DIY Wicker Basket Makeover: Create an Old-World Transferware Look with Napkins

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.

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.

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.

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.

I recommend cutting a scalloped edge first before removing layers

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.

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.

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.

Get the Look: Blue & White Cottage Basket

Love this blue‑and‑white cottage look? Here are the closest basket matches I found — perfect if you want to recreate this style in your own home.

• Blue & white baskets — closest matches to the style I used

• Wicker storage baskets — perfect for cottage organization

• Cottage‑style décor — pieces that match this makeover’s vibe

If you enjoy giving ordinary household items a completely different look, you might also enjoy these projects:

• DIY Display Riser

• Decoupage Kitchen Backsplash

• How to Decoupage Eggs

• Transform a Vase with Decoupage 

• Pantry Organization Using What You Already Have

Do It Over Designers Blog Hop

Now, be sure to check out my friends projects this month, you will be sure to leave with lots of inspiration. 

 

Modern on Monticello

Pandora’s Box

Purple Hues & Me

Sum of Their Stories

Vintage Style Gal

The Apple Street Cottage

Birdz of a Feather

Exquisitely Unremarkable

Don't Forget to Pin for Later!

Ciao,

Cara