"Berry" Easy Decorating with Berry Baskets

              One of the coolest things about Entwined Treasures (aside from the amazing owners) is that you can get inexpensive supplies to create almost anything you find on Pinterest! When we go to an auction and buy box lots, we may end up with 30 frames, a million buttons, and so much more. We pass the savings on to you, so that you can create your little heart away. Sometimes though, you may look at things and say, "what in the world can I do with this?" This is where we come in! In this blog we will take an item we have lying around the shop and show you how you can change it into something cool and creative to be used as decor, a gift, or whatever you want.

This blog focuses on very easy to find wooden berry baskets. (Well, in our world they are pretty easy to find!)

I like the wooden ones because I like the old antique feel to them, but I think some of these simple ideas could be used for the plastic ones as well, if that is more your style.I also prefer the old berry baskets and not the massed produced ones from a craft store. These simple things took no more than an hour to create, and could be accomplished with minimal cost to you!

Simple Idea #1: Photo Display. I simply took a picture (in this case a postcard because I didn't have a photograph hanging around the shop), and bent it slightly to fit into the box.
 Ta-da! Finished in two minutes (it took longer to find the picture actually!)

 Why I love this?: I hate frames. I don't like to open them, mess with matte, and all that jazz. Once a photo is in a frame in my house, it probably isn't leaving... (Yes, I have photos still hanging up circa 1993 with big hair and MC Hammer pants!) Using the boxes as frames makes it easy to change the picture and change the location I place it. No holes in the wall or pesky hanging (Is it straight?!) Group a few boxes together and you got yourself an instant conversation piece.

Simple Idea #2: DIY Knick-Knack Holder. This one took a bit longer to make only because I assembled it in a way that made it easy to take apart. I didn't want to ruin the baskets or do anything permanent.  

There is a lot of flexibility here for you to create the perfect piece for you. But let me tell you what I did. I used 6 berry baskets, scissors, and some twine. I had to tie each one together in the corners and then attach the second row. 

If you were going to make these permanent, you could glue them together or nail them to the wall in the configuration that you like. This little grouping I put together could sit on a table or be put on the wall. I filled my boxes with neat things from the shop, and you could get very creative with your collection display. 

Why I love this? It is simple, easy to make, and can be adapted for any personal style.You can paint them, glue them, put lace on them, even add wallpaper or paint samples to the back for a pop of color. If it was going on my wall, I might even place a small board between the two rows for more stability. I also added rather light objects to the baskets, remember the wood is kinda flimsy. 

Simple Idea #3:Decorative Gift Boxes. Take a berry basket and decorate it to your heart's content. The fun part is filling it with goodies for the occasion! Bring it to the shin-dig and be prepared for the oohs and aahs to follow.

Painted berry baskets, Girl, Boy, 4th of July

Close up of Baby Girl Basket

Baby Girl Gift Basket filled

Close up of Baby Boy Basket

Baby Boy Gift Basket filled

  


Why I love this? I am not a fan of wrapping paper. These baskets are the perfect size for small gifts. Again the sky is the limit to how you decorate them. It could be as simple as lace and ribbon, or use tempera paint like I did to add a special touch. The great thing is that the person getting the gift can reuse the baskets for storage or to re-gift to a friend. 

Simple Idea #4: Centerpieces for a Rustic Wedding. With weddings costing thousands, brides are always looking to save a dollar. Use the baskets as a terrific base for the flowers of your choice and top it off with ribbon, lace, or twine to match your colors. The guests will be fighting over who gets to take them home!

Rustic berry basket as base for flower arrangement

Why I love this? Simple, cost-cutting, and a creative outlet. It is a perfect craft for the bridal party to work on together with wine! Please don't judge the cuteness of the baskets on my decorating abilities. I am not a florist, and I was working with items we had on hand at the shop and a time limit! :) I am sure your flower arrangements will turn out much better than my own. For better arrangement ideas do a Google image search and find your inspiration!

Here are just a few simple ideas that use very little time and money. Decorating can be a lot of fun and a creative outlet for your visions. Do you have an experience decorating with these baskets? Have any suggestions or questions? Please comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Want your own berry baskets, included the painted ones? You can visit us in person Wednesday through Friday 1pm until 7pm and Saturdays 10am until 3pm to take a peek at our stock.We are located at 7504 South State Street in Lowville, NY. Or email us at our entwinedtreasures.com site and we work out arrangements to send them to you.

Hope you have  a "berry" good time decorating and designing with your very own berry baskets! (Sorry folks, Lorrie wanted me to stick that in there!)  :)