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updated COUNTRY FRENCH

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Sewing Basket turned Picnic Hamper

By Anita 28 Comments

As you can see, I’m still on the front porch.  It’s beautiful outdoors so I am just looking for an excuse to stay out here.  This basket was inherited and I almost didn’t keep it, but then I thought, “What would Peggy do?” and I realized the answer was “Keep it!!”  She’s on a tight budget and that really does force you to be creative.  You know what they say, “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  So here’s what it looked like when we first got it.  I’m pretty sure it was meant to be a sewing basket.

Sometime I spray paint wicker, but in this case, I just painted it with homemade chalky paint using a brush.  (Click here to see my recipe.) I decided to try this for a more rustic finish.  I thought if I painted it, it would make a darling picnic hamper.
I like the finish, but might redo it with white spray paint later.  Yes, another redo of my redo might be in store, but for now, I am happy with it.

It’s big enought to hold enough for a light snack.  Since we are always looking for a new place at the ranch for a picnic, I love having lots of baskets around.   We just moved my wrought iron table and chairs over to the creek so I think this picnic hamper will be put to good use having a picnic down there. I also brought out my vintage French enamelware pitcher I bought on eBay.  What can I say? I’m in love!!

I mean, who wouldn’t be?  Look at that spout and the rust!!

Oh, it’s so glorious to be outdoors right now with the azaleas blooming, I was looking for an excuse to come outside.

Does the table look familiar?  Oh yes, it’s the same one I have shown here. Glad I kept basket, thanks Peggy!  Are you ready for a picnic? I’ll bring the food!!
P.S. I decided I would like the basket better if the paint were more even, so I just spray-painted it just a bit to even out the paint.  (I’m telling you instead of my family, since I know you won’t think I’m crazy.)
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Filed Under: homemade chalky paint, Project, vintage

Comments

  1. Deserae says

    March 23, 2012 at 21:44

    Your little basket turned out so cute! I would have never guessed it is a sewing basket…it looks like just the perfect size for a snack :o) Your enamelware pitcher is so beautiful…I love that color!!! Have a great weekend :o)
    ~Des

    Reply
  2. Rebecca says

    March 23, 2012 at 22:02

    Of course you’re not “crazy”! What a sweet basket AND enamel pitcher!

    Reply
  3. Bliss says

    March 23, 2012 at 22:52

    We’ll only think you are crazy if now that it’s spray painted you decide to sand some of the paint back off.

    Did you uncork the vino?

    ~Bliss~

    Reply
  4. Korrie@RedHenHome says

    March 23, 2012 at 23:28

    Super cute! And yes, the pitcher is fabulous!

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    March 24, 2012 at 00:25

    So pretty! It made the perfect picnic hamper! And I love your blue pitcher!
    PS Aren’t you just loving this weather?

    Reply
  6. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 24, 2012 at 00:28

    What a gorgeous setting, and that basket is perfect as a lunch hamper. and honey, that enameled pitcher is just glorious! Enjoy your beautiful days out there!!

    Reply
  7. Anne says

    March 24, 2012 at 01:17

    Sweet! I love the little hints of colour peeking out. Great job!

    Reply
  8. Amy Kinser says

    March 24, 2012 at 01:49

    That blue pitcher is fantastically fabulous!

    Love that you kept the basket and fixed it to meet your needs and desires. I love when people think out of the box.

    Have a great weekend, my friend.

    Reply
  9. Charm Bracelet Diva says

    March 24, 2012 at 05:03

    I love that pitcher, too! And I’m jealous of the azaleas, we’ve always had trouble growing them here, not sure why. Happy spring!

    Reply
  10. JoAnne Weisser says

    March 24, 2012 at 13:00

    Anita ~ Where are you? I’ve been waiting and waiting!! I have the picnic blanket all spread out and we keep looking for you to show up with your adorable picnic basket all packed with a yummy snack! And btw, bring your enamelware pitcher too ~ I may need to “borrow” it! : )

    Reply
  11. Katherines Corner says

    March 24, 2012 at 13:42

    I love it!!!!! Smooches and Hugs!

