Friday, January 9, 2009

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!!

22 comments:

joslyn said...

this is really cute. love the idea!!

{Sarah Coyle} said...

wow this is wonderful!! I love altering too but WOW your work is amazing! thank you!

Sparkplug17 said...

This is just darling!

Jennifer Blomquist said...

Very cute. It looks like a lot of work to make but very fun to do in the process.

Jean McKenzie said...

This basket and contents are very very pretty - wow that would take me forever to make! Gorgeous!

Life Full of Sunflowers said...

That is so cute - I have ventured into altering yet, but after seeing this, it is a new item on my list of things I must do this year. Thanks for the inspiration. I hope you had a great day with your friend.

Leigh said...

This is so wonderful. Pretty colours and those strawberries....not even going to attempt them. lol

Kitty G said...

Love love Love this - always looking for ideas of things to do for friends

Teresa Kline said...

wow, this is fabulous...I like altering too....thanks for sharing! *~*

Melissa said...

What a great project!!! I love it. The colors are perfect. Thanks for sharing!!

Unknown said...

oh how adorable! great idea and this project is just cuuuute!

ChristineCreations said...

This is just an adorable berry basket! Very well done!

Lynn Mercurio said...

OMGosh, Karolyn...this is a FANTASTIC project! What wonderful colors and designs. You have turned a tired old berry basket into a work of art and a beauty to behold.

Scrapping Julie said...

oh, i adore that altered container.

Rose said...

I love your berry basket. I love altering things! Such a pretty color!

Rose

Anonymous said...

Karolyn, I love your berry basket! How beautiful. You did an awesome job! I'm going to get some this week! Julie

Anonymous said...

Wow! this is so extraordinary...love it!

Anonymous said...

Karolyn, these are gorgeous! I can just see a bunch of them all lined up on a shelf, holding my precious embellishments. Maybe when I finally get my space organized...

Carolyn King said...

oh my =that is adorable! Hope you had a fun day with your friend!

Michelle L. said...

This is AMAZING!!! I love the little berries!

Felicia said...

WOW! I love your project!!! I too love to alter things. It's the best feeling to know you created something so pretty out of something so ordinary.

Carolina said...

Oh is this ever adorable Karolyn! I love to alter and this is just fantastic! TFS!