Are Repurposed Baskets Okay for Gift Basket Designing?

Baskets are found in every state and country.Carey asks:

“I got a great deal on baskets from a woman selling them at a garage sale. The baskets are beautiful, but what do I do to make sure that they’re clean and ready to use?”

There were long, ranging discussions on the Internet, probably before you began making gift baskets, about this topic.

Some designers were against buying baskets in the way you chose, while others said they were thrilled to find baskets through the same sources you found.

The main treatment for these baskets is a power wash. That includes cleaning the baskets with warm water and a dab of dish washing liquid.

If possible, allow water from a hose and spray gun attached to a water source outside of your home (gardening hose, for example) to act as the power cleaner.

After the baskets dry in the sun, each one is ready to hold the contents of your choice.

There may be other information on the Internet or in basket-specific books related to washing wicker. A list of several basket reference books is found on the site GiftBasketBooks.com. Be sure to checks these books and other places for additional help.

If anyone has another method of cleaning repurposed baskets, you are welcomed to share your suggestions here.

Gift Baskets are Stressing Me Out. What Do I Do?

Wholesalers are as close as your backyardMaria asks:

“I’m having a tough time not feeling overwhelmed. I’m trying to take baby steps, but it seems that everything I do rolls over into another task (design a brochure, take pictures, make baskets, buy products, etc.). It’s all jumbled together, and I can’t focus. Any suggestions?”

All new designers experience similar stress, and experienced designers also go through this situation.

The best way to control it is to find a quiet spot and conduct your own, no-rush brainstorming session. Have paper and pen with you to create a list of steps required to accomplishing your goals.

Don’t worry about the order; you’ll be able to re-structure the steps after listing the most-important tasks.

If working on a computer is better, do that. The technology’s not important; completing the project is.

The steps include a timetable for completion, similar to the business plan shown in How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business.

Each task becomes manageable when you separate everything into small steps. Yes, there’s lots to do, but you’d also complete this mission for someone else who would keep all the profits while you make a small salary.

Many designers have faced and conquered this challenge. So will you.