Friday, September 21, 2012

~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...

12 comments:

Donna said...

Oooh, la, la! What a wonderful transformation! Now that is thinking outside the basket:)

White Lace and Promises said...

Is there anything you can't do?

Shabby chic Sandy said...

I am so glad I got on the computer. What an adorable basket! Thinking ahead to Christmas what great gifts you could put in this--you have me thinking.

I have to tell you something because I think you have a sense of humor--my daughter always says when I look at your blog "Mom, why are you listening to that depressing music again!". I told her it was your blog music and it was calming. She says it is depressing, not calming. So she thinks you might want to throw in a little Justin Bieber or One Direction and lighten the mood a bit. Kids! Now I laugh everytime I hear your music start.

Have a good day!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Ooooh, beautiful, Rebecca! Although, I think the basket itself had some good bones to it. Such a great idea to use the liner to make the new one. And what a liner it is! I just love it all ~ the ruffles, the ties and your embellishments.

Anne said...

Rebecca,
So glad you did not throw that out! What a beautiful transformation!
xx
Anne

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Your 'ugly duckling' basket turned our really chic, Rebecca.
Speaking of your music, Hubby and I love it! Thanks for sharing and have a delightful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Rebecca,

That was a fast tutorial on making something pretty! You are right, throwing something out is the LAST option.
Enjoy the wedding.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! What a great idea to use a dark wax treatment on that basket! It turned out so fantastic!!!
I have got to break down and buy me some of that paint and wax!

bee blessed
mary

Ginger said...

Love the basket, so pretty. Today is the magical day. We decorated yesterday and it is beautiful.. Excited you are coming.

XO
Ginger

Ginger said...

Love the basket, so pretty. Today is the magical day. We decorated yesterday and it is beautiful.. Excited you are coming.

XO
Ginger

Linda said...

What a fun basket makeover Rebecca! You amaze me.

I used to be more creative than I am now. But I sure do enjoy seeing your creations!

Enjoy the fair...and the wedding!

Love, Linda

~CC Catherine said...

Oh Rebecca, I just LOVE makeovers. This basket went from rags to RICHES basking in all the lovely neutral shades of white and cream/beige. You are so GIFTED my dear! So glad that you didn't decide to hide your talents.... Great CREATION! ;)

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