A Case for Baskets

Refresh your spaces and add a bit of storage with these simple basket crafts.

- By Paul Lowe Crafts by Jim Noonan, Paul Vitale And Paul Lowe

Baskets around the house are like dear, old friends everyone needs but often takes for granted, aren't they? Why not use cozy, winter indoor time to try your hand at these simple, yet clever, basket upgrades?

1. Wire Basket and Old Fruit Basket Lamps

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Wire basket with a hole in the middle

• Lamp kit (available at crafts and hardware stores)

• Scissors

• Screwdriver

• Low-watt light bulb

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

1. Fasten your socket to the cord according to kit instructions.

2. Pull the cord through the basket and fasten the plug.

3. Screw in a low-watt light bulb. It's now ready to hang.

2. Lined and Numbered Laundry Baskets

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Wire baskets

• Scissors

• Muslin or another fabric of your choice

• Sewing machine

• Fabric paint Cotton balls

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

1. Measure the diameter of the top of your basket. Divide the number by two to get the radius of the basket. Tie a piece of string to a pencil and then cut the string to measure the length of the radius. Using the string and pencil, draw a circle on the muslin (or other fabric) by holding the end of the string on the fabric and drawing the circle with the pencil, making sure to keep the string taught. Cut out the circle.