How to Give a Wicker Basket an Old-World Transferware Makeover

Learn how to transform an inexpensive wicker basket into vintage-inspired décor using decorative paper napkins, Mod Podge, and a touch of gold Rub 'n Buff. This easy basket makeover covers damaged wicker while creating the look of old-world transferware.

Blue and white wicker basket with a knitted blanket, framed art, and a metal architectural salvaged blueprint holder styled beside a carved wooden chair in a cozy vintage corner.

This old wicker basket has been with me for years. It has held blankets, CDs (yes... CDs), flip flops, knick knacks, and most recently grocery sacks tucked into the bottom of our DIY pantry.

Blue-gray woven basket sitting on a wooden chair with kitchen shelves and copper pieces in the background.

I love finding new uses for things I already own. It saves money, but it also gives me the freedom to experiment—to push an idea further than it probably needs to go just to see what happens.

While cleaning out the pantry this week, I noticed one of the reeds had finally broken. The basket still worked perfectly, but once I spotted it, I couldn't unsee it.

Close-up of distressed dark wood with chipped paint revealing orange tones, broken reed on vintage basket

Instead of throwing it away, I started wondering if I could turn this inexpensive wicker basket into something that looked like vintage transferware using nothing more than decorative paper napkins and Mod Podge.

There was only one way to find out.

No expensive baskets were harmed in the making of this project. Teehee.

In case you didn’t know, this wicker basket makeover is part of the Do It Over Designers Blog Hop hosted by Ann at The Apple Street Cottage.

We get together every other month on the fourth Saturday to share creative makeovers and vintage‑inspired DIYs. If you love seeing ordinary items transformed into something new, be sure to visit the other talented creators linked below — you’ll find so many inspiring ideas to try next.

Materials Needed to Create an Old World Transferware Basket

Napkins of your choice — HomeGoods has the corner on the market for decorative napkins
Mod Podge
Old brush
Scissors

Home Goods napkins, yay, they were on clearance!

How to Apply Napkins to a Basket

Clean the basket with a soft damp cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, or pup hairs.
Allow it to dry completely.
My napkins had a scalloped edge, so I cut that off first. Cutting the scallop while the napkin is still intact is the easiest way.
I separated the top printed layer from the napkin before applying it.
Brush Mod Podge onto the basket in small workable sections. I started at the bottom.
Press the napkin into the Mod Podge, then lightly stipple more Mod Podge over the top to work it into all the nooks and crannies.
Continue working your way around the basket until it’s covered.
If you get a tear, don’t panic — just patch it with a small piece of napkin.
Around the top edge, I used a sanding disk to remove excess napkin. Yes, I got a few tears. Don’t worry, you won't see it later.
If any Mod Podge lifts during sanding, simply brush on more. It grabs perfectly.
Add Rub ’n Buff with your finger around the handles, rim, and any bolts on the basket hinges for a soft metallic patina.

Close-up of blue floral patterned paper being cut with scissors during a vintage-style DIY craft project.

I recommend cutting a scalloped edge first before removing layers

Hand separating layers of a vintage-style napkin with blue floral pattern and scalloped edges.

Hand applying mod podge with a brush to a dark blue woven basket for a vintage distressed finish.

Hand brushing adhesive over blue floral patterned paper during a vintage-style decoupage project.

Hand brushing a vintage blue floral patterned surface during a decoupage craft project.

Woven basket covered in blue and white floral patterned paper drying while sitting on table from decoupage vintage masket makeover

Hand using a sanding disk to smooth the edge of a blue floral decoupaged basket during a vintage wicker basket makeover

Close-up of blue and white transferware woven basket with blue floral patterned paper applied, with Mod Podge visible in the background

Hand applying gold-accented bolt with rub-n-buff on a painted vintage wicker basket with textured blue and white decoupaged napkins in the background.

The Surprise Transformation

I've always loved antique blue-and-white transferware. There's something timeless about those faded patterns, and I wondered if I could capture a little of that feeling on an ordinary wicker basket.

Lo and behold, as the napkins dried, I realized I hadn't simply covered the basket—I had completely changed its personality. The dark painted wicker underneath softened the blue pattern just enough that it began to resemble aged transferware pottery instead of fresh paper. Even the wicker texture mimicked the tiny imperfections you see on antique pieces. It wasn't the look I planned, but it was better than anything I had pictured.

Blue and white transferware wicker basket makeover styled with vintage books, a carved wooden piece, greenery, and a draped blanket for a cozy vignette.

If you prefer a lighter look, paint your basket white first so the design stays bright.

I tend to be a perfectionist, but with this project I let my hair down. Experiments do that to me. And I know my crafting friends will agree — there’s nothing more exciting than watching something you weren’t sure about turn into something beautiful.

If you’re thinking, “This gal gets excited about making things over… what a stick in the mud,” you’d be right. It’s the highlight of my day.

Why You'll Love This Basket Makeover

Covers broken reeds and worn spots
Gives an inexpensive basket a vintage transferware look
Costs only a few dollars
Easy beginner-friendly decoupage project
Makes old baskets feel like antique décor

I can already picture using this basket for rolled towels in the bathroom, displaying dried hydrangeas, creating a reading corner holding books and a blanket, organizing craft supplies, or simply sitting on a shelf as vintage-inspired décor.

Optional Finishing Touch

Once the napkins dried, I rubbed a whisper of gold Rub 'n Buff around the rim, handles, and hardware. It framed the blue pattern beautifully and gave the basket the kind of soft patina you'd expect to find in a European antique market.

Vintage wicker basket styled under a wooden table with a blue fringed blanket, patterned book, wooden box, and greenery for a cozy vignette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you decoupage directly onto wicker baskets?

Yes. Apply Mod Podge in small sections and gently press the napkin into the weave. The texture actually helps create an aged appearance.

Do you need to paint the basket first?

No. Leaving a darker basket underneath creates a more antique look, while painting it white first gives brighter, crisper colors. Or you can even use a dark painted basket like I did.

Can you use tissue paper instead of paper napkins?

Absolutely. Decorative tissue paper will work beautifully for decoupage and come in countless vintage-inspired patterns.

A Little Note Before You Go

Sometimes the best projects begin with the smallest imperfections.

This basket only had one broken reed, but that tiny flaw pushed me to try something I never would have attempted otherwise. Instead of hiding in the pantry, it now looks like a piece I'd happily display in our home.

That's my favorite kind of makeover—the ones that don't just fix something, but completely change how you see it.