How to make an Easter basket from a plastic mesh berry basket!
Easter Berry Basket
by Jane Lake
Save those ordinary plastic mesh berry boxes that are used to store and display strawberries, blackberries or raspberries in the grocery store. They look lovely when you decorate them with yarn, ribbon or lace for Easter or any other special occasion.
Plastic Mesh Easter Basket
Supplies:
plastic mesh berry basket
pregathered lace to fit around the rim of the basket
scissors and glue
strip of cereal box cardboard to use as a handle
paint or ribbon to cover the handle
Easter grass to line the basket
strips of material to weave into the mesh; paper or fabric strips, ribbon, yarn, string, twine, lengths of raffia, or even long lengths of Easter grass
Berry Easter Basket
Instructions:
1. Cut a length of weaving material long enough to go all around the box, with an inch or two to spare. Start weaving from one bottom corner, going from left to right, and weaving the material under and over the mesh spines of the box.
If desired, you can vary the weaving pattern - try going under one spine, and over two, or the reverse.
Continue weaving until you get back to the starting point. Make sure the material begins and ends on the inside of the box. Cut off any excess material. Apply a little glue to the back of the material and press into the corner to secure.
2. Following the directions above, weave as many rows as needed to completely cover the sides of the basket.
3. Cut a narrow strip of cereal box cardboard, or similar cardboard, to make a handle for the basket. Decorate the handle with paint or cover it with ribbon. Apply a generous amount of glue to each outside end of the handle, then curve the handle to fit across the middle of the basket. The pressure of the curve should press the ends against the top inside of the basket until the glue dries.
4. Cut a length of pregathered lace to fit around the basket rim. Apply glue to the rim then press the top hem of the lace into place, beginning in one corner and proceeding all the way around. Overlap and glue down the ribbon ends to finish.
Suggestions:
-- Make the handle from a length of wire-edged ribbon for a softer effect, or chenille stems braided together.
-- Embellish with craft foam cut-outs or fabric paint.
-- Line the basket with crumpled tissue paper, quilt batting or shredded paper instead of Easter grass.
A good page to take the boredom away and yes, the ad of 'when will you die' is very disturbing to see.
Reply to Gina
Jane – Ontario
March 22, 2008 - 13:22
I'm wondering if this disturbing ad is appearing only in Australia, because I can't find it. I want to ban it, but can't until I figure out where it is coming from. When you hover the cursor over it, what company name appears in the bottom toolbar of your computer? If someone emails me that info privately, it would be very helpful.
Gail – Australia
March 15, 2008 - 20:41
A good ideas site, but there is a very disturbing advertisement on the page for the easter berry basket instructions - "When will you die?" and a picture of a demonic looking child. Not good
Reply to Gail
Jane – Ontario
March 15, 2008 - 21:44
I share your concern, Gail, and have emailed you privately for more details, so I can attempt to prevent that ad from appearing again.
marlene miller – Ohio
February 26, 2008 - 16:56
Love all your pattens and alway find things here can[t anywhere else. Thank you for such wonderful service!!!!!!!Marlene , I love to do all types crafts~!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply to marlene miller
Jane – Ontario
February 27, 2008 - 00:28
Hi, Marlene,
I love them all too! You just made my day. Thank you for your kind comments.
3. Cut a narrow strip of cereal box cardboard, or similar cardboard, to make a handle for the basket. Decorate the handle with paint or cover it with ribbon. Apply a generous amount of glue to each outside end of the handle, then curve the handle to fit across the middle of the basket. The pressure of the curve should press the ends against the top inside of the basket until the glue dries.
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