Old Dishwasher | New Silverware Holder | DIY Craft

What can you do with an old dishwasher? For starters, how about upcycling the plastic silverware caddy in the dishwasher? When we recently got a new dishwasher, I turned the plastic dishwasher caddy from our old dishwasher into a cute, farmhouse-style cutlery holder. All with just a can of black spray paint and some decorative touches.

It's sweet enough to sit out on my kitchen table, holding my cutlery and napkins. But, it's handy enough to quickly grab and tote outside for a garden barbecue or backyard party. It's both a pretty and functional display. I love that it's heavy enough that the wind won't catch it and knock it down during outdoor parties. I won't have to run after scattered flatware or grab at flying napkins anymore. Everything will stay safely secure in this handy little utensil caddy.

I contemplated spray painting it a metallic gold, but then decided a matte black would be better to mimic the look of a metal, farmhouse style, rustic, basket. I'm so pleased with the result.

How to Upcycle an Old Dishwasher Caddy into a New Utensil or Silverware Caddy or Cutlery Holder

What you require:

1. Old dishwasher caddy with tops removed

2. Can of Rust-Oleum Premium Ultra Matte Black Spray paint (Be sure to check that it states that it bonds to plastic)

3. Burlap ribbon

4. A craft chalk board tag (from the Dollar Tree)

Instructions:

Step 1:  Clean and dry the plastic dishwasher caddy.

Step 2: Shake the spray paint can vigorously for 2 minutes after the ball within begins to rattle.

Step 3: In a well-ventilated area, place the plastic dishwasher caddy on a surface covered with newspaper.

How to apply spray paint evenly for a smooth finish?

• Hold the spray paint can 6-8 inches away from the plastic dishwasher caddy. 
• Spray using several thin coats of spray paint instead of one thick coat.
• For an even application, begin and finish your spray pattern off the object, releasing the tip at the end of each pass.
• Use an even, side to side motion.
• Overlap your spray pattern by about one-third with each pass.
• Allow to dry for at least 2 hours

Before

Step 4: Once the caddy is dry, add the finishing decorative touches. A burlap ribbon and a chalkboard tag scream rustic, farmhouse style. 

Step 5: Load your cutlery and napkins into the caddy and stand back and admire your project.

After

Congratulations! You've saved a piece of plastic from going into a landfill and you've got yourself a handy dandy cutlery caddy in the bargain... for a real bargain!

To see more of my DIY projects, click on DIY below.