I struck thrifter’s gold the other day (or, more like thrifter’s silver) when I spotted a wire bread basket on the Goodwill shelves. In fact, I spotted SEVERAL wire bread baskets. They were perfectly tarnished (i.e., patina!) and in need of a new purpose in life. As I studied the collection of wire baskets, I pondered the idea of transforming them in various ways.
They were priced to move- so I snagged three of the wire bread baskets, each one a different shape.
They were grubby as all get out, and I mulled different ways to upcycle them. Paint was a must, and I kept coming back to single plan.
Weaving some farmhouse ribbon in the “spokes” of each wire basket.
Before I could truly get started, I used some silver wipes on the wire bread baskets to remove the grime. Since I was painting them, I didn’t want to “seal” that grossness in underneath the makeover!
Once that was done, I was ready to put my plan into action!
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Transforming a Wire Bread Basket with Galvanized Spray Paint
Now that the wire bread baskets were clean, I set up my spray painting station outside and used a galvanized spray paint on them.
It really is my favorite spray paint to get that weathered metal look!
You may be wondering, “Why paint them silver when they’re already silver?”. Because when I’m done with my upcycling idea, I won’t be able to polish them again. So, using a galvanized spray paint will preserve the dark (but clean) silver-grey color that I want.
Next, I gave them two light coats of clear matte top coat to keep the galvanized silver paint from chipping as easily.
In order to not waste ribbon, I used some cooking twine to measure out how much I’d need for each ribbon by weaving it through the metal basket. Then, I used the twine as my template for cutting the farmhouse ribbon.
Once I had cut the lengths of ribbon that I needed, I began to weave it through the bread baskets.
After hot-gluing the ribbon ends together inside the wire bread basket, I wove the next piece of farmhouse ribbon directly beneath the first, in the opposite pattern.
From there, I just continued to weave the burlap ribbon in and out around the metal basket.
Upcycling a Wire Bread Basket into a Woven Bowl
A few minutes later, I was done. I had completely transformed the bread basket into something more contemporary!
I absolutely LOVED how it turned out, and it has the look of industrial farmhouse decor that I just adore.
The wire bread basket that was oval-shaped didn’t come out quite as cleanly as I would have liked (being oblong and all). But I really liked the rougher burlap against the galvanized spray paint.
I need to look for a narrower burlap ribbon for oval shaped wire baskets, don’t you think?
And while it was hard to photograph, even a single strip of farmhouse ribbon at the top of the flower wire basket looks nice on its own. A change of pace but coordinates nicely with the others!
But talk about a basket weaving hack- this is a lot easier than working with natural fibers from scratch! And with vintage farmhouse decor all the rage, you can make a farmhouse bowl (or several!) for just a few dollars with this upcycling idea!
A word of warning, however- because of the spray paint and sealer, the surfaces of these baskets would no longer be considered food-safe. Please line your farmhouse wire basket with a towel or other linen to ensure that food does not come into direct contact with the project.
And If you enjoy upcycling ideas for vintage farmhouse decor, then you’ll love this windmill decor that I made from ceiling fan blades!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
That is such a great idea and looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Hugs,
Thanks, Sandi!
This is way cute! Always looking for a quick project for my antique/farmhouse/craft boot and this will be my next one – thank you 🙂
You are so very welcome!
I have a couple of those silver bread baskets. You came up with a great idea to upcycle them to Farmhouse style. Yeah!
Thanks, Sharon!
Thank you for sharing!
Clever idea to paint these! I scored two wire baskets recently too, one is a beautiful shiny copper and the other is a gold color with pearls in the spokes. I think they will go on the veranda as planter decorations.
Thank you so much, Carole!
I love how you made over the wire basket. Those were very popular back in the 80’s. I think I got 3 when I got married in 1988! Now I wish I had kept at least one and didn’t sell them in a yard sale!
Hahaha, isn’t that always the case? Now you just need to go thriftin’… 😉
Great look!
We would love for you to share your post with us at #CCBG http://tryit-likeit.com/link-party-it
Thanks for the invite, Janet- just linked up!
great and thanks, we pin every share
I love it!!!
Thank you so very much!!
I really love the way this looks–great idea.
Thank you so very much!
Seriously cool idea! I love it!
Thanks so much!
I have a bunch of those baskets. This is a wonderful idea for an update!
Thank you so very much!
A big improvement over what was! How did you measure with twine? Did you hold it up round & round, or did you weave with it first? I love it though.
I actually cut a long piece and wove it through- trimming so that there was about an inch overlap. It worked perfectly!
What a great idea…. and it makes the basket even more useful! 🙂
Thank you- and YES, it definitely does!!
I can relate with not having enough space in the cart sometimes! I once had an old school desk hanging on the edge of the cart so it would smash my goodies inside. Great score on the baskets!
Thanks, Audra!
I am in love with this idea. Thanks for sharing with us all. I wanted to invite you to come link up with us at Family Joy Blog Link Up Party. Sunday-Wednesday. Come join the fun http://ow.ly/6AqM30buZPq
Thank you so very much, Charlene!
That is so cool!! I love how it turned out!!
Thank you, Danielle!
This is such an attractive upcycle project! Those bread baskets have been popular over the years, so they’re fairly plentiful at yard sales and thrift stores. The spray painting and weaving completely change the look. Nice job!
Thank you so much! It was one of those projects that I wasn’t 100% sure would go over well…so I’m extra thrilled that you like it!
What a clever and lovely way to repurpose that basket, love it!
Thank you!! I was definitely on the fence when I posted it…but thankfully it’s been well-received. 🙂
This is such a lovely refresh – it looks amazing!
Thanks for sharing this on the Farmhouse Friday link party! 🙂
Great finds and you aced this one! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.
Thank you so very much!!
It’s me again! 🙂 This will be featured in tomorrow’s Farmhouse Friday link party!
I never get tired of hearing that, Michelle- thank you SO very much!
This is such an easy and creative idea!! loved it 🙂
Thank you so very much!
BRILLIANT!!!!! #wastenotwednesday
Thanks, girl!!
I think this turned out very nice! What a great way to bring new life to the basket! I’ve featured it in a roundup of inspiration for my sunroom here: http://www.heartfeltbalancehandmadelife.com/2017/05/10-amazing-diy-decor-ideas-to-inspire.html
Hope you have an excellent weekend. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lovely … you better get a few more of these because I already vision them for Christmas, spray painted red, green… in other words, the colours of the season … and weave especially plaid ribbons trough them?! Pine comes, dried berries … endless possibilities, lol!
By the way, you are the first DIY site that I have explored … your ideas are heavenly and your taste impeccable ?
Heide from Florida
Thank you so much, Heide- and your holiday idea is terrific!!
Perfect Perfect Perfect, these are so pretty and you are so clever!!!
Thank you, Katrin!!
Perfect gift for my one and only mother, thank you!
You are so very welcome!
I have one of those baskets around here someplace. Like what you did with it. I am going to find it and turn it into Farmhouse Basket. 🙂
I’m not a farmhouse kind of girl, but I’m going to paint my wire basket black and weave heavy white ribbon through it. Then I’m going to fill it with lemons!
Oh, that’ll look LOVELY, Pamela!!
What a great idea! The paint and weaving sure made a big difference.
Thanks, Linda!
So clever!
Thank you!