- 1). Cut a newspaper into 2-inch wide strips, using a rotary mat and cutter or a ruler and scissors. Cut each strip as long as you want the combined length of the basket's base and sides.
- 2). Fold each strip over twice into ½-inch wide strips to add strength. To make the strips longer, you can glue or staple the ends together.
- 3). Lay two strips vertically, right next to each other. Take two more strips and weave them horizontally through the centers of the vertical strips so the unwoven sides of the horizontal papers are equal in length, and the unwoven sides of the vertical papers are equal in length.
- 4). Secure the overlapping papers with a dot of craft glue.
- 5). Continue adding in and weaving horizontal and vertical strips, working from the original center strips out. Keep the lengths of the unwoven paper equal at opposite ends, and continue securing the overlapping strips with glue. Stop weaving when the basket's base is your ideal size.
- 6). Fold the unwoven strips of paper up so they are perpendicular to the basket base.
- 7). Weave strips horizontally all around the side strips to establish and strengthen them. Use glue or staples to secure the ends of the paper in place. Once you reach the tops of the sides, fold the vertical strips down about an inch and glue or staple them in place.
- 8). Fold a 2-inch strip of newspaper, ribbon or colored paper in half and attach it around the rim of the basket with the folded end up for a neat finish.
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