This Shabby Chic gift basket is the perfect basis for making some homemade gift baskets for any holiday. If you love giving gift baskets, then try painting an old basket in this Shabby chic look and filling it with white or vanilla candles, tea bags, and even some shabby chic tea cups. No one will believe you painted this shabby chic gift basket yourself!
Creating Shabby Chic Gift Basket is an easy project that can be accomplished in one day. To start this Shabby Chic Gift Basket Paint Technique project you will need to spend at least one pre made wicker or woven material basket.
Any real wood or cheap plain fake wood Gift Basket is perfect for this Shabby Chic Paint Technique.
Here is a list of supplies you will need to start making these Shabby Chic Gift Basket:
· Primer
· Paint (2 colors: white and either sand or tan)
·(s)
Now, start sanding the surface of your plain Gift Basket if you can, if not, use a liquid sander. You can skip this step if you have an unfinished basket you are using to make this vintage looking gift basket. Once you have the surface lightly sanded, you should wipe off the dust with a clean dry clothe. An old white t-shirt will work perfectly here.
Now, you are ready to put a coat of primer. If you are using a cheap fake wood Gift Basket this is a very important step. Your Shabby Chic Paint Technique will not stick to your surface if you don’t sand and then prime your Gift Basket surface.
If you want a rough more rustic Shabby Chic Gift Basket try putting the primer on with one of the 4″ brushes. This will give texture and create the look of real wood. If you prefer the smoother look you can roll the paint on with any type of paint roller. A foam roller will create the smoothest surface. You can also use spray primer.
Allow your primer to dry completely.
Put on a coat of your base paint. This is either a sand color or tan color. You could do a yellowish tan. This paint should not be the actual color you want your desk to end up, but the color you want to show through when you finish the Shabby Chic Gift Basket.
Now you are ready to paint your surface with the real color you wish it to be. I always recommend painting a white or antique white color for true Shabby Chic Gift Basket.
Don’t be scared to choose a bright white because the Shabby Chic Gift Basket Paint Technique process will tone down the appearance of the stark white considerably if you want.
Once your white shabby chic Gift Basket color has dried you are ready to start roughing it up. Start by using the sand paper to rough up edges and other areas that would typically be used over time.
Once you have finished sanding the Gift Basket surface wipe the surface down with a clean dry cloth. That old white t-shirt will work well here again. You can stop at this point, but if you want to go the extra mile you can use a mixture of ½ wood stain and ½ glaze to darken your piece. This darkening will mimic years of dirt and the aging process. If you use a antique white you do not have to do this.
Start by mixing you paint and glaze in a plastic container. Use a white rag or another old t-shirt to rub the stain onto the Bookcases.
You can do this process until you achieve the Shabby Chic Gift Basket look you want for your vintage food gift. You can also load this fun gift basket with retro candy, homemade cookies, old-fashioned chocolates, and anything nostalgic.
