Friday, May 4, 2012

Upcycled Key Basket

I told you when I realized these wire baskets from the Dollar Tree were wire and not plastic - my brain went into overload with ideas.


First, I made this lampshade by just shaping and molding the basket until it resembled a cloche hat from the 1930's.


 Now, I keep thinking of things to make by cutting the basket apart.  This idea came from our need to have a basket by our back door to catch keys in.  I know I could put any number of containers there, but this seemed to fit just what I was looking for.



I measured up from the bottom of the wire trash can about 5 1/2 inches and cut all the way around the basket with wire cutters.  The wire is perfectly aligned from the top, so it is easy to figure out where to cut.


After I removed the top portion of the basket, I started bending the sides of the bottom into an arc.  I kept turning the basket in my hands, repeating the same bends and flaring the top until I was satisfied with the shape. 


This basket started out black, but I prefer antique white in this space - so I spray painted it.  I think some of the paint will chip off as keys are thrown in, but the antique white with black chips showing through suits me fine.

Edward inherited several hundred old postcards from his grandmother.
They are all very wonderful, and I'd love to share some with you from time to time. 
This one was mailed in 1903.  Look at the handwriting! 

I have another idea to show you tomorrow that I made from the top portion of the basket.  I hope you will come back to see.

Thanks for stopping by,

Ellie


PS - I'm not finding the wire baskets at the Dollar Tree right now.  I did purchase some recently, but didn't find any this week.  I know they've run out before and then restocked.  I hope they will be back soon.



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2 comments:

I LOVE your ideas and comments. Thanks for taking the time :)

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