Festive Upcycled Hamper with Jonathon Marc Mendes
We have teamed with the talented Jonathon Marc Mendes who has offered helpful tips and tricks to share some joy this Christmas. In the video below, you will see how he creates a wonderful hamper that is prepped to perfection, with bits you can pick up at Dunelm. Once your hamper is ready for the big day, just pop it under the tree or surprise a loved one by placing it on their doorstep.
What you will need
For the hamper
- An empty hamper (link)
- Festive napkins (link)
- Rust-Oleum Chalk White Furniture Paint (link)
- Ruler
- Craft glue (link)
- Soft bristle paint brush
- Scissors/Craft blade
For the decorative stars
- Wrapping paper (check out our recyclable range here -link)
- Scissors
- Double sided tape (link)
- Ribbon
Method for the hamper
1. Carefully cut around the top of the cellophane around the hamper (this should leave you with a rectangular piece) and save it.
2. Remove all stuffing from the hamper and put to one side for later.
3. Using the Rust-Oleum paint, apply two thin layers to the sides of the hamper.
4. Measure the height of your hamper and cut down the napkins to size.
5. Our napkins are 3-ply, so separate each layer (it helps if you lick your index finger and thumb for grip) This leaves very fine layers.
6. Apply an even coat of craft glue along one side of the hamper with a soft bristle brush.
7. Tear one of the shorter edges of the napkin (this will help blend the pieces together as you go) and place it onto the hamper.
8. Using the cellophane you saved, layer it on top as a barrier before gently smooth down the napkin.
9. Repeat this process on all four sides of your hamper.
10. Add an even layer of craft glue over the napkin applique. This will add extra strength for transportation (or if you’re leaving it on someone’s doorstep)
Method for decorative stars
1. Cut a length of wrapping paper so you have a long strip.
2. Working from one of the short edges, make a 2cm fold before flipping the paper over and creating another fold (continue until you reach the end)
3.Keeping your concertinaed paper together, carefully cut a 45-degree angle from one corner.
4. Repeat this on the other side of the paper so when you unfold it, you have a zig-zag patter both top and bottom.
5. Re-fold your paper and halve it lengthways (both forwards and backwards to create a clear centre)
6. Tie some ribbon around the centre so you can attach the star to the hamper later.
7. Using your double-sided sticky tape, cut a piece to size to fit along one side of the paper. Remove the backing and carefully fold it in half.
8. Repeat this on the other side and your paper should fan out into a beautiful star.
9. Repeat as many times as you would like, using different patterns or sizes.
How to put it all together
1. Take your hamper and line the bottom with the cellophane bag it comes with.
2. Pop the stuffing on the bottom.
3. Fill it with all the lovely goodies you want to gift.
4. Bring both the front and back of the cellophane up to join.
5. Pinch the centre and slowly concertina both sides in to create a neat top of your hamper.
6. Tie the ribbon included in the hamper at the top to secure, and add your paper stars for extra festive flare (If you have made more than one star, simply cut a small hole to guide the ribbon through and connect them all together)
About Jonathon Marc Mendes
Jonathon is a furniture artist, interiors enthusiast, photographer and part-time hairdresser who lives in lovely Lincolnshire with his husband and cat. Jonathon loves to share his passion for painting by teaching through workshops both in person and online, and was Annie Sloan’s Painter in Residence in 2017 which took him all over the world to share his skills. A big lover of upcycling and interior design on a budget, he has been able to use this passion to renovate his Edwardian home, and is kindly sharing some of that expertise with us!
Photo credit: Jonathon Marc Mendes
Find out more about Jonathon Marc Mendes
https://www.instagram.com/jonathonmarcmendes_paintedlove/