Saturday, March 12, 2016

Decorating with.......Tobacco Baskets





Hello, friends!

Things have been very busy at Sea Glass Cottage getting some much needed updating and remodeling to the outside of the cottage and the grounds. I am looking forward to showing you the final results, but it will likely be a few months before all is complete and ready to show.

In the meantime, I have turned my obsession -- I mean attention -- to the beautiful and rustic look of tobacco baskets.  Just when I thought I had enough collections going with wicker demijohn bottles and baskets of all sizes and shapes, I discovered I love the look of tobacco baskets in home decor.

 I've already purchased two and know exactly the DIY project I will create with them at the beach house!

Vintage tobacco baskets come from the North Carolina area of the U.S. and as you would expect, were used to hold the cured tobacco leaves when the growers took them to market. You can find newer replicas, but I love the look of the weathered and worn baskets -- even the ones with broken slats. They have a history and a story.

Besides being an interesting piece of wall decor on their own, you can use your creativity and dress them up seasonally or to display them in unique ways that reflect your decorating style. Here are some ideas:

1. Add a Wreath

Of course, the wreath could be changed out seasonally.


                                
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2. Create a Vignette on a Shelf



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3. Hang over a Bookcase 
  
       I like the way a framed photo was added to the basket.





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4. Hang above a Fireplace




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5.  Display on a Coffee Table 

           Put plants, books, and other decorative items in the basket.




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6. Hang above a Bed





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Do you have tobacco baskets? How do you use or display them?  I'll be going back to the cottage soon to work on my own twist on this awesome piece of decor.

Thanks for visiting Sea Glass Cottage!

10 comments:

  1. I have an old tobacco basket--although I didn't know for years what kind of a basket it was--now I love it and have used it in various rooms over the years. It was in our farm house and I have no idea how my mother came to own it- (lived in PA in the mountains). What a great post! xo Diana

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    1. Thank you, Diana! Isn't it wonderful to have things passed along through the family?

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  2. I had seen a couple baskets like that but did not know their use. Nice to learn! They are unique.

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    1. Yes, Rose, I love that these discarded baskets are being repurposed for home decor. Love recycling!

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  3. oh Joanne I love these! I almost bought one recently, and now I wish I had! They look great on the wall, and I love the one serving as a tray on the coffee table! Looking forward to all your projects!
    Jenna

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    1. Hope you can find some more of these baskets -- Foley antique shops may have some and I plan on searching there.

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  4. I learned about the tobacco baskets through blogging. I like them a lot but have no place for one. I enjoy seeing projects in motion- don't be bashful about showing the before and afters :-)

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    1. Thanks, Liz -- I will certainly post some before and afters!

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  5. I love the look of the raw cotton wreath!! Do you sell those??

    -Rebecca

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    1. Hi, Rebecca -- no, sorry, I don't sell items. I wonder if you could find something like this on Etsy?

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