How to Make an Easter Basket Out of String

Easter is just around the corner. What could be more fun than making your own Easter baskets, out of 3 simple ingredients! This is an easy craft project that adults will love, and children will delight in doing even more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspapers
• A large bowl
• A large paintbrush
• String or crochet thread in any color(s) you like
• Balloons
• Liquid starch
• Empty plastic coffee can
• Scissors

1. Line the work area with newspapers several layers thick. Anticipate using an area that is at least 3 by 3 feet in size.

2. Pour the liquid starch into the large bowl.

3. Blow up a balloon and tie it to seal it. While you can use an oval balloon shape, use your imagination. You can even use 3 long rectangular balloons to form a basket that has a rectangular shape! If you decide to use 3 balloons, after they’ve been inflated and tied, use a few short pieces of crochet thread or string to secure them together to form 1 larger, rectangular shape.

4. Use the paintbrush, or your hands, and paint the liquid starch on the surface area of the balloons. It’s best to begin at the top and work your way down since the liquid will run down the balloon anyway.

5. Taking the string or crochet thread, begin to wrap it around the balloon. Leave lots of holes in-between the different pieces of string and thread so that your string basket will look beautiful. Ideally the majority of the area will be covered in string or crochet thread, with areas of the balloon still visible. Continue wrapping it until you’re satisfied with the overall look.

6. Use the paintbrush, or your hands, and paint the liquid starch on the surface area of the balloons, being sure to soak all of the threads with the liquid starch. Again, start at the top and work your way down the rest of the balloon. Don’t worry about using too much liquid starch--more is better.

7. When you’re done, set the balloon wrapped in string into the top of an empty plastic coffee can. If you don’t have one of these, use a plastic container without any sharp edges. Leave the balloon in this container for a minimum of 6 hours.

8. Then reapply another coat of liquid starch. Let the string-covered balloon dry for 24 hours.

9. Using the scissors, poke a hole in the balloon to pop it. Gently pull the balloon out of the string structure.

10. With the scissors, cut a small opening at the top, or on the side, for the center of your string basket. Enjoy!