A Tisket, A Tasket...

  

I do some design work for Making Memories, and one of the perks is that they send me packages of great products to work with.  Now, I'm not a scrapper, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone more excited about scrapbook supplies. From the time the first papers started rolling off the press, I've been using everything I can get my hands on. There are just so many things to do with all the wonderful supplies available.

When I received Making Memories' new spring line, Flutter, my thoughts immediately turned to Easter. I decided to make small baskets, inspired by both cupcake liners and some old French jelly jars that had the same silhouette. I think these are so sweet and easy to make. I hope you'll craft a bunch to give away or to adorn an Easter table. Here's the how-to:

Materials: 

Making Memories heavyweight scrapbook paper 
Complementary solid colored card stock
Paper trimmer (or ruler, craft knife, and cutting mat)
Scallop edged scissors - regular and mini scallops (optional)
Scoring board with bone folder (or bone folder, ruler, and cutting mat with measurements)
2 1/8-inch circle punch (or trace around something approximately that size)
18-gauge floral wire and wire cutters
Crepe paper streamers or a narrow strip cut from a sheet of crepe paper (optional)
Quick-drying glue (I prefer Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Craft Glue) 
Making Memories Flutter felt stickers or blossoms and buttons box

Directions: 

1. Cut a strip of heavyweight scrapbook paper that measures 2 1/4-by-12-inches. With a bone folder, score 1/4-inch creases along the length of the paper strip. If desired, trim along the top edge of the scored paper strip (most regular sized scallop edge scissors make 1/4-inch scallops, so you can line the scallops up with the scored creases).

2. Accordion fold the strip of paper and apply glue along one of the short edges. Attach the edges together so they form an accordion pleated circle. Push the bottom edges together to form a smaller circle, and gently stretch the top ones. This will give you a shape that resembles a cupcake liner.

3. Punch or cut a 2 1/8-inch circle (or an approximation of that size) from colored card stock, then glue that circle onto paper of a different color. Trim around the circle with the mini scalloped edge scissors. (If you don't want to trim around the circle with the scalloped scissors, just layer two circles together. This will reinforce the bottom of your basket.)

4. Apply glue along the bottom edge of your accordion pleated circle (I don't try to follow the pleats. I just apply it in a circle, applying enough that it will spread out a bit and adhere all of the paper.) and place the layered circle over the bottom. Turn your basket upright and use the circle as a guide to adjusting the folds of the paper. Set aside to dry.

5. Trim a piece of 18-gauge floral wire to 12 1/2-inches. Cut a narrow strip of crepe paper (you can cut the strip from a sheet of crepe paper or just fold a length of crepe paper streamer together and cut a strip) and glue it to the edge of the floral wire. Twist the crepe paper around until you've covered the whole wire. Tear off any excess and glue the edge to the wire. 

*This is another optional step. If you like the look of the floral wire as is, just trim the wire and go on to the next step.

6. Fold the floral wire into a u-shape and put glue on the outer edges, starting from the bottom and extending about 2 inches up. Insert the wire into the paper basket, nestling each end within a folded pleat. Embellish the basket as desired.  

If you decide to make these baskets, I hope you'll send me a photo. I know you will have your own personal touches to add.

Comments

[Paula J]

Hi! I just came across this post 5 years after you originally put it up, but I'm glad I did! These little baskets are adorable! I have a question about the little animals you put inside yours...are they candy or styrofoam? They look like sugar to me but I could be wrong.

[Cheryl]

These are so adorable! Thanks so much for the great inspiration! Never would have thought of this myself...

[אחסון אתרים]

Awesome designs shared by you here. I love to read such type of creative post which gives great idea about designs. It's really cute and lovely.

[Notebook Akkus]

good site loving it keep them coming have a good day

[Birdonthestreet]

Suzonne! Hello! I am a New Orleans area blogging enthusiast and was absolutely delighted when I saw your work featured in Family Circle and then saw that you were a New Orleans blogger!

You can probably tell how excited I am by the way I am abusing exclamation points.

I actually already own your book and think it's fantastic and look forward to digging around on your site and finding even more inspiration.

Katy
(my blog, twitter, FB, etc. are all under Birdonthestreet)

[audio dvd burner]

Love, Love, Love these adorable easter baskets and can't wait to post them on my blog. Thanks for all of your inspiration!

[Natali]

Hello friends,this is a nice site and I wanted to post a note to let you know, good job! Thanks
Best regards, Natali, CEO of iscsi target freenas

[headaches and hormones]

I just made them myself - very easy and looks so pretty. Thank you so much for posting!

[Sandra]

Saw this on to be charmed. I love it-so cute. TFS.

[Michele @ The Scrap Shoppe]

This is just so cute! I added a link to your tutorial on my blog about fun Easter crafts. Thank you for sharing!

- Michele

[xen]

Absolutely adorable!

[Two Shades of Pink]

I absolutely love these! Saw them on One pretty thing!

[Tweedleddesigns]

These are adorable! A great tutorial, I just had to share with my readers. Thanks so much.

Brandi @ www.tweedledeedesigns.com

[Elizabeth Goodman]

Love, Love, Love these adorable easter baskets and can't wait to post them on my blog. Thanks for all of your inspiration!
~ Elizabeth

[Cathy]

I love these! So cute! What a great idea! I'm glad I discovered your blog thru Making Memories! I'm a displaced southern gal, I love all your posts! We are on the same page of thought!