SMALL RAFFIA BASKETS MINI MAKEOVER
Small, spring green raffia baskets intended as decorative polythene lined plant holders for gifting. They would also make very pretty storage baskets useful for an array of small items in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or wherever!.
I found a box of 20 of these, I remember buying them at a floral supplies shop. They are slightly faded in areas particularly the handles, from the UV light from the window. Lined with a thin layer of polythene to protect the raffia when watering the plant (originally sold as decorative plant holders for gifts).
What can I do with these? A mini 'makeover' comes to mind. They do not need too much to 'pretty' them up even further. A fabric lining in complementary colours would turn them into useful storage baskets for storing cosmetics, fragrances or jewellery. Or a small sewing basket to keep scissors, needle case, pin cushion and accessories to hand. Ideal for storing bits and bobs, maybe sweets too.
RAFFIA BASKETS MAKEOVER
MAKE THE FABRIC LINER
First the polythene lining is removed and used as a template for cutting out a piece of polycotton fabric or cotton for the new liner. The fabric liner is turned over 1cm at the edge and sewn down by hand (running stitches) or machine. The fabric circle is gathered up by pulling on the running or sewn stitches to form a circular shape to match the diameter of the basket at the top. Or the edge of the fabric can be pleated with small folds (1-2cms) to size, (I found the pleats method easier to work with). Put to one side for now.
MAKE THE FABRIC/CARD BASE
Cardboard circle of thick card (or 2-3 of thinner card) are cut to the diameter of the base to place in the bottom of the basket. This circle is covered with a circular piece of matching or complementary fabric a few cms larger, then gathered round the edges on the underside and pulled to fit, secured over the card with long running or darning stitches back and forth.
ADD LINER & BASE TO BASKET
The fabric liner is placed inside the basket, use clips to hold the fabric in place at the rim, then add the fabric/card base to the bottom of the basket where it should sit firmly and snuggly, keeping the liner in place and cushioning the base. The top of the liner is tethered to the basket with running stitches (using lime green thread) through the raffia, use strong thread, sharp needle and a thimble to push through the basket. Use small stitches on fabric side and larger stitches on the basket outer.
BASKETS READY FOR GIFTING OR KEEPING
Basket now ready to turn into a small sewing basket or 'bits and bobs', trinkets or sweets basket. Samples of the upcycled raffia baskets in polka dot pink and white, and white with bright floral motifs. Available for sale on the Folly Flora website in the 'Gifts - Handmade & Kits' section.