Altered Berry Basket!!

So, you all probably don't know this about me, but I have a recently acquired altered project addiction. As much as I love stamping and cardmaking, altering things is one of my new favorite obsessions (I'm kinda sick that way). So, when I was browsing the Pink Persimmon website the other day, I found these adorable berry baskets and quickly added them to my virtual "shopping cart." I feel like these little baskets have so many uses - buttons (you'd probably have to line the basket first, though), Primas, treat holders - endless ideas, I tell ya!!

I painted this one with some Making Memories acrylic paint that was in my stash - I used the color Spotlight. I painted the entire outside, and then the inside bottom up to the top of the slits, being careful to paint the entire inside of each slit. Patiently (NOT!) waiting for the paint to dry, I started designing the little flaps. I grabbed the Sabrina (Making Memories . . . there's a theme here) paper pack that I had just picked up at Mike's and selected three of the coordinating patterns. I took a few measurements, did a little bit of scoring, edge punching (Martha Stewart's edge punch - love those!), added some sticky strip, this luscious ribbon ric rac (http://www.emmaspaperie.com/), a few coordinating paper flowers and buttons (also from Mike's), and more of my favorite Karen Foster Scrapper's Floss, and VOILA!!! Isn't it just too cute?!!

For the berries, I found this darling strawberry pattern on SCS and printed it out on cardstock. I traced the patterns onto two more of the coordinating Sabrina pattern papers, did some more scoring, added some more sticky strip, assembled the berries according to the instructions (so easy!), and added the pink and black gingham ribbon that I had in my stash. I'm not kidding when I tell you that these were sooo dang easy and have endless possibilities for holding little treats (a Hershey's kiss, some M & M's) or surprise messages (like the kind you find in fortune cookies, huh?!) for Valentine's Day or all year round!!

I had so much fun making this project, and have a few more fun ideas to alter more (you get 10 in the package) of them. I'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions for how you would alter them. Or better yet, I'd love to see pictures of what you come up with!!

My best friend Joni is here visiting, and we're off soon for a day of shopping and lunching. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!!