The Easiest Way to Revitalize an Old Tobacco Basket
We’re sharing the easiest way to revitalize an old tobacco basket as we team up with some of our favorite creative ladies for the Lifestyle of Love blog hop hosted by the always amazing, Cindy of County Road 407.
If you’re coming over from Cindy’s blog, welcome, we’re excited to have you here.
Cindy loves to decorate with baskets as much as I do so I can’t to see all the creative ways she uses them in her home decor.
She always comes up with the most unique ideas!
You can find her post, How Do I Love Thee Basket Let Me Count The Ways here.
A Chance Encounter…
I can’t remember how many years I’ve had this old tobacco basket, but it’s been a while.
I was at an “off the radar” estate sale when I noticed the tobacco basket hanging up in the rafters of the garage.
Several people had asked the owner of the home if the tobacco basket was for sale.
She all but immediately said no to every single one of them though.
After that I didn’t even bother asking her if it was for sale despite having always wanted an authentic tobacco basket.
It just didn’t seem like she really wanted to sell it anyway.
So, imagine my surprise when the homeowner said, “Farmhouse decorating! These city slickers wouldn’t even know an authentic farmhouse if it fell on them,” a little too loud and I burst out laughing.
Well, that laughter led into an entire conversation about families that lead “real” farm lives and how hot it was working in the tobacco fields in the summer “back in the day.”
When I told her my parents and grandparents grew up surrounded by tobacco farms, she immediately took the basket down and gave it to me.
As we were loading up the truck, the homeowner said, “I was bound and determined not to let my family’s things go until I found someone who would treasure them as much I do. I hope these make you happy for years to come as they have me.”
Cue some pretty big hugs and the realization downsizing can be tough no matter what your age or circumstances.
Using an Old Tobacco Basket As Wall Art…
A few days later, I hung the basket on the wall in the dining room.
And as you can see in these photos, we’ve enjoyed it in every season for years now.
I never thought about revitalizing the tobacco basket until I decided to repaint the dining room.
Surprisingly, I was taking it off the wall and noticed the wood was really starting to dry out.
Antique tobacco baskets are traditionally made from split oak.
While they usually age to a beautiful weathered gray, my tobacco basket was starting to look like a dusty prop in farmhouse style restaurant.
This tobacco basket was not in perfect shape when I got it.
So, I knew I needed to take extra care when bringing it back to life.
Here’s a look at the easiest way to revitalize an old tobacco basket…
Revitalizing an Old Tobacco Basket Supplies:
- Tobacco Basket
- Tarp (to protect your surfaces)
- Brush or Vacuum (with a brush attachment)
- Hemp Oil (we used Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Hemp Oil)
- Natural-Bristle Brush
- Old Cotton Cloths
- Gloves (to protect hands against splinters)
Revitalizing an Old Tobacco Basket Steps:
Clean Well…
First, gather your supplies and lay a tarp down to protect your work area.
Gently clean your basket with a brush or use the brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner.
I started by using a brush.
Then used the Dust Buster to make sure the tobacco basket was free from dirt and debris.
Applying Hemp Oil to Revitalize a Tobacco Basket…
Next, use a stain brush to apply hemp oil to each oak strip on the basket.
But keep in mind a little hemp oil goes a long way.
Work in sections until the hemp oil has been applied to each part of the tobacco basket.
We started with the back first.
After about 10 minutes, use a cotton cloth to wipe away any excess hemp oil.
Additionally, you’ll need to use gloves to protect against splinters.
Drying and Curing Tips…
Antique tobacco baskets like this one may take several days to cure.
First, we allowed the back of the basket to dry overnight.
Then we flipped the basket over and applied hemp oil to the front of the basket.
Allow your revitalized basket to cure for several days.
Make sure you’ve wiped away any excess oil and your basket is completely dry before hanging it back on the wall.
Consequently, oak has tannins of browns and reds.
So, you’ll want to be extra careful not to stain your walls.
I hung our revitalized tobacco basket in the dining room over the buffet my Dad made for me.
Although it’s hard to tell when the basket will need another light coat of hemp oil, my best guess is every other year or as needed.
We hope these tips and tricks on the easiest way to revitalize an old tobacco basket have helped!
Up next on the Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop…
Up next of the Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop is my Angie of Postcards From the Ridge.
She has such a beautiful European Farmhouse style and I can’t wait to see how she uses vintage baskets throughout her home.
