Would you believe this rope throw basket started out as a dollar store laundry basket? Add some rope, paint, fabric and a glue gun and you can make this stylish rope basket in less than an hour!
I created my Metallic Rope Throw Basket in partnership with DecoArt. As always, all opinions and ideas are 100% my own.
UPDATE: Check out how I transformed this basket into a cozy sweater basket!
Reason #642 that I love fall is cuddling up in cozy throw blankets. We really love throw blankets around here. So much so that if you walked into our living room, you might think that there was a herd of kids hiding somewhere underneath what would appear to be a collapsed fort of throw blankets on the couch. Nope, no kids under there… it’s just a menagerie of throws. I try to eliminate the fort look by styling the blankets draped over the corners of the couch, but that doesn’t work so well with the quantity we’re talking about here.
When You Can’t Find it, Make it!
I love the look of a throw blanket draped in a rope basket on the fireplace hearth. As so often seems to be the case when you know exactly what you want, you can’t find it! That was my situation with the throw basket I had envisioned. But you know that isn’t going to stop me, it’s just an excuse for me to make a DIY basket!
I’m loving all things copper and all things jute right now, so I decided to marry them for my blanket basket. Follow along with me and make your own!
DIY Metallic Rope Throw Basket
Supplies:
- Round laundry basket (I got this one at the dollar store… it was .96 cents… ?)
- 1 jar Americana Decor Metallics in Copper (If you need me later, you can find me splashing this color on everything in my house. Obsessed.)
- About 50 feet of ½” Jute rope
- 1 yard felt, fleece or muslin
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Utility knife
- Paint brush
How to Make a Metallic Rope Basket :
1. With your hot glue gun, attach the felt to the base of the laundry basket, folding and gluing pleats as you go.
2. Cut off excess material around the side and glue the seam up to the top of the basket. You don’t want to cut off the felt at the top, you’ll use it later.
3. Starting at the base of the basket, hot glue the rope and wrap around the entire basket, stopping when the top is tucked just under the lip of the basket.
4. Fold the felt back so that it is hanging outside of the basket. Using a utility knife, cut off the top rim/handles of the laundry basket.
5. Tuck the material back into the basket and poof! It’s your basket liner!
6. Now for best part, the paint! I color block painted the throw basket with a very subtle ombré, starting by adding a small amount of Americana Decor Metallics in Copper to my paint brush by dipping the brush in the jar and wiping off excess.
Starting my color block about a quarter of the way down from the top, I dry brushed the copper paint, starting at that point and working my way down to the base of the basket.
After the entire bottom color block was painted in the wash of copper, I went down to the base of the basket to build up the color. I really smooshed (technical term) the paint at the bottom, gradually lightening the smooshing and lessening the amount of paint I used as I worked my way up, creating the subtle ombré.
And that’s it, that easy! I really love the contrast in not only color, but in finish and texture as well. This throw basket is exactly what I imagined in my mind, but cost way less than had I actually been able to find it in a store and I had fun creating it. Win and win for the win!
This rope basket is screaming to hold a throw (or 4), don’t you think?
If you’re a huge fan of copper metallic too then you may love this DIY Copper Globe Terrarium, my DIY Concrete Planter Bookends and this no-sew pillow!
So are you as excited for throw blanket season (a.k.a fall) as I am? Stay cozy friends!
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Joan says
I am a bit confused. The directions for the basket lining are not clear to me. Is there a bottom on the lining? The lining is the extra fabric from the outside piece? I appear to be the only one that didn’t get this part, and I feel kind of dumb. lol
Lydia says
Hi Joan, thanks for reaching out and PLEASE don’t feel dumb! You’re exactly right, the lining is the extra fabric folded in from the outside piece so there isn’t a traditional tailored bottom, it’s just kind of folded in there (which is fine since you don’t see the bottom anyway with the blanket(s) in there. I hope that makes sense? Let me know if I can help any further!
Karin says
Oh Joan..so glad you asked that question …I was having trouble with that too…and now that you’ve explained it Lydia…I’m ready to go! Merry Christmas fellow crafters
Isobel Conradie says
Just two questions – does that mean that the felt has to be twice the depth of your basket, Lydia – that is to cover the outside of the basket, and when the rope is glued down you use the rest of the felt for the lining? Lastly, did you also glue the felt on the inside at the bottom of the basket?
Thank you for your reply – I have two of these baskets and would love to tackle them soon!
