A Treasure From Trash
Turn plain, green paper berry baskets from the supermarket into handsome containers for holding all sorts of items. These baskets come in 3 or 4 sizes so they will hold a variety of shapes. When covered with pretty paper and varnished with a shiny finish they look like fine ceramic cache pots and they are waterproof.
Paper Disguise
Use wallpaper, wrapping paper or Contact to cover the berry basket. You'll also need white glue, a sponge scissors a pencil, and clear spray varnish.
Easy Does It
Use the basket to trace and cut a piece of paper for each side, inside and out, as well as the bottom. Cut each piece slightly larger than the actual tracing to allow for overlap at the edges. Glue each piece to the basket. The bottom of the inside and underside should be glued last. Let dry for a half hour then spray all sides, inside and out with clear varnish. This will take minutes to dry and should be repeated three or four times. The varnish gives the basket a high gloss. It will be sturdy, waterproof, and china-like in appearance. Suddenly a scrap material becomes elegant.
Planters
The small size basket will fit neatly on a windowsill and can be used to hold small plants or herbs. Group several to create a centerpiece.
Desk Set
Choose a graphic or geometric pattern for a desk set. Black and white checkerboard self-adhesive paper is shiny and waterproof. No varnish necessary.
A Great Notion
Use a calico-like print for holding spools of thread or other sewing notions. Trim the edge with rick rack or grosgrain ribbon.
Baby Shower
Cover a berry basket with a baby theme, wrapping paper and fill it with cotton balls, powder, etc. to bring with a shower gift or to the hospital. Or, fill with a small African violet plant and choose matching paper to wrap the berry basket.
Cosmetic Container
Wrap several of these baskets with leftover wallpaper from your bathroom or bedroom. Line them on a shelf or place in a convenient spot in the bathroom to hold cosmetics, nail polish, make-up remover pads.
Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted by permission HouseNet, Inc.