Once you’re finished there be sure to check out what the rest of these fabulous ladies are sharing…
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
Wow, Coco this really warms this wood up. I had no idea hemp oil was so easy to use. I had to laugh when you said it looked like a dusty prop in a farmhouse style restaurant because I look at the props in Cracker Barrel all the time. Can you use hemp oil on furniture too?
ha ha I do the same thing, Sarah! Sometimes, I even look to see if I have the same pieces. I love that place. Yes, you can use hemp oil on furniture you’ll just need to read the back of the label and make sure to follow the directions carefully. We used Miss Mustard Seed’s Hemp Oil and it was very easy to apply. Let us know how you do, CoCo
I have one in similar shape to yours and I had no idea what to do with it because it was kind of brittle. I think this is a great solution for me too, thank you.
You are so welcome, Bonnie! I would just caution you to be careful when you’re applying the hemp oil and removing the excess. Several of the brittle pieces that were barely hanging on finally broke off while during this process. It’s not really surprising because of the age of this piece but I just wanted to give you a heads up before you get started. Hugs, CoCo
I have read your post on Pinterest, preserving an old tobacco basket. I have a large on that needs TLC, how much Hemp Oil do you think it would take to do a large basket? Where do you but the Hemp Oil?
Thank you so much.
Debbie
I bought a 250 ml bottle of Miss Mustard Seed brand hemp oil and I still have some leftover, Debbie. It’s sort of like using stain a little goes a long way. I bought mine at a local retailer that sells Miss Mustard Seed brand products. Hope this helps and you have a happy weekend, CoCo
Coco
Can you believe I don’t have an authentic tobacco basket? I’ve wanted one for years but just never found the right priced one and now I don’t have a good place to display one. However if the price was right maybe I’d find a spot. I do have a small replica and a planter style one. I love how good yours looks. Great post.
What a cool story, CoCo!! I adore your basket…it’s so big!! I’ve never come across one that large before. You took such care to re-oil it and bring it back to life. It looks amazing. Hope you are having a wonderful Summer!
CoCo,
Love the deep shade of the basket…..Makes it “pop” more!! Thanks so much for sharing!! I hope you are staying cool this Summer….Enjoy the rest of your week!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thanks for this tutorial! I have an old tobacco basket and it really needs some TLC. I actually have some of that same product and will use it on my basket too. Love how you styled it all, and the story behind how you got the basket.
I think the only basket I don’t have is a tobacco basket😂. Now I need one and can’t wait to spruce it up like yours🧺
What a sweet story CoCo! I had no idea you could do this, my tobacco baskets are reproductions. Thanks for the tips!
Now that is my kinda story! I don’t have to imagine giving up my families things because they have no taste. LOL! And as much as I’d like to say that will happen to my kids, the opposite is true.
Honestly, I had no idea you could revitalize a basket like that. It looks fantastic! Thank you for sharing the steps. Pinned and am putting Hemp Oil on my shopping list! Happy summer friend.
Coco I have always wanted a tobacco basket and this gorgeous post has ignited that desire once more. Thank you for all the fabulous tips and gorgeous styling.
What an amazing find, CoCo. I had one many years ago, but sold it as it was in such bad shape. Of course I realize now I should have hung on to it because original ones are so scarce. If you don’t live in the South it’s almost impossible to locate one. The hemp oil really brought it back to life. The one I had still smelled like tobacco! It’s a wonderful piece!
It looks absolutley gorgeous! I sold my vintage tobacco basket in our moving sale and have sort of regretted it, and now I REALLY regret it after seeing this post. Oh well, something to re-thrift on a future junkin’ adventure!
Love the hemp oil idea. I had used clear poly to protect mine because it was hanging on the side of our garage, but I love the look of the hemp oil better. If I ever find one to hang indoors, I’ll use your method.
Great post, your dining room looks lovely!
“Looks like a dusty prop in a farmhouse restaurant” LOL!! Love the story & love that analogy:) Funny-I was just thinking today how hard it will be for me to downsize someday. I’m a lover of things & the stories that go with them. But yes, if you know it’s going to someone that will love it as much as you, that would help;) I love tobacco baskets, but they’re not a thing here in MN, cuz we don’t grow tobacco! So glad you got yours, & for free! Yes, good comes to those who are patient…and kind. It looks great!
Coco this is a fabulous post! The story behind the Tabasco basket is everything and I’m so happy you ended up with it. Not only your appreciation for what it is but by how well you take care of. It looks terrific. Enjoy it my friend. XO- MaryJo
I loved your story, CoCo… as well at the tutorial on how to revive your tobacco basket. What an amazing gift to receive. I bet you were shocked! God is so good, even in the little gifts here on earth!
Wow, I did not know to use hemp oil, great tip. The basket looks great CoCo. I love the story that went with this basket too. Being sentimental myself, I tend to hold on to things, and it is so difficult when you are needing to downsize or remove items from a loved one’s home. I have done this twice and I struggled with each home. I am so glad she stopped and decided to give it to you, I am sure she had a feeling you would treasure it as much as she did.