Wait – Did You Just See That Pig Fly By?
When pigs fly – meaning, it will never happen.
This post, as is true of most of my life, comes with a story.
(steps up to podium and taps mic)
Hello?
My name is Sharyl Little Brown House, and I am an Ex-Longaberger Consultant..
People used to consult with me about their basket needs.
For those of you who are new to this strange word, Longaberger is a company
that makes hand made hardwood maple baskets, in around 5,000 different
shapes, sizes, and forms. And they are a little pricey…
I sold them for 10 years, which means I have over 200 of them in my home.
Because Longaberger is like a drug, and I was a pusher.
I went to Ohio 3 times for the national convention.
5,000 women fighting each other like animals to buy anything and
everything with baskets on it.
Earings, purses, shirts, vests, towels, dishes…..
And large basket plant holders…
Yes, that is me – in Ohio – in a basket – about 10 years ago.
And yes, my legs are still that white..
All of that intro to say – as a LB Consultant, I was aghast if anyone so much as
mentioned to thought of painting one of those baskets. It was like the cardinal
sin of Basketdom.. Pigs would fly before any of us painted a basket.
Well – those pigs flew today my friends… they flew today…..
This is the Longaberger Medium Vegetable Basket -
And this is another one of my addictions – Heirloom White spray paint.
I put the two together and dreams came true…
I sprayed several light coats like a good girl.
It is so hard for me to be patient with paint!
But when you are spraying it onto a $60 plus dollar basket, you want to take your time.
I will pause as those of you not familiar with Longaberger get back up on your chairs..
I wanted to use the basket in my 9 month bathroom remodel that isn’t done yet..
(Ok, it hasn’t taken that long… and at least I am not bitter.)
So I wanted it to be kind of shabby chic/beachy looking.
Here it is finished, and carefully photographed so as not to reveal the
‘oh so close to being finished’ bathroom.
Disclaimer:
I know the white candle looks weird. I want to find a brown or tan one, but that was the
only candle in my house that would fit. And of course, I have no patience and needed to
finish this post Now!!!
Here is another way I may use this basket -
Tell me which way you like best!
Thank you so much for listening to me prattle on and on,
and looking at my pictures! I love you guys more than chocolate -
and that’s the truth.. mostly…
 |
Marilyn Holeman
658 days ago
Hi Sharyl, Wow–you’re brave to paint a Longaberger! I love them, but have never had a budget for them. I have a couple of small ones. At any rate . . . I love the one on the wall with the pretty liner. I thought it was very clever to use the handle as a towel holder. Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:38 am
As a consultant I had to come up with all kinds of uses for baskets! And then convince people that they absolutely needed one! ( Or more! )
[Reply]
Staci Johnson
658 days ago
I LOVE the paint job, and it looks so cute displayed in your restroom! Visiting from Tidy Mom
[Reply]
Meg
658 days ago
I love it as a towel hanger! Very original! I commend you for painting a $60 basket. I would’ve had a hard time with that, too!
[Reply]
olivia parazine
657 days ago
Oh girl are you kidding me. Paint away this basket looks darling all shabbied up. Love it.
Hugs,
Olivia
[Reply]
Andi
657 days ago
I think that took a lot of courage, spraying a basket which you know cost (HOW MUCH?
) I’m not sure I would have been so brave. Then again, you said you have over 200 in your house so I guess maybe it was an easy decision. Looks great, btw. xx
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:37 am
Yes, with over 200 still left, I thought I could get away with it!!
[Reply]
Karen Reply:
January 20th, 2012 at 11:04 am
You have given me courage to do the same thing. I was a consultant for 3 years in the 90s and have a lot of baskets too. I am trying to sell them also, but will consider painting or staining darker to match my home more. BTW, I am a bsket weaver myself and enjoy the look of r more “original” work more
[Reply]
Sherry
657 days ago
You are just too funny!!! And a longaberger consultant at that. Have you no shame. I am just kidding. I delighted in this. I collect antique baskets, so when I go to an auction where there are longaberger baskets and antique ones, I am in heaven, because everyone wants the longaberger ones and the antique ones go for nothing. Thank you for sharing!!!
[Reply]
kimbosue
657 days ago
I love it as a towel holder. And someone said it was $60? For a basket? Women are CRAZY! I do like the angle of it though…
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Oh yes, and at $60 it is one of the less expensive baskets! But I agree, it was the angle that drew me to it.
[Reply]
Gretchen McDowell
657 days ago
Hi Sharyl, I am amazed. I love your basket. . .You are SO brave! I dont think I could take a can of spray paint to my Longaberger’s. I love the basket on the wall with the towels.
Thank you!
[Reply]
Tammy @ Not Just Paper and Glue
657 days ago
I can’t believe you painted that basket – gasp! LOL I love the new look the spray paint gave to it and I really like it used to hold the towels. I really like that idea
[Reply]
Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch
657 days ago
I was friends in college with the daughter of an LB consultant. I can’t say that I totally “get it”, but I get it. I know she would agree that if you even mention an LB basket and spray paint in the same sentance, you might as well announce to the world that you’re going to shave your head and make a wig out of toothbrushes to wear instead. HOWEVER, I think if she saw this beauty she would nearly faint from the shock of seeing something so LOVELY!
