Buzz
Baskets are versatile storage solutions and popular decorative elements in homes. While you can easily purchase them from various retailers, why not explore the creative process of making your own? With supplies available at craft stores or even items lying around your house, crafting your own baskets is both fulfilling and adds a personal touch to your decor. Let's dive into the steps to begin crafting your basket!
Step-by-Step Guide
Weaving Stunning Reed Baskets
Start with the basket base. Arrange five reeds in parallel, leaving approximately 3/8 inches (0.9 cm) of space between them. Intertwine a sixth reed perpendicular to the others by weaving it over the first, under the second, over the third, under the fourth, and over the fifth reed. Repeat this process with four more reeds, ensuring they run parallel to the sixth reed.
Shape the Reeds - Shape the protruding reeds from the square base upwards, forming spokes. These spokes provide support and facilitate weaving, crucial for forming the basket structure.
Prepare the Split - Split one end of the third or eighth spoke, commencing from where it emerges beneath the last spoke. This action increases the number of spokes to eleven, allowing for easier weaving.
Begin Weaving: Insert the tapered end of a weaver reed into the split spoke, securing it with a clothespin. Start weaving near the basket base, alternating between going over and under each spoke.
Finish the Base - Close the square holes remaining in the base by adjusting the tension of the spokes. Work methodically around the basket, gently tugging on each spoke to ensure a snug fit.
Continue Weaving - Maintain the weaving process by adding new reeds and ensuring consistent tension. Be cautious not to exert too much force on the corners, preserving the basket's shape and integrity.
Compact the Base - Press or pull the woven rows downwards towards the base while weaving to eliminate any gaps. Begin from the base and work your way up to ensure a snug fit between the base and the rows.
Complete the Basket Top - Cease weaving the final reed after completing four spokes beyond the split spoke. Trim the reed with scissors, tapering it from the fourth spoke to the end. Continue weaving until the entire final reed is integrated into the spokes.
Trim the Spokes - Use scissors to cut the spokes, leaving them 1/2 to 2 inches (1.3 to 5 cm) taller than the last woven reed. Fold the spokes inward over the top row of reeds, inserting each end into the third row from the top to ensure a flat position against the basket's interior.
Create the Basket Rim - Encircle the top row of the basket with a reed and secure it with a clothespin. Weave the bottom end of the new reed into the top few rows inside the basket to anchor it. This reed, known as the lacer, is then wrapped around the pinned reed and glued inside the basket.
Weaving Using Newspaper
Create Your Newspaper Sticks - Craft rolled-up newspaper sections to serve as spokes and weavers for your basket. Utilize thin objects like knitting needles, pine skewers, or 3mm dowels. Cut the newspaper, roll it tightly around the stick, and glue it in place to form the sticks.
Construct the Base - Prepare two cardboard rectangles for the base of your basket. Apply double-sided tape to one side of one cardboard piece and arrange newspaper sticks along the edges. Affix a piece of fabric to the second cardboard piece using tape and glue both pieces together, ensuring they dry evenly.
Initiate Weaving - Commence weaving at a corner by folding a newspaper stick (weaver) in half and threading it around the corner stick. Keep the sticks parallel and upright, and maintain tightness in the weavers. Employ an additional twist at corners for stability.
Lengthen the Newspaper Sticks - Extend the length of a tube by inserting the narrow end of a second stick into the first. Ensure a secure fit to continue weaving seamlessly.
Finalize the Basket - Upon reaching the desired height, conclude the basket by trimming leftover upright newspaper sticks to 1 inch (2.54 cm). Fold alternate sticks into the basket, gluing them in place, and weave the remaining sticks into the upper section of the basket.
Add Some Color - While optional, painting your newspaper basket can enhance its appearance. Consider using white acrylic paint with tinted varnish for an authentic look, or opt for a vibrant spray paint to add a pop of color.
Helpful Tips
- Use clothespins or clips to secure the weave in place if you need to take a break during basket weaving.
Warnings
- Your first basket may turn out a bit imperfect as you adjust to weaving tension. Practice will help you determine the right balance between tight and loose weaves.
- Be cautious with glue application to avoid messy workspaces.
Essential Supplies
For Making a Reed Basket:
- Weaving reeds (size and quantity as per your preference)
- Clothespins
- Glue
For Making a Newspaper Basket:
- Newspaper
- A small stick, such as a thin knitting needle or a 3mm dowel
- Glue
- Double-sided tape
- Cardboard
- Fabric (choose your preferred color and type)
- Paint (optional)
