Friday, March 14

DIY Wire Baskets

I have wanted wire baskets forever! Ever since seeing them in a lovely Pottery Barn catalog. But $20-$30 for a single large basket? Uhhh, yeah right, even if my husband said "honey I want to buy you something special" I'd have to say no... are you kidding, do you know how many beautiful things I could stretch that $30 into? Or the $60 it takes to own three or four! So you can't imagine how thrilled I was to discover that you can make your own DIY wire baskets! 


I know many of you have been waiting for this tutorial, ever since I featured my first set of baskets in the upstairs hall storage post here. Then I made gold basket  above which I featured in my bookcase makeover here. So finally I'm sharing the how-to!



This tutorial is best shown, so watch my video on a simple method for making your own basket, then below you will find technique tips, and instructions to make a faux leather handle. Happy viewing!




TECHNIQUE TIPS
I first saw DIY wire baskets via Turnstyle Vogue and began making my own version. It took a while for me to share because I wanted to perfect the technique. This method reduces the number of raw edges that will be exposed. Just to help you get it right the first time, here are a few tips to aid along the way:

  • Sharp Wire Cutters: Always use sharp shears, it keeps cut wire from being too jagged or frayed. 
  • Unfurl Wire Roll: Before cutting your pieces out, lay the roll face down and carefully straighten it out as much as possible. This will make cutting an easier process. 
  • Keep All Cuts Flush: Cut as close to the edge of spine of the criss -crossed wire as possible. This ensures no sharp wires will protrude out of your basket. 
  • Bend on the Spine: Every time you bend the wire, do so at a spine and not in between two rows. Always make your bend as square as possible as opposed to curved. This lends to a professional finish. 
  • Reinforced Top Tip: When doubling over what will be the top of your basket, be sure to bend on the spine, and make the squares line up.
  • Weaving Tip: Don't think of this quite the same as sewing. Rather than pulling your wire through by the top (as you would thread), gently guide the wire (and any kinks or loops) through by the top, then middle portion. Once you have brought the wire through the square pull taut by the base of the wire (not top).
  • Take Your Time: Once you get the hang of it you can breeze through making baskets in 20 minutes, but how precise you are determines how good your basket looks! 
  • Spray Paint: Customize your baskets with a coat of your favorite color spray paint, and finish with a coat of clear protective spray paint. 

DIY LEATHER HANDLE
You could cut out handles, you could attach a wire handle, or a rope handle. You are only limited by your imagination. Personally I love the look of a leather handle on baskets and bins, and to make my own required a bit of faux leather fabric and 5 minutes!
Follow the pictured instructions:



I hope you love your baskets as much as I love mine!

Linky Love

21 comments:

  1. Ursula, I just watched your basket video. Great explanation. My fingers hurt already, though LOL! Seriously, they are lovely. Would you spray paint the hardware cloth before making the basket or after it is complete? Thanks.

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    1. Thank you! Lol, yes it can be hard on your hands, it helps to have a second person help hold it.
      Definitely spray AFTER you complete the basket.

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    2. That makes sense. I was thinking about it after I asked the question and decided that if the hardware cloth was painted first the paint would probably need to be redone after all of the bending and twisting plus the wiring to hold the pieces together.

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  2. Ursula, I love the baskets and the diy instructions. The baskets are very professional looking and are just perfect for a need I have! The youtube video was just great. Your instructions and presentation were excellent!

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  3. I LOVE this idea!! Great tutorial and project. Vintage Industrial Farmhouse is my favorite look.
    xo,
    Shannon
    www.akadesign.ca

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    1. Thank you Shannon! Congrats on moving forward in CWTS!! You are rocking it girl!

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  4. THIS IS AMAZING. I LOVE how it turned out!!!

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  5. awesome.... just awesome!

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  6. I'm sure I'm one of many who found this via Centsational Girl. I love the baskets and definitely want to try them out! Your tutorial and tips are great

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  7. This is really cool! It reminds me of an art project I did years ago where I sewed panels of wire mesh together.

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  8. Anonymous10.6.14

    Well this is awesome - I just wish I had seen it months ago! I have redone my dining room in industrial farmhouse and am currently working on a revamp of the den in the same style. I hope you will stop by www.anygirlcandoit.com and check out some of my stuff - dining room reveal will go live on Monday. Just added you on bloglovin too - I want to see more from you!

    Stacy
    www.anygirlcandoit.com

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  9. WOW! These are so cool and that leather handle is the perfect touch. Thank you, thank you for linking up with us at The Makers. :) Off to pin!

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  10. ursula wow woman you are fantastic loved your bathroom and now these baskets are so dang cool thanks again xx

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  11. Looks great! I actually have some of this wire left over from my DIY flower tower at home. I will have to try this! See you at Haven!

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    1. Thanks! I look forward to it!!

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  12. You are so inspiring. So glad I found your blog!!!

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    1. Aw, thank you Erin, that is so sweet of you to say!

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  13. I just LOVE this! Do you think it would be sturdy enough to hold a bunch of records?

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    1. Thank you! Yes, as long as you use the thick wire (the ones with the larger holes) and place a piece of wood at the bottom. I do this for the baskets that hold my books!

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