Back in October when my mom was visiting, we stopped at a yard sale on our way to a family reunion, where I bought an old picnic basket.
I had planned to make a cute gingham liner for it, something like this one, (affiliate) and use it to hold magazines.
But we were in a hurry, and I didn’t take time to look it over carefully before I bought it, and later discovered that the wood was broken in several places, and really wasn’t usable as a picnic basket anymore.
I was annoyed with myself for wasting money on it, and almost took it out to the burn pile, but I did love the wooden lid on it, so I wanted to find a way to turn it into something else.
First, the hinges had to be drilled out of the lid to remove it from the basket.
As you can see, that left two holes in it.
Hmmmm… better go dig through my junk to find something to cover them up!
BINGO! I found just the thing – a section from a broken old ruler
I gave it a fresh coat of wood stain, then glued the ruler over the holes.
Beneath the ruler I screwed in a vintage coat hook.
On the other side, the coat hook is screwed into a piece of scrap wood that I attached 2 D-ring hangers on.
Now it can be hung on a wall.
It only took about 15 minutes to turn that pretty old picnic basket lid into a wall hook!
Had I noticed the basket was broken, I probably wouldn’t have bought it, but now I’m glad I did. It’s often the things that are broken that I have the most fun recreating into something new.
I’d love to hear what broken things you have that you repurposed into something totally different, so please comment about your trash to treasure projects!
A little update. I’m still staying at my parent’s house with them in New Mexico.
My dad has good days and bad days. My mom and sister have become pros at taking care of him, so I’m not sure I’m a lot of help, but I’m thankful I’m able to spend this time with them and the rest of my family.
All of the sweet comments that have been left, with well wishes and prayers mean so much to me.
Blessings,
Repurposed Camp Stool Chalkboard
I love it! Now I’ll have to be on the hunt for broken picnic baskets with a good lid. I wonder if this would also make a cute tray to put on a table. Love the texture! You are so innovative with repurposing!
I so look forward to all your ideas. Blessings for your family and prayers
Super cute!! Love this look – wouldn’t be hard to recreate it with pallet wood either. So pretty!
Angie, I collect this type of picnic basket so I certainly wouldn’t have passed it up, even with the broken pieces. I hope you find something cool to do with the bottom, too. Glad you are still with your dad…spend as much time as possible !
Happy you are able to spend time with your Dad and family. My prayers are with you, Angie!
I have a picnic basket I use in the kitchen to hold baggies, cling wrap, etc. It’s getting very rickety from the constant use. Now, when it falls apart, I’ll be sure to save the lid.
Making good use of that beautiful lid Angie and so pretty with the vase for flowers. I like that you adding the ruler. I had one that still had the elastic strap on the inside that held the picnic utensils. The elastic was a little stretched out but worked perfectly to display vintage green-handled kitchen utensils. I always love your ideas.
You are so clever!
helo Angie ! long time ago I read your blog , I admire your ability to transform simple things into something helpfull.
For example this broken basket.A pleasure see your recycled.Kisses from Argentina.
Sorry ,my english its jo so good!
The picnic basket lid looks great. Don’t give up on the basket part of yet. I’m sure you’ll think of something to use it for. If nothing else it would be pretty filled with potted flowers on a front porch or step. I’m sure you are a help to your dad by just being there with him. And your mother and sister too. Prayers to your family.
I love this! I actually also have a broken picnic basket that I fished out of the dumpster, purely for the beautiful lid! It’s great seeing your inspiration here for what I can potentially do with mine.
Love what you did with the basket lid.
Such a clever idea.
Keep sharing, Please!
Angie- We too are in New Mexico, in the Rio Rancho area! We’ve lived here for a little over 4 years. I want you to know that I am sending my thoughts and best wishes to you and your father. I read all of your posts and I admire you and your work. Best wishes and blessings to you all.
Angie, I send my prayers for healing to you, your family and your dad. I know it’s hard to see our parents ill and suffering. I’ve been through it, too. I pray that you can keep your spirits up and enjoy as much as possible being able to be with your dad and the others in your family. Just your being there is probably most important to your mom and sister especially. Blessings and Love to all of you.
Angie, I send my prayers for healing to you, your family and your dad. I know it’s hard to see our parents ill and suffering. I’ve been through it, too. I pray that you can keep your spirits up and enjoy as much as possible being able to be with your dad and the others in your family. Just your being there is probably most important to your mom and sister, especially whether you are actually doing a lot of your father’s care or not.
Blessings and Love to all of you.
Great repurpose Angie! I love what you said about, “it’s often the things that are broken that I have the most fun recreating into something new”. So true for thrifty finds…but also true for our lives! Trust me, I know 😉