new life.  Perfect for a bath or vanity or even sweet filled up with gourmet soup and cornbread mix for a fabulous Fall treat for a good friend.

Hope you days is wonderful!  My Mr. AGPMan and I are going BACK to the Fair with Miss K and tomorrow we are all attending the wedding of Tammy from Tammy's Heart.  Busy weekend and we even get to dress up!  HOW FUN!

Love to you...