Looking for creative ways to upcycle paper bags? Turn them into a stunning woven basket that mimics the look of leather! Inspired by high-end farmhouse-style storage baskets from stores like Anthropologie and West Elm (which can cost $100 to $200+), this DIY project lets you create your own for almost nothing. With a simple trick to transform paper into a leather-like texture, you’ll have a stylish, budget-friendly basket perfect for boho farmhouse décor and functional storage.
MATERIALS & TOOLS FOR A FAUX LEATHER PAPER BASKET
- Recycled brown paper bags – I used four grocery store paper bags to weave an 8″ x 11″ x 4.5″ basket, but you can use any sturdy recycled paper like Kraft paper.
- Craft glue – Elmer’s glue or any strong adhesive works well.
- Scissors or paper cutter – For making clean, straight cuts.
- Brown acrylic paint – A paint set with yellow ochre and various shades of brown is ideal.
- Gloss Mod Podge – The secret ingredient to give paper a leather-like finish!
INSTRUCTION
STEP 1: PREPARE THE PAPER STRIPS FOR WEAVING
- Open the paper bags by cutting along the seams and flattening them. Remove any handles.
- Measure and cut strips based on the basket size. For a sturdy look, I used 1.5″ wide strips, folded into three layers for thickness. If making a smaller basket, single-layer strips work well.
- Create clean edges by folding the strips. Use a straight edge (like a piece of cardboard or a ruler) to help fold neatly. Secure the folds with small dabs of glue if needed.
- You’ll need about 16 strips, each 38″ long, for a larger basket. Adjust as needed for different sizes.
STEP 2: WEAVE THE BASKET BASE
- Start with five strips laid parallel, finding their midpoints and securing them with weights.
- Take another strip and weave it over and under through the five base strips at a 90-degree angle, centering it in the middle.
- Add three more strips to each side, maintaining an interlocking lattice pattern.
- Use a triangle ruler or book to keep the weave square. Apply a dab of glue at key spots to help secure the base.
STEP 3: WEAVE THE BASKET SIDES
- Fold the strips upward along the base edge to create creases for the sides.
- Take a new strip and weave it around all four sides in an over-and-under pattern, opposite to the last row of the base.
- Secure corners with paper clips or glue to keep the shape structured.
- Continue weaving two more rows, following the same alternating pattern for a tight, interlocked weave.
STEP 4: FINISH THE BASKET’S TOP EDGE
- Trim the vertical strips to about 1.5″ above the basket edge.
- Fold the outer strips inward over the top edge and glue them down for a polished look.
- Glue another horizontal strip inside the basket to reinforce the top edge.
- Fold and glue any remaining vertical strips inside the basket.
Now your woven paper basket is complete! You can keep it as is or transform it into a stunning faux leather basket in the next step.
STEP 5: MAKE THE PAPER LOOK LIKE LEATHER
- Mix your leather tones – Use brown acrylic paint, adjusting the shade with yellow ochre, burnt sienna, or white for a lighter leather effect.
- Paint the entire basket – Use a brush to cover all visible surfaces and crevices. The paint dries quickly!
- Apply gloss Mod Podge – This adds shine, enhances durability, and makes the paper water-resistant, mimicking the smooth finish of real leather.
FINAL TOUCHES & DECOR IDEAS
Your faux leather basket is now ready to use! It’s perfect for storing craft supplies, accessories, or home décor items. The smaller version even works beautifully as a vase cover.
This easy and budget-friendly upcycling project helps repurpose the paper grocery bags many of us have accumulated—especially since reusable shopping bags have been harder to use in recent times. Now, instead of tossing them, turn them into stylish storage solutions with a high-end leather look!
