Summer picnics just got a major upgrade. Combine a DIY watermelon picnic basket with a ready-to-go Foodadz pack and you have everything you need for a charming, portable meal. I teamed up with Garnish to showcase their new Foodadz kit—compact, practical, and perfect for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties. Below I describe the Foodadz contents and walk you through an easy tutorial to transform an ordinary basket into a watermelon-inspired picnic carrier.
Foodadz are thoughtfully packaged kits that include a linen-style disposable napkin, disposable cutlery, salt and pepper, a wet wipe, and a small card with fun facts and a joke. They bundle the small essentials so you don’t have to pack them one by one. The kit is ideal for anyone who wants an easy, polished picnic setup without the fuss.
Ready to make the basket? This craft is quick, inexpensive, and makes a delightful presentation when you arrive with picnic food in tow. Follow the simple steps below and customize colors or seed shapes to suit your style.
Supplies:
– Picnic basket (a basic woven basket works great)
– Paint in red, green and white
– Brushes in varying sizes
– Painter’s tape (optional, for crisp lines)
How to paint the basket:
1. Protect hardware and metal fittings with painter’s tape if you want clean edges. Paint the lower portion of the basket red, leaving the rim unpainted if you prefer the natural woven look. If paint begins to seep through the slats, either apply a thinner coat or paint the interior briefly to block visible bleed-through. Using a blanket as a liner is an easy alternative.
2. Paint the lid green to mimic the watermelon rind.
3. Paint the remaining rim and the handle white for contrast. To keep color transitions tidy, tape off the edges where colors meet. Lift the lid slightly so you can reach the handle where it overlaps the basket and ensure even coverage. Allow the paint to dry fully before moving on.
4. Add the seeds: use black paint and a small brush to make small teardrop or oval shapes scattered across the red area. Vary the size and orientation so the seeds look natural. Let everything dry and the basket is ready to use.
The little cards in each Foodadz pack include a joke on the front and a fun fact on the back—an extra detail that adds personality to your picnic set.
All photos by Studio DIY
When the basket is dry, pack it with sandwiches, salads, cold drinks, your Foodadz packs, and any extras you like—a blanket, reusable plates, or a small cooler if needed. Add a playful inflatable or seasonal decor for a festive finish, then head out and enjoy. This DIY basket is both a functional carrier and a cheerful centerpiece for any summer outing.
This project was created in partnership with Garnish. All content and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that help keep creative projects like this alive.