If there’s one thing that I always look for, it’s a thrifted picnic basket.

Why?

Well, they have endless uses, don’t you agree? Check out this one below.

It’s not only in great shape for the most part, but it’s also a BIG basket handmade by Red Man Basket Company.

I’ve sold several of these in my store over the years. This time around, I want to add a little whimsy to this one while I make a few repairs.

Also, take a peek at my past picnic basket projects:

• Vintage Picnic Basket
• Upcycled Picnic Baskets
• DIY Insulated Picnic Basket
• and many uses in my home from my embroidery floss storage to just summer adventures as well as a couple custom requests from clients

Do you have any in your home?

REPAIR TIME

As you can imagine, there are endless ways to update a thrifted picnic basket. For this one, I need to do a few things before getting started.

First, the lid has bowl/pot rings on top as well as other wear.

On the inside is custom riser that allows even more functionality.

While the base is in great shape, the side are showing wear with a few punctures and stains.

However, the outside base ring is made of a layered paperboard that has normal wear. In order to get that to uncurl and relax, I lightly moisten it with water and gently smooth it out.

After that, I use wood glue to adhere flaking and loose wicker back in place.

WHIMSICAL TOUCHES

Next, it’s time for some DIY for this thrifted picnic basket. With my recent DIY arched wainscoting reveal fresh on my mind, I want to add some curves.

To do that I find center of my basket and mark with chalk (this will absorb into the paint)

Then, I mark sections 2.5″ apart from top to bottom.

Last, but not least, I use a few household items to make the curves and eyeball them as well. I found inspiration with this handmade basket HERE.

Using a square artist’s brush of the dollar store variety, I paint in each section with a few muted earth tones from recent remodel projects.

At the same time, I also give the hinges a fresh look with a soft gold paint. Of course, I clean them first.

PICNIC TIME!

Consider yourself invited for a virtual picnic. Whatcha bringin’?

I’ll bring hand-squeezed limeade with some aged cheeses and crackers.

Okay… now I’m hungry.

Say… AAAAHHHH…

Hopefully this makeover makes you smile.

I know I am because it reminds me of past projects from the colors I used:

• red and white both from my old master bedroom
• dark taupe from my son’s bedroom trim
• light taupe from my entry makeover
• blue from a few recent smaller projects courtesy of my daughter saving a new full can from a landfill

And that completes my thrifted picnic basket makeover.

On to find the next one!

SHARE

As always, I share to bring inspiration as well as, hopefully, a smile. Do leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others. What would you do with your own picnic basket?

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While you’re at it, here are more DIYs like this thrifted picnic basket: