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!