Friday, April 24, 2015

May Day Foam Basket DIY



As a child I loved May 1st and all the fun activities held on that day at school.  I especially loved dressing in white, dancing and wrapping the maypole. Unfortunately, I don't think today's kids experience any of those fun activities.  I just recently learned of another spring tradition from the past - of making baskets, filling them with fresh spring flowers or treats and anonymously placing them on neighbors' doorsteps in celebration of spring.  

I like the idea of making baskets, filling them with flowers, fresh or not, and giving them to friends and loved ones to spread the joys of spring.

For this, I have an easy adorable basket to make - one that can get kids or adults involved by helping weave their very own May Day basket using foam sheets, poster board, hot glue or super glue and scissors.  For the moment, I have become obsessed with using foam sheets.

So let's get started:
1. Cut out a poster board pattern that's 4 inches high x 3 1/2" wide with an oval bottom flap that's 1 1/2" high in the center, as pictured.   In addition to the poster board pattern, cut out:
  •       1 matching pattern in foam for covering the back and bottom
  •       7 strips, 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" long
  •       9 strips, 1/2" wide x 4 1/2" long
  •       1 strip,  1/2" wide x  9" long for the handle and
  •       1 strip,  1/4" wide x 14 1/2: long to wrap the handle
2.  Glue on the seven strips starting at the fold crease on the right side edge.
3.  Glue on the nine strips starting at the fold crease of the flap on the right side, then one on opposite left side, next, center bottom.
4.  Glue remaining strips in center between glued strips, as pictured.
5.  Turn piece over so that the longer glued strips are on the left. 



6.  Fold flap up and begin weaving each strip over and under until reaching the end, gluing the strip to the back (see #11 picture)
7.  Continue weaving strips, alternating each weave, over and under, until all strips are woven and glued to back.
8.  Straighten woven strips by pulling the vertical strips and pushing together the horizontal strips.  Once straightened, glue top strips together, in place.
9.  Cut off excess strips.
10. Even out the strips.


 11.  Apply glue to back and bottom.
 12-14.  Fold bottom foam flap and press and smooth on foam sheet to back and bottom. 
 15.  Wrap and glue 1/4" wide strip to the 1/2" wide strip for the handle and glue to the inside top of basket. 

And finally, add floral moss and faux flowers to the basket for a permanent cute arrangement. 

A magnet strip or button can be glued to the back .  .  .


 
to hang on the fridge.
 
 
Too cute!


 
Either way, making a May Day basket is an adorable idea!






The tradition of May Day baskets is very sweet and so easy to make and give! What a wonderful way to spread the arrival and joy of spring with loved ones and friends!




Take a little time to enjoy

and

Happy Crafting!













19 comments:

  1. Gail, what a wonderful idea to add the magnet! Your May basket is precious!

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  2. I love this! May Day was always a joy when I was a little girl, and I still find pressure in giving something to those shut in seniors.
    I love your magnet idea.

    Bless you!

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  3. I need to find time to do the same. So pretty!!!! I love that basket of yours. This is going to be perfect for my boring fridge:) Thanks for sharing!!!!!

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  4. Another awesome foam tutorial ...love it . Thank you for sharing
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia
    Cards Crafts Kids Projects

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  5. How cute is this? You should teach classes!

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  6. That little flower filled basket is adorable, Gail! You are so crafty...
    Have a great weekend.

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  7. This is really a sweet craft! So cheery. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. I love your pretty purple basket and your tutorial makes it seem easy enough... even for me. You have the most amazing ideas... :)

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  9. Gail, you are so clever... Love this idea and the purple. Happy Tuesday.

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  10. What a beautiful fun project... I love the colors you chose also. :)

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  11. Hi there, it looks like you and I both love the color purple my wedding was purple, lavender, and white.

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  12. What a delightful idea, Gail! I love the weave look and the fact that it's a magnet makes the basket even more wonderful! You are so clever, my friend. Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs!

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  13. Gail, your basket is so adorable. I love the idea of using a magnet to put it on the fridge. The purple and white is so pretty.

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  14. What a beautiful basket! I love the idea of hanging it on the fridge. Thank you so much for sharing with Idea Box link party! - Cheers, Christy

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  15. Soooo cute and purple is my fave color!!!!!


    www.journalofjanedoe.com

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  16. Excellent! This is wonderful and certainly will brighten up the kitchen!

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