Make a New Basket Look Old for Vintage-Style Storage

Remove Handle

Using heavy-duty shears, cut the woven loops securing the handle to the basket, then slide the handle out and discard (Images 1 and 2).

Stain Basket

Protect your workspace with a disposable tarp or dropcloth. Following manufacturer's instructions, thoroughly shake the spray stain can and apply an even coat of stain to the basket's interior and exterior from all angles. Note: Allow the stain on one side of basket to dry before flipping over to cover the other side. Also, if more than one coat is necessary, allow basket to fully dry between coats.

Cut Belt

Place belt, with buckle visible, on basket's front to determine placement (Image 1). Using heavy-duty shears, cut off excess belt at the basket's top and bottom, leaving about 2" on each end to secure it (Image 2). Note: Save the leftover leather belt for future projects.

Attach Belt

Starting at the top, wrap the cut end of the belt over the basket's rim and glue to the basket's inner edge with super glue. Clamp in place with a bull clip (Image 1). My basket had a slightly raised rim along the bottom so it was necessary to fill this area in to ensure the belt would stay securely attached. So, I first glued on a thin piece of wood (the end of a wood shim) to fill in the gap, then glued and tacked the belt's end into place (Image 2). Note: No need to clamp this end as the tacks will keep it in place while the glue dries.

Add Felt Pads and Display

Finally, add felt pads to the basket's bottom to prevent the basket from scratching any surface (Image 1). Proudly display your new/old basket in the kitchen corraling cookbooks and other kitchen essentials (Images 2 and 3) or use it in any space for decorative storage.