This, my friends, is what I like to call a “Post-Christmas Christmas Project”, if that makes any sense. It all started with this vintage picnic basket that I found on a thrift store shelf. I thought it had the cutest shape (like a small suitcase) and I chuckled over how dainty it seemed- compared to normal picnic baskets. It was, in fact, not much larger than a magazine (length- and width-wise, not depth-wise). And that’s when I decided it would be PERFECT for my endless collection of Christmas magazines.
It was in decent shape, structure-wise, with the only real blemish being bits of glued-on paper on one side. It was as if packaging had once been glued on and then ripped off hastily.
I knew I wanted to use it as a Christmas storage container for Christmas magazines. Which meant I didn’t really need to give it a makeover.
But, who am I kidding? OF COURSE I’M GOING TO GIVE IT A MAKEOVER.
Since I had thought that this wicker picnic basket looked like a little suitcase from the start, that’s the makeover direction I took. With a little paint and some Christmas ribbon, I would transform him into vintage luggage!
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Creating a Storage Container for Christmas Magazines
First, I decided to paint the vintage picnic basket, inside and out, white for a fresh, clean look.
I tried to pick off as much as the glued on paper as I could before painting. It wasn’t perfectly clean, but my patience had worn thin!
I used painter’s tape to cover the existing handle, hardware, and locking flap so that the faux leather popped against the white paint.
I painted it a satin white, allowed the paint to dry, then then removed the painter’s tape.
Despite my efforts, some of the paint had gotten onto the underside of the handle. Spray paint can be sneaky like that! Oh, well.
Next, I gathered some Christmas ribbon that I would use as suitcase straps on the wicker picnic basket. And Christmas ribbon seemed fitting since this would be used as Christmas storage, right?
While both looked great against the white, the plaid/velvet ribbon was a touch too wide. So, I chose the muted plaid ribbon to create my vintage luggage straps instead.
Making a Small Picnic Basket Look Like a Vintage Suitcase
Using my favorite mixed media shears, I snipped off a length of ribbon, folded over one end, and slipped it between the front and back of the picnic basket. After lining it up against the now-white hinge, I hot-glued it inside the front of the basket.
Then, I repeated the process at the other end of the ribbon, again hot-gluing it in place.
I also added a few beads of glue underneath the suitcase straps along the front cover to keep it in place.
Doesn’t that look great? Just like vintage luggage. AND it’ll be the most darling storage box for my collection of Christmas magazines!
After doing the exact same thing to the other side, it was done! My vintage picnic basket was a Christmas storage container for all of my holiday magazines.
I loved the idea of keeping them all together with the rest of my Christmas storage.
Vintage Picnic Basket as Storage for Christmas Magazines
How fabulous is that? An easy upcycling idea with wonderfully functional results.
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is over…but at least I have a fantastic new storage container for my Christmas magazines.
And I’ll definitely smile next year when we go into the loft to retrieve all our Christmas decor. And there it’ll be, like a little vintage suitcase. Just the perfect magazine box or storage basket that is as cute as can be.
Plus, there is room for more mags! So I think I’ll be adding a new Christmas magazine or two for next year.
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for Christmas magazines, then you’ll also love this eco-friendly idea for Christmas gift wrap using vintage sewing patterns, too.
Plus, don’t forget- my first book, “Crafting with Flannel”, has an entire chapter dedicated to Christmas projects! You can purchase it online from Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
Craft on!
S
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That’s a nice little suitcase. I love the storage and how you decorated it with ribbon. Plus, it keeps all of your Christmas-y idea magazines all in one place. Super nice project!
Thank you!
Brilliant, and so creative. I have Christmas magazines I like to save for ‘someday’ projects!! One of these days I’ll actually get around to doing the projects, but this year I didn’t get to a single one. Happy New Year!!
I understand that problem all too well, Carole!! Happy 2018 to you, as well!
I love white wicker; it is my go-to color when wicker needs an update! The ribbon adds such a nice touch without making it too busy! How nice to have all your mags in one place without them getting all dog-earred.
Exactly!! Thank you so very much.
really sweet! I also store keeper magazines in a small picnic basket. Never thought of painting it though. I’ve seen so many baskets that had peeling paint, and I don’t want that to happen. don’t know how to avoid it either.
Hmmm, I’ve never had that happen with spray paint on baskets- but of course, I haven’t had any spray-painted baskets for more than 4-5 years.
I love this idea! There are a couple of these baskets in my stash. I see one more Christmas related project in the near future.
Woohoo!!! 🙂 Happy New Year, Sharon!
The little basket-suitcase is so cute I love your redo for it. I have seen similar in the past but not known what to do with them. So now I’m thinking in my craft room it could be used for keeping craft magazines, or die cut pieces or ribbon or even a pick up and go craft carrier-put your glue gun in, shears, tape, markers etc. Or it could hold bits and pieces of projects that you are working on. I’m still thinking—-:) Guess what I’m going to start looking for? And the more the cuter than plastic boxes!
So many possibilities!
Hi! I just discovered your blog and I adore it! Just thought I’d let you know. 🙂
I sincerely appreciate that, Bev- thank you so very much!
Super cute and clever idea, Sarah! Pinned to share 🙂
Thanks, Marie!!
What a clever use for this little basket suitcase! I am so awful about keeping the magazines I read that they really pile up and get disorderly. Maybe I will look for this type of thing to get them organized. I love the make-over with the paint and ribbon.
Right?? And I had Christmas mags in several different piles…SOOOO not helpful at all, LOL. Thank you so much, Naomi!
Oh, oh! Better start looking for a few more little suitcase-type baskets! Or maybe an old trunk. That’s what I think I will need to look for! Oh, wait, I have one of those in my basement! Wonder what’s in it. Ha, ha! Happy New Year!
Hahaha, happy 2018!!
Love it! I try to keep my favorite magazines sorted by season – this is a great way to do so! And it will look pretty. Now I just need to find the right containers…thanks again for great inspiration! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Cecilia- cheers to a wonderful 2018!
That is really a cute picnic basket and I love the way you re-purposed it! Perfect fo4 the Christmas mags!
Thank you so much!
Sadie I found a picnic basket; kind of a half round, about 5″ deep altogether. Chalky, dusty white with leather straps inside and a cloth lining. Right now it is holding my thrifted “fun fur” and eyelash type yarns–the small skeins fit perfectly stood on end! $3. I really like the idea of using thrifted/vintage containers to store supplies!