MARKET BASKET LOVE

Spring is in the air…sunshine, fresh flowers, warm breezes, lazy naps, and, perhaps, love. A time to relax and enjoy all the beautiful things life brings with mild weather. You need a basket that is perfect for browsing the open air farmer's markets, toting treats for an impromptu picnic in the park, fetching freshly baked sweets or whisking love notes to someone special. And with all that, this wonderful, yet stylish, market basket is perfect for just that. A personalized basket. Hand decorated by you. Try one or all three of these baskets and just see how amazing your spring can be. For sure you will fall head over heals in love.

These baskets can be purchased from L’Occitane at one of their boutique retail stores. They are not offered at their online site, but you can contact the company (1-888-623-2880) to inquire. My baskets were purchased from the Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Virginia.

The Silver Monogram

I used a simple script stencil, 3"... link here. This company makes a variety of font styles to choose from.

Attach the stencil with painter’s tape.

Pencil in around the letter, as best as you can. Your pencil line does not have to be perfect.

Outline the letter with the extra fine tip silver paint pen. Then fill in with the fine tip silver paint pen. To purchase both pen...Link here. And here. Let dry.

So pretty.

The Polka Dot

Start this basket by covering the leather with painter’s tape.

Using a fine tip paint brush, cut in around the leather and top row of the basket with white craft paint.

Fill in the entire face of the basket with paint using a 1” brush. Let dry.

Remove painter’s tape. Rip the used taped into small bits and randomly place on the basket where you would like the dots to be. This will help you space and visualize for the dots.

I used a dot stencil purchased some time ago, but you can use a ½” circle cut out of card stock. Trace around each dot with pencil.

Tap to enlarge to view. Your pencil outlines do not need to be bold, just enough to outline.

With a fine tip black marker (any will be just fine, test first on the underside to see if it bleeds) trace over the pencil lines. Do not use Sharpie brand markers. This is the marker I used.

With a small fine tip paint brush, fill in the dots with black craft paint. Let dry.

Hugs and Kisses

Download and print X and O letters.

Trace letters and cut out. Tape to basket.

Outline with pencil.

With a white marker outline letters. Tap to enlarge screen. I used a white craft marker, from Michael's. Any white marker or paint pen will work.

Fill in letters with white craft paint using a fine tip paint brush. I used two coats of paint. Let dry.

Get ready...

 Spring...

Is...

Here...

With a little love, and a basket, Spring is the most beautiful time of year. Hugs and Kisses!