Create Your Own Gift Baskets With Gently Used Baskets

You can create your own gift baskets using gently used baskets as a container. Gently used baskets usually clean up well and can be found just about anywhere. Additionally, the "used" look or "antique" look never goes out of style.

Where to find gently used baskets
Every household has at least three baskets not currently in use. Misplaced and forgotten baskets can often be found in basements, attics, spare rooms, and in the garage.

If your household search doesn't uncover enough baskets for your current projects, don't be afraid to ask around. If someone you know has a couple of baskets tucked away that they aren't using, they'd probably be happy to get rid of them. (Not everyone sees a treasure for what it is.)

Die-hard basket collectors
The die-hard basket collector never has quite enough baskets for all the projects she hopes to accomplish, but she knows where to find what she's looking for.

Gently used baskets show up by the dozens in yard sales, the Salvation Army, and in thrift shops. Discarded, but still useable baskets also can be found on trash day. Gaining possession of said baskets is easy if you don't mind curb shopping at the first sign of wicker. (Don't knock it until you've tried it!)

As long as the handles aren't broken and the reeds or grasses are not too badly damaged, even a gently used basket is still in its prime.

How to clean gently used baskets
The preferred way to clean a gently used basket is with a feather duster. If dust is lodged into the weave, an artist's paintbrush works well, also, but is time-consuming. When all else fails, dampen a gentle cloth and dab lightly at the basket.

Never submerge a basket in water (or other liquid). Fibers may swell, paint and vanish may crack and peel, and the basket may distort. Many a good basket has been ruined in this manner.

Never allow a basket to get wet or stay damp. If a basket does get wet, be sure it dries completely. Baskets will mold or mildew if stored while still damp.

Take care not to dry a basket too quickly, either, as that can dry out fibers unevenly, which can distort the basket.

Basket restoration
Some gently used baskets only need a light dusting. Others will need to be varnished or painted to cover stains and imperfections.

Almost any paint will cover basket reeds and grasses, but painting over a basket that has previously been varnishesd is not advised, as the paint tends to chip easily. If your heart is set on painting over varnish, however, follow the steps below:

• Dust basket thoroughly with feather duster. If additional residue is visible, dab with a damp cloth.
• Thoroughly dry. (Recommended)
• Rough up the varnish with sandpaper.
• Spray paint the basket with primer.
• Paint the basket with the chosen paint. Spray paint will get into all the nooks and crannies better than regular paint. While spray painting, turn the basket several times to ensure even coverage.
• You may need to give the basket two coats of spray paint. Two thin layers of paint are better than one thick layer, which ultimately will leave unsightly drip marks.

Gift baskets
The key to making a gift basket using a basket as the container is finding the "right" basket. Sometimes you have to break down and buy a new basket.