DIY living room decor: Make your own rope basket

by Emily Ford 06/14/2023

If you're interested in ways to create unique and budget-friendly DIY living room decor, consider upcycling a plastic laundry basket. With some simple materials, you can turn a plain round basket into a rustic woven rope basket for storing blankets and other items in your living room. Here is a short guide to creating your own DIY rope basket:

What you'll need

A round laundry basket of any size
Approximately 50 feet of Jute rope
One yard of fleece or felt
Hot glue gun & glue sticks
Utility knife

Step by step

The first step in this DIY living room decor project is to attach your felt or fleece as a base layer. Use your hot glue gun to attach the felt around the bottom edge. Wrap the felt around the entire surface of the basket, making pleats as you go.
Trim off any extra fabric and fold the edges over the top. Glue in place.
Beginning at the base of the basket, carefully wrap the rope around it, gluing as you go. Try to keep the rope as neatly lined up as possible to prevent gaps in your basket.
Once you reach the top edge of the basket, tuck the end of the rope underneath to form a complete ring.
If your basket has handles, use your utility knife to cut the plastic away. Use caution and protect both yourself and your hard work while cutting.
If you're happy with your basket as-is, you're finished. However, if you want to add some additional flair, you can add color to your basket by dry-brushing the rope with paint. You can cover the entire surface, create an ombre effect or even decorate with metallics depending on your personal style.

About the Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!