DIY painted baskets

I’ve been working really hard trying to build my basket wall {and by working really hard I mean going to thrift shops every now and then}. It’s EASY to find basic baskets at thrift stores but it’s hard to find super cool colorful baskets. I’ve splurged on a couple new african baskets because they are just so lovely.

I found a couple basic baskets at the thrift store the other day and I decided to paint them to add some more color and texture to the wall.
This is the wall after I did some painting and rearranging.

Supplies: painter’s tape, acrylic paint, small paint brushes, thrifted baskets.

Here are the two baskets I found at the thrift store. They both had a bit of staining and were about $1 each.

For the star shape I began by taping off a four-point star. I did it by sight and followed the lines of how the basket is woven. It’s not perfect but I didn’t mind.

Once the star was dry, I pulled up the tape and free-handed a gold outline.

Then I painted the sunburst in the middle free hand. You can use a stencil if you prefer {I’m just lazy!} Or you can sketch out the sunburst {or other design} with a pencil.

For the diamond, I taped the shape, again following the lines of how the basket is woven.

Then with a small brush I painted a blue line around the edge. It was easy to free hand.

I love the simplicity and the pop of color with the diamond.

The star shape is more subtle. I love a sunburst–for me it symbolizes hope. Read more about it here.

And there you have it! Painted baskets mixed with other thrifted baskets and some beautiful african baskets. Love.

What do you think? Would you try painting some baskets?