Lydia says
Hi Isobel! The felt doesn’t actually go all the way to the bottom of the basket, the excess is just kind of draped in there. You can’t tell that it doesn’t go all the way since there’s a blanket in it though. 🙂 I had another reader tell me she made a couple as gifts and actually glued the fabric to the inside and outside so that the entire inside of the basket was lined with decorative fabric. She sent me photos and they looked great that way! I hope that answers your question? If not let me know! Thanks for stopping by, I’d love to see it when you’re done! 🙂
Beth says
This is such a fabulous and beautiful basket! I have included it in my most recent blog post, “Christmas Gifts You Can Make”! Thank you so much for sharing this creation! Come visit my blog to see: https://talesfromwalnutstreet.wordpress.com/2016/11/14/christmas-gifts-you-can-make/
Lydia says
Thank you so much Beth! I checkout your post – so many great ideas, I can’t wait to try them! Thanks very much for including my basket! 🙂 Happy holidays!
Carolyn says
I’m going to start on a basket right away. I love it!!!!
Lydia says
Yay I’m so glad! I’d love to see it when you’re done! 🙂
Jen says
Hello, I love your basket! CAN you please tell me the thickness of the rope. Sorry if you had mentioned that. 🙂
Thanks,
Jen
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jen! The rope is 1/2″.
Colette says
Which dollar store did you get the basket and what are the dimensions so I can try to find something like it.
Nicoya says
They have those baskets at Dollar Tree. You can get it there, cheapest you will find it. $1.00, cant beat that!
Lydia says
Exactly Nicoya! That’s where I got mine too! So many treasure can be found at Dollar Tree, right? 🙂
Lydia says
Hi Colette, I got it at the Dollar Tree and another reader mentioned she found one there too. It’s about 15″ in diameter and 13″ tall (after I cut the rim off).
Beth says
Love this basket to pieces! How cute! And it seems so easy, I think I’ll try making one, too!
Lydia says
Thanks again so much Robin! 🙂
Sandra Mota says
Lindo, adorei.
Daisy says
Just love your basket, will definitely be making one or three or more. Thanks soooo much.
Lydia says
Thanks Daisy! I’d love to see your finished project! 🙂
Danica says
I’m not much of a DIY person but I really love this idea! I might just have to try it out!
Lydia says
Even if you don’t consider yourself a DIY-er it’s an easy project Danica, I hope you give it a try! 🙂
Robin says
I am in love with Americana Decor’s Rose Gold! I may need to try it on a basket like this. This is such a great idea!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Robin! I love that one too! All of the metallics for that matter! 🙂
Brittany Goldwyn says
I feel the same way about Americana Decor Metallics in Antique Bronze!
Lydia says
I love that one too Brittany!
Kristen says
This is such a great idea! I also love the ombre affect you gave the basket. Nicely done!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Kristen, I really appreciate that! 🙂
jen says
Hi Lydia,
these baskets look great! May I how thick is the jute that you used? I was on amazon and saw various thicknesses.
Appreciate your help..
Jen
Lydia says
Thanks so much Jen! The jute is 1/2″. I’d love for you to email me or take me in your finished project, I’d love to see it!
Brandy says
Can you use regular paint? I have some left over from a dresser diy project and wud like to make the basket to match!
Lydia says
Hi Brandy! Yes, absolutely! Any type of paint should work as long as it is high in pigment and an opaque finish. I’d love to see your finished project. 🙂
Lisa says
Where did you buy the rope?
Lydia says
Hi Lisa! I got it at Michael’s!
Erin Trimbull says
I have several laundry baskets like this I’d love to try to make this. How hard was it
Kyla says
This is soooooo clever! Would have never thought that was a plastic basket!
Lydia says
Thanks so much Kyla! xo
Sue says
That is AHHMAZING!!
I need a blanket basket..can’t wait to see if mine turns out as great as yours:)
Lydia says
Thank you so much Sue! I’d love to see how your’s turns out!
Jessica {Six Clever Sisters} says
What a neat idea!
Lydia says
Thank you so much Jessica! 🙂
Eileen says
It looks so professionally couture. Better than anything I saw at the parade of homes.
Lydia says
Wow thank you so much Eileen, I greatly appreciate your kind words!
Whitney allen says
I think I have just found my Christmas gifts! Started making gifts last year (small terrariums) . These are perfect. Getting supplies tomorrow
Lydia says
Thank you Whitney! Yay I’m so glad! I’d love to see them when you’re done!
Chris says
I seem to be the only one confused about what part of the basket you’re cutting. Could you please explain this a bit more for this new Dyi’er?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Lydia says
Hi Chris! I just cut the top rim of the basket off (the part that sticks out) so that the rope would lay flat on the entire basket.