Tuesday, July 6, 2010

DIY Picnic Basket

Picnic season having arrived,
I decided it was time for a new picnic basket.
We received one for a wedding gift, but it was worn out a long time ago.
On a recent shopping trip to Walmart, I found this on sale for $5.

It's easy to store because it folds down like this...

Thinking it should have a few accessories and
since thrifty has become my middle name,

I decided to make my own accessories.

I started with 3 dishtowel purchased for $3.99

and some ribbon that I already had from another project.


The first thing I made was a silverware holder.


I folded one of the dishtowels over by 1/3.

Then I measured out the placement for the silverware

adding a chalk line to act as a sewing guide.


Then sewed the chalk lines.


The silverware was placed in the newly created pockets.


I then added the finishing touch by placing a pretty ribbon around it.


This will also keep it compact and rolled up for easy storage.




I also wanted a convenient way to transport the dirty silverware and dishes home after picnics, so I took another dishtowel and sewed the sides and bottom together forming a bag. I finished it off by adding a ribbon for a drawstring. When the bag is dirty after use, all you need to do is throw it in the washing machine.





The third towel serves a dual purpose...
serving as the baskets lid and

for wiping up spills or dirty hands the day of your picnic.

Here is the finished product, which I have named...


My Little Red Ridding Hood Basket!!!


My total cost for the project ~ $8.99

Doesn't it make you want to have a summer picnic?



Joy

I'm linking this post to ...
Beyond The Picket Fence Organize and Decorate Everything Wallet-Friendly Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design ~ Show and Tell

Fingerprints on the Fridge ~Feature Yourself Friday

Finding Fabulous ~ Frugalicious Friday

Get your craft on Thurs.

16 comments:

  1. I LOVE this picnic basket! How clever that the basket can fold down. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    ~Alison
    http://oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/

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  2. Joy, this is so helpful and creative! I am heading over there TONIGHT to see if I can find a picnic basket and I am totally going to copy your ideas! They're so handy and useful, and so economical! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Also, thanks for stopping by and introducing yourself! I'm so glad I found your blog - your talents and ideas are wonderful! New follower :)

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  3. Yes, that totally makes me want to go on a picnic...the ideas for this are very creative and practical. I sure wish I could lift my sewing machine...I may just have to get hubby or C.S. to bring it downstairs for me. Please keep me in your prayers for Thursday, I have to go for Genetics testing and I'm not looking forward to it! Thanks for always stopping by to see me friend!

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  4. Very cute! I love the idea of a bag for the dirty dishes. Lisa~

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  5. Uber cute! I not only love the thriftiness of it, but how easily you can store it!

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  6. Super cute...and what a steal on the basket!! :)

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  7. Hi! I found your post at Beyond the Picket Fence. I've seen the silverware holder before and it looks so easy to sew. I really need to try it. I love the red you chose!

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  8. I love the picnic basket you pulled together and the red looks so summery. I especially love the price.

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  9. How fun! I love all of the great accessories you made!

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  10. It looks so cute and I love all your great ideas. What a great price too. Thanks for joining We're Organized Wednesday.

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  11. OMG! I love this...I am going to stalk every isle at Walmart until I find one of these baskets!

    This would make a great shower or wedding gift!

    Thanks for the share!

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  12. I love this! It's so cute!

    Becca

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  13. I am just catching up on your blog! Love this! It is just the greatest idea!

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  14. The popularity of your link-up has earned a feature as one of this week's top 10 favorites on my weekly newsletter! Great post!

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  15. This is fantastic, thank you! I was searching for a diy cutlery holder for camping (the cutlery ends up all over the rubbermaid "kitchen" bin all the time!) and this is just perfect. Thank you!

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