May Day Basket DIY

Creative and simple way to use up old recycled paper

May Day is coming and so I searched for some clever and easy DIY ways to make a beautiful flower basket! I love to weave with wire or crochet with twine but this time I came across a great way to use up old paper. Paper is an amazing, cheap material and there is plenty of it everywhere. I like to recycle old paper and we will do even today!

The basket we will make today is a wedding project. It can carry anything from spring flowers to petal leaves to a small plant in a pot. All you need is a couple of simple tools and some heavier weight paper. I love the rustic look so I decided to use a hard paper lining that came with a box of spring shoes. You can recycle the box too, make some puppets or a little paper theatre for your kids. You can also use a cereal box or an old hard envelope - no need to buy more paper. Let’s reuse what we already have, turn rubbish into a piece of art!

May Day Basket DIY

You’ll need:

• an old sheet of paper (heavier paper or a cardboard)
• a soft pencil
• a ruller
• a pair of scissors
• large needle and a piece of twine (or metal paper fasteners)
• marker (black or white or coloured, this is optional)
• filling - anything that you want to place in the basket as a treat or decoration

Instructions

Firstly - draw a 18 x 18 cm square on the old sheet of paper. Then measure 3x 6 cm on each side to create 9 smaller squares. Make a cut in four places as shown and fold the paper following all lines. Then cut the handle out - 1.5 x 22 cm for a thinner handle, 2.5 x 22 cm for a thicker option.

You can leave the edges sharp or you can cut them round as shown. Take two of the foldable edges and join them over the middle piece. Remember to insert the handle on the inside (any marks should on the inside of the basket and the bottom side of the handle). Use a large needle and a piece of twine to secure the paper. Alternatively, you can use more decorative metal paper split fasteners or even just a glue. Repeat on the other side and the basket is finished!

Try even more fun recycling projects! This beautiful recycled paper garland will be perfect for any celebration!

And how about this recycled jeans spring apron? Perfect for the garden, painting atelier or the kitchen! Make it for yoursel or as a lovely gift.

A couple of ideas for amazing May Day basket filling - delicious edible flower biscuits and heart gingerbread cookies recipe!

And what about some easy felt flowers?

This article may contain affiliate links. For more information visit our Terms & Conditions page.