I love the liner when using it as a towel holder, but I love it sitting on the cabinet better. What happens if you sit it on the cabinet and still use the liner?
Thanks for linking to Transform Tuesday! I can’t wait to see what you link up next.
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 30th, 2010 at 9:35 am
You cracked me up with the shaved head and wig out of toothbrushes!!
[Reply]
sandi @ the whistlestop cafe
657 days ago
That is a friday’s favorite for sure!
[Reply]
Mary Jean Taylor
657 days ago
You go girl painting that basket! So proud of you and it looks amazing!!! I expect it won’t be the first and only time you do this!!! I love it as a town holder!!! visiting you from Inspired room!
[Reply]
Kim @ Starshine Chic
657 days ago
Loved the post & your sense of humor. I adore the basket all painted up. And I like the look with the candle the best.
[Reply]
Sue
657 days ago
You go girl!! Love the shabby basket…but on the counter with the candle…don’t like it on the wall at alllll…LOl…well..you asked.
..and i am a flight attendant…trust me…pigs fly LOL!
[Reply]
Jessy
657 days ago
I think my world is collapsing. You painted a Longaberger? Looks good though =) And I like it as a towel hanger!
[Reply]
The Lumberjack's Wife
657 days ago
Is it bad that I was going to tease you for wearing white nylons with sandals?
I like the painted basket much better!
Toodles!
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 11:03 am
Ohhhh – that is mean! But true! And I would just tease you right back about support hose…
[Reply]
Kim
657 days ago
You are so very brave to paint the basket! I love it. I think it looks awesome as a towel holder…very creative.
[Reply]
Mrs.B@salaknlemonlade.blogspot.com/
656 days ago
Love the basket. You made me SMILE!
Thanks! Also, I don’t think the candle looks bad at all.
[Reply]
audrey
656 days ago
Oh Heavens! Longaberger….basket….creamy spraypaint…pears…..GORGEOUS!!!! I LOVEEEEE what you did with the basket!!! Love your blog too…I am a new follower! Thanks for sharing!
[Reply]
admin Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 11:05 am
Yay!! Someone who need over-exclamation points anonymous as much as I do!! I may have to start adding in all caps too – you write just how I talk!!
[Reply]
Audrey Reply:
August 1st, 2010 at 9:33 pm
LOL!!!! I am obsessed with saying words in expression using my CAPS! and EXCLAMATION PTS ARE AWESOME!!!!!!! What what!!!
We shall be friends then! bloggy friends!
[Reply]
Ada
656 days ago
OHMYGOSH!
I seriously was just standing in my kitchen yesterday thinking I wish I could spray paint my Longaberger that holds some cookbooks to match my pink and white ones (Breast Cancer editions). Then I thought I must be crazy…who would ever do that?????!!!!!?!?!?!?
Yeah for you!!! I love it. It turned out absolutely adorable and now I see it can be done and I owe it all to you. Thanks so much!!
Now where do you get your spray paint? All I can get is plain old white. Sad face.
[Reply]
Ada
656 days ago
OHMYGOSH!
I seriously was just standing in my kitchen yesterday thinking I wish I could spray paint my Longaberger that holds some cookbooks to match my pink and white ones (Breast Cancer editions). Then I thought I must be crazy…who would ever do that?????!!!!!?!?!?!?
Yeah for you!!! I love it. It turned out absolutely adorable and now I see it can be done and I owe it all to you. Thanks so much!!
Now where do you get your spray paint? All I can find is plain old white. Sad face.
[Reply]
Jan
656 days ago
I am absolutely aghast that you would do this! Wow, pigs certainly did fly at your house! The towel hanger use seems pretty practical – but what if that ball of twine falls in the toilet? Yucky!
[Reply]
Jan
656 days ago
I am absolutely aghast that you would do this! Wow, pigs certainly did fly at your house! The towel hanger use seems pretty practical – but what if that ball of twine falls in the toilet? Yucky!
[Reply]
val
655 days ago
I love what you did to the baskets!! It has inspired me to dig mine out and let the fun begin…
[Reply]
Arielle
653 days ago
What a great idea! This looks beautiful, and I love how you used the handle as a towel hanger. Great work!
[Reply]
Kim @ Cheap Chic Home
640 days ago
Hi Miss LBH, I saw you at DIY club and couldn’t help scrolling though to see all of your LB items. I was a consultant for 10 yrs, too. I have joked about painting one of my baskets, but haven’t yet. (What a cute idea of putting that planter on yourself-I went to the Bee a few times myself -maybe we crossed paths.) I know this sounds terribly solicitous, but I hope you will stop by my blog – I had an LB-intensive post a week or so ago. I’m becoming a FB fan
.
[Reply]
Jennifer
598 days ago
Love what you did with the basket!!! I’m an ex-Longaberger junkie and I would be afraid to paint one, but yours turned out so well, I’m now looking around the house to see what I can find and try it with. Love it on the wall and on the shelf – either way, it looks great!!!
[Reply]