How to Repurpose a Metal Magazine Basket

4 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy

I love a great thrift store haul!


It's a rare visit when I walk out empty handed. Nearly every single time I shop, I find something that can be upcycled or repurposed (my personal favorite).


By the way: Do you know the difference between upcycling and repurposing?


Let me show you how I repurposed a boring metal magazine basket into a fun and functional new item.

This is what I found - a plain, dusty, white magazine basket. Nothing special.


It had one feature though that earned it a second look - it's metal.


Metal always grabs my attention. While it may be something else for you, if a piece catches your eye, it's likely going to have potential for you. (Thrift store shopping Tip number 1)

The ivy leaves were a cute accent.


Dated, but cute.


I could fix that though. I decided to use them as the theme of my project and boom - I knew exactly what to do with it.

First I cooked a huge pot of spaghetti for dinner and washed out the empty tomato sauce cans.


After they dried well, I painted them with Rust-Oleum's Gray Hammered Metal Finish spray paint.


I also gave the magazine basket a paint job too - with my very favorite color - Oil Rubbed Bronze. I've lost count of the projects I've shot with this paint. I just can't get enough of it.

And...that plain and discarded magazine basket is now a handy and useful garden tool caddy!


No more lost tools or gloves and I even have a spot to hold sunscreen for those gardening sessions that run long.

Finding the good stuff isn't really that hard. I have some tips and tricks I use that never let me down. Click the link below and visit the blog to get more tips and your FREE downloadable Thrift Store Shopping Cheat Sheet.


Happy Thrift Shopping! icon

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To Work With My Hands
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  3 questions
  • Anita.bertucci Anita.bertucci on Jul 16, 2018

    Looking at this do you have any suggestions for an old record holder metal rack?

  • Barbara Behm-Mryglod Barbara Behm-Mryglod on Jul 16, 2018

    Love this idea - how could you update one of the metal “v” shaped magazine racks?

  • Glenda Glenda on Jul 17, 2019

    This is great idea. Am wondering though if you glued the tin cans to the rack? if not do they stay in the rack without falling out when you carry it from place to place when using it?

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  • Christie Decker Christie Decker on Jun 25, 2020

    Great idea, wishing I had a magazine rack I could use myself. I picture one as a great holder for picnic supplies...or craft items, hair curlers and dryer...I have ideas...now to get them moving...hmmm...

    • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on Jun 25, 2020

      Yes, you have some fantastic ideas! Just keep your eyes open, with your project in mind, when you shop. It will be such fun when you find that perfect piece!

  • Beth Beth on Jul 19, 2020

    Great idea!

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