Paper heart baskets

These baskets can a little tricky to make but are certainly worth the patience and effort. And when you’ve finished making your pretty basket, you can fill it with special trinkets.

What you need:

• Two pieces of paper, each a different colour
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Stapler

Number of players:

Activity:

First cut two paper rectangles from coloured paper and round off the ends.

The exact dimensions of the rectangles don't matter as long as the two pieces are the same size. You may want to start with larger pieces while learning.

Fold the strips in half and cut 2-3 slits through the folds. Do not cut all the way to the edge.

To weave these baskets you'll be weaving "through and around", as opposed to the "over and under" in traditional weaving.

Begin by weaving strip the first strip through the first slit, around strip the next slit, and through the final slit.

Push this row to the back, where the slits end.

Continue the weaving with second strip.

Weave it through the first slit, around the second strip, and through the third slit. Until this row is finished. Continue until all the rows are done.

To make an optional handle on your basket cut a strip of matching paper and staple the ends to the front and back of your basket.

Notes:

• If the cuts for the stips aren’t long enough, you won’t be able to complete the weaving.
• Always use contrasting colour of paper to make the weaving easier.
• Practice makes perfect! Once you know how to make the hearts, try more intricate designs using 4 or 5 strips or experiment with felt and different textures.
• Once you get the hang of the weaving, you can experiment with felt, craft foam, fabric etc.
• This activity will be easier for children ages 10 and up.