I discovered this nifty idea via Pinterest and quickly repined it to my "Simple Projects" board. The image and concept are originally from Martha Stewart Living, but I knew immediately this was a quick and easy way to transform my stash of mismatched country-style baskets that were piling up in the basement. Above is the MS version and here's what I came up with…
Armed with a can of spray paint (I used Valspar Premium Enamel, which dries super quick and gave stellar results), leftover flat paint from my ceilings and wide painter's tape — I quickly got to work. Unless you've never painted anything, this project doesn't really need instructions. Make sure the surface is dust free, tape off what you don't want painted and head to a ventilated and protected area where you can get to work. My only word of advice would be to make sure you rub over the tape a few times to make sure it really adheres to the basket.
For the taller basket, I thought I would try color-blocking the bottom portion using white paint and a paintbrush. If you use extra-wide painters tape or tape off a larger portion, there's no reason you couldn't use spray paint for the color-blocking as well (I just happened to have white flat paint already on hand). Obviously, you can use whatever color or color combination of paint that you want, but I really like the contrast given by leaving the handle natural. That's it, voilà, your mismatched baskets just got a simple metallic facelift!
(Images: 1. Johnny Miller for Martha Stewart Living via Pinterest; 2. Kimberly Watson)
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chic!
Not keen on the metallic but I've painted baskets white to match wicker furniture we had on hand. No longer have the wicker but one basket, covered with a cloth, now holds clutter neatly on the bathroom vanity. It's a great catch-all for stray hairbrushes, tubes of face goop and sunscreen and whatnot.
I like yours better!
Gotta admit that I like a little bling in my basket.
So pretty!
Flashback! Metallic GOLD paint was my mother's remedy for nearly every battered surface back in the 1960's!! (I think maybe silver is better!) (Copper could be fun, too...)
I still remember buying a sort of flat bowl-shaped hand made Native American basket at a flea market, loving it just as it was -- I still have it 40 years later -- and having the seller and my Mom agree that it could/should be spray painted gold (which is definitely is NOT!).
I think what makes Martha's baskets work so well is that they have very small, tight weave. The finished effect, to my eye, looks like hammered metal. I think the shape of the basket makes a difference too -- Martha's are reminiscent of hammered pewter pitchers and cooking toureens.
http://www.capecodcharms.com/AHWRetro/images/Toureen.jpg
http://p2.la-img.com/171/17924/6091054_1_l.jpg
http://image0-rubylane.s3.amazonaws.com/shops/barnsleys/068-1007.1L.jpg
I personally don't like the effect on this DIY version because the thick chunky weave on the basket missed the mark on the hammered metal trompe l'oeil.
Thrift store 45 cents.
I agree with Urbancricket. I think the nicer finish on Martha's version is partly due to the texture of the baskets she chose, and partly due to the warmer, shinier paint color choice.
I love your baskets...so chic!! Too bad I finally tossed all my baskets from th good old 70's, when they covered an entire kitchen wall...as was the 'apartment therapy' of the day..; ) Love how you 'styled' YOUR baskets!
Great idea. It's nice to see Martha's projects in a real person setting.
I really like the color blocking.
I have that same wide/low basket! It's a catchall for cat toys, hand weights, and gadget pouches. I'm seriously thinking about doing something similar. Thanks for the idea! Now to find a safe place to spray paint...
Those look really great! I want to try it! I just need baskets, and paint. Lacking in both right now! ;)