Use reed and corrugated board to make a small basket. Decorate it with jute! This project also has an instructional video available!

Steps

• Step 1
  Cut out a 4x10" piece of corrugated board with the fluting running horizontally. Next cut the 4x10" piece into four 1x10" cardboard spokes and glue them onto a 4" diameter cardboard circle at right angles. Note: Make sure you line up holes in each piece.
• Step 2
  Cut out and glue a second 4" diameter circle on top of the first to secure the cardboard spokes.
• Step 3
  Snip short pieces of reed to measure the spacing and mark the spots for the first four reeds of the basket. Count the holes carefully to make sure the basket will be uniform. These reeds will be removed later as you form the sides of the basket.
• Step 4
  Cut four structure reeds; this basket uses 17", 20", 24" and 17" reeds. Mark each of the reeds into four equal sections. This is to show you where the cardboard spokes will be positioned and glued. Start by stringing the 24" piece as shown and glue. Note: If, during any step of the project, the reed is not bending easily, soak the reed in water.
• Step 5
  When the first glued structure reed is dry begin lifting up the spokes. Slide the reed through the second and third cardboard spoke until they reach their measurement mark and glue. Finish by gluing the ends of the reed into the fourth cardboard spoke.
• Step 6
  String the other three structure reeds in the same way, gluing them in place each time. The length and placement of these first four reeds will determine the shape of the basket.
• Step 7
  Finish the basket shape by stringing additional reed through every other hole. Because the structure reeds were glued, these reeds only need to be glued at the ends to secure them in place.
• Step 8
  Decorate the basket with jute accents.

Products Used

• Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue (DUN-33141)
• Natural Jute Cord (CAR-16972)
• Flipside 32x40" Brown Kraft Corrugated Sheets (FPI-32405)
• Round Reed - #4: 1/8" Wide, 500 ft. Long (ITC-RC4)