How to Make a Basket From an Old Orange Juice Carton

Most shoppers have an abundance of plastic bags left over after buying groceries. Add a few cardboard orange juice or milk cartons, and it is possible to make cute little baskets that are perfect for giving small gifts to friends and family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic grocery bags
• Empty cardboard orange juice or milk carton
• Scissors
• Paper punch
• Ribbon

Preparation

1. Wash carton thoroughly and let dry. Use scissors to cut the fold on each corner of the carton down to the base.
2. Flatten carton on table. The cardboard should look like a plus sign. Cut arms on plus sign so they all measure the same length.
3. Equally divide and cