I needed a hostess gift this weekend and I needed it fast.  So I headed to my studio to see what was in my stash. I found this purse and thought I could quickly turn it into a great treat and still make it to the party on time!

The Junk

I used the liner as the pattern for the new fabric I selected and then swapped out the ribbon for a larger plain black one.  I added a few simple fabric flowers that I made using fabric strip I twisted and glued into a random circle flower shape. I added a vintage buttons, then hot-glued them in place on the basket.

The most time consuming part was sewing the new liner to the basket with fishing line.  I put some foil in the bottom of the basket so after our stop at a local nursery, I could add some fresh flowers or herbs. Quite a respectable and reusable hostess treat for very little time and money!

The Jewel

Actually the purse and basket area of thrift stores often have lots treasures like mine just waiting for a little love and imagination.  And with holiday/gift giving time approaching, I put together a list of alternative ways you can use such a basket…

• a door knob organizer—so you don’t forget all those lists and treasures (and important stuff too, like your keys) as you run out the front door for the day!

• a craft project basket—add some pockets to the liner, throw in a pincushion, change the handle straps to tape measure ribbon and make a couple zippered or drawstring pouches to keep your scissors and tools.

• a holiday card container—line with holiday fabric or spray paint the basket with gold then hang it on the doorknob or the back of a chair so your friends’ well-wishes are always near.

• a party favor container—keep all the treats right on the doorknob so all your guests can take one as they enter or leave your fabulous party!

Junk to Jewel is a series where, once a month, C&T author and editorial team member Sue Astroth chronicles her upcycling adventures with thrift store finds.

Related posts:

1. Junk to Jewel: $2 Basket Handbag to Cheerful Summer Door Decor
2. A Basket Case
3. Junk to Jewel: Swing Frame Album to Decorative Scrapbook Page Display
4. Junk to Jewel: Heirloom tomato pincushions