Original project inspiration and directions:
WRAPPING PAPER BASKETS
You will need a piece of wrapping paper measuring 16" x 22½" to start (you can use multiple papers here if you like).
On the back of the paper, measure and mark out strips of 1½" each. If your paper has pre-printed lines, try to use them to make less work!
Cut out all the strips. You should have a total of 15.
Take each strip and fold it lengthwise, making strips that are 16" x ¾". This will make it so that the colored side of the paper is both on the inside and the outside of the basket.
Repeat for all 15 strips.
You will need four strips to start the bottom of the basket -- two horizontal and two vertical. At their approximate centers, layer each one over the next to start off the weaving pattern. Secure with your adhesive of choice.
Add in three more vertical strips, alternating the over/under pattern. Attach all connecting spots on the base with glue or tape for greater stability.
You will need three more horizontal strips to finish the bottom of the basket. Weave them in through the vertical strips, alternating the over/under pattern for each one. Again, secure all base strips in place, especially around the edges and corners.
This is how the project should look at this point, with the strips all as straight as you can make them and woven in tightly together, aiming for no gaps.
Using a ruler or other straightedge, fold each side of loose strips toward the center to create an edge crease for starting the sides.
Begin weaving strips into the sides. The first strip should be glued or taped at all or most connection points for greater stability.
Make a bend at the corner before proceeding to help maintain the basket's shape.
Continue weaving the strip around all four sides of the basket, bending at each corner. The side strips will be especially floppy at this point but will be less so as the sides get taller.
Once you make it all the way around, trim off any excess (should be about ¼"). Be sure to leave about ¾" of overlap to attach to the beginning of the strip where you started.
Repeat the weaving process up the sides with another three strips, alternating the over/under pattern as you go. Continue to glue or tape connections near the corners, or all connections for greater stability.
If you have not attached every single piece, your basket may now look like this. Before proceeding, gently pull each strip by its loose end to smooth out the sides.
For strips coming from the outside of the basket, trim them down to about ½" taller than the top of the basket. Fold them down over the top edge and attach them on the inside of the basket.
For strips coming from the inside of the basket, simply trim them down to just below the top of the basket.
Glue or tape along the full inside of the final strip to keep it "closed," as this will be the finishing strip to make the top edge of the basket look nice.
Attach the last strip cleanly along the inner top edge of the basket.
Your basket is complete and ready to be filled!