    Reply
  12. Peggy says

    March 25, 2012 at 00:04

    Well done! It looks so much better that it’s original/inherited state. While I would say “keep it” – you are the one who brings things alive with your creative ideas. Wish I could be part of that lovely picnic.

    Reply
  13. Shannon @ Cozy Home Scenes And Cozy Home Kitchen says

    March 25, 2012 at 00:47

    I love baskets, regardless of what they are used for. This one is just the right size for a picnic for one or two, so you were clever to think to use it this way. We’ll keep the redo of a redo our little secreat, okay? Hope you’re having a great weekend Anita.

    Reply
  14. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    March 25, 2012 at 01:31

    I love your basket! It’s a perfect picnic basket now and so special that it was you MIL’s! Your table and chair set looks great and so ready for a day of fun! The enamelware pitcher is perfect for this! Lovely!

    Reply
  15. Revi says

    March 25, 2012 at 04:48

    It makes a charming picnic basket, Anita! 🙂
    -Revi

    Reply
  16. Anne says

    March 25, 2012 at 14:15

    Anita,
    That looks much better.Love that white.And that blue pitcher looks so pretty on your table.I can see those lovely flowers in the background.

    Reply
  17. Tracey@Breathing English Air says

    March 25, 2012 at 14:37

    Lol, you’d redone your redo before I’d done reading about it!
    I love picnics. We used to take picnics with us a lot when we took the kids out when they were smaller, they used to think it was a great adventure.

    Reply
  18. Robyn @ Robyn♥s Nest says

    March 25, 2012 at 20:26

    I love what you did with the basket. The blue & white cloth inside makes me especially happy (oh yeah, and the wine too). 🙂 Robyn

    Reply
  19. JennyLynn says

    March 25, 2012 at 22:29

    very refreshing idea, just in time for spring.

    Reply
  20. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    March 26, 2012 at 12:18

    Anita, You have a good eye and good sense to save that family heirloom. I don’t know if I would have seen the possibilities… but you did and it is such a great and interesting picnic basket.
    The sewing basket has a new life and it is just gorgeous. I love the shape, square and not a rectangle. It looks so pretty nestled in your flowering bush with the pretty blue and white picnic blanket peeking out from the sides. I have so much Longaberger sitting in my basement… maybe I’ll paint a piece or two.

    I am so happy to be blogging again, because I have certainly missed visiting my blogging friends!
    Yvonne

    Reply
  21. Kelly @ NJ History says

    March 27, 2012 at 01:09

    Oooh very pretty.

    Reply
  22. Vickie @ Ranger 911 says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:48

    What a lovely place to sit with your new “pic-a-nic” basket!

    Reply
  23. reFresh reStyle says

    March 27, 2012 at 13:52

    I love the basket and the pitcher! It looks great!
    Debbie

    Reply
  24. Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes says

    March 28, 2012 at 00:58

    Thank you so much for joining my party, Anita. I was so pleased when I saw it was you. Your projects are always nice and I enjoy reading the stories about each piece that you show. —— Shannon

    Reply
  25. Shabby chic Sandy says

    March 30, 2012 at 23:32

    That picnic basket looks fantastic! Now I want to head off to Goodwill and find myself one!

    Reply
  26. On Crooked Creek says

    March 31, 2012 at 20:43

    Anita,
    I adore how you refurbished the sewing basket!!! Looks as if you’re all set to enjoy the seasonal weather with a friend! Great idea!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply
  27. ~Betty says

    April 1, 2012 at 01:41

    oh, I love these. I’ve always had a thing for picnic baskets. I’m your new follower. I hope you will come follow me, I just started my blog yesterday 🙂
    betty-southerngrace.blogspot.com

    Reply
  28. Chubby Chieque says

    April 1, 2012 at 08:37

    Absolutely stunning idea. Love your idea with the chalk.

    I love wrickers too and they are hard to handle with paint.

    Happy Sunday,
    /CC

    Reply

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