I had a great post for you today…basket story and all.
But…..my computer, WordPress or the internet ate it. Yes, great tears were shed. Ugly mascara running down my face.
My post was finished, but I had to go in and add a couple of things. It just vanished before my eyes.
So for now, it will just have to be the nitty gritty….however you spell it. It's way past my bedtime……I mean way past!
I've dried my tears and cleaned off my face. Big girl panties are on.
This month's challenge is Decorating with Baskets.
I've had this basket for many years. It was a fixture during my early 90s country decor….I'm not taking French Country.
It has sat on the counter of the laundry room holding doo dads and such. It was just too light in color to go with my decor. So glad it never found its way into the donation box. It's a great shape and sturdy.
When we decided on a basket theme, I knew I needed to use this.
Here is what I did:
- I spray painted the basket with a gray primer. I wanted gray peeking through so spray paint was easy for the first coat.
- Then I dry brushed Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. Dry brushing allows a little gray to show through.
- I then used a foam brush to apply a dark brown glaze in small sections at a time.
- After brushing on the glaze, I wiped it off paper towels.
- After that dried, I applied a coat of matte finish spray poly.
The arrow is pointing to the part that has been glazed. See the difference?
It now has a nice, weathered finish making it perfect for the family room coffee table.
I simply styled it with a white pitcher from a clearance shelf from Home Goods last year, vintage oil from eBay, 2 books and my birds.
You know I love using carnations from the grocery. They are so inexpensive and last forever. I did cut a few springs from the ivy in a pot on the patio.
Lighting wasn't my challenge today….it was Bentley. He wanted to play. I get him out of the chair and he'd jump right back. Finally had to throw a tennis ball out of the room for him to chase so I could get a shot……but he's a cutie.
The tray lightens up the space visually and adds texture.
I'm definitely going to enjoy adding this tray to my decorating rotation.
Last month I used a basket in the One Space, Three Ways Challenge.
Do you have a basket you'd like to makeover or basket decorating ideas you'd like to share? Be sure to join the Facebook group. Information is below.
Be sure to visit these fabulous ladies below and see what they did for our basket challenge!!
Our Southern Home • Restoration Redoux • Confessions of a Serial Do-It-Yourselfer •
Artsy Chicks Rule • Refresh Restyle • Top This Top That
Are you ready to participate with us? You can!!! We wanted to give you a chance to share your amazing decorating tips and projects and to ask questions and advice, so we have created a forum specifically to do that on Facebook. Visit the Decorating Enthusiasts page HERE to begin chiming in and sharing what you have done.
Here is the challenge for May. Hope you will join us!
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Lori J Leeper says
This technique looks awesome! I never would have thought of the brown glaze. That gave it just the perfect tone! Love it!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Lori! I love a great thrifty makeover!
Doreen says
What did we ever do before chalk paint? The tray looks great!
Jolene says
Once again, paint really transforms a piece. I love the structure and texture of this basket, but in it’s original form, it wasn’t very appealing to me. Now–I’d love to have it! It’s a great find and great makeover! Lesson learned: look past the color!
Christy says
Thanks so much! Paint can really transform!
martina says
Very pretty makeover Christy…love the way you styled it too! What a pretty photo of Bentley…so cute!
Christy says
I love it, Christy! I am definitely going to try this. I have similar issues with my four year old trying to keep him out of my shots ha ha!
Christy says
Too funny! Thanks Christy!
Chloe Crabtree says
First off, Bentley is so darn cute, he adds, not distracts from your photographs and posts! I certainly can understand your technology crisis. In our community they have been laying fiber optic internet lines which for some reason has had our internet going down for hours at a time. This is not fun and I really don’t want to move into Panera to get my blog posts done. Now, to the business at hand, your beautiful basket! I can see how as it originally was did look a little out of date and out of place, but, WOW, I love what you did with it! I have been dividing my time between two condominiums and have not really had the space for much crafting for the past two years, but I am moving into a new (to us) home the end of May and cannot wait to start creating and decorating! I have yet to try chalk paint but am already thinking about an old black armoire that needs a serious re-do! Thanks for your tips on how you transformed this basket! Hugs! Chloe
Christy says
Chloe, I can’t wait to hear all about your new home! How exciting! I so look forward to hearing from you! Thanks! Hugs friend.
laura says
he sure is a cutie….and so is your basket. don’t you just love how are pets just always want to be with us. I love the new color.
Christy says
Bentley is like my baby until Ashlyn returns from school then it’s all about her! Lol! Thanks bunches!
Nancy says
Love your basket…and your sweet pup!! 🙂
Sorry you lost your post but this one is just fine!!!
xo
Nancy
Christy says
Thanks Nancy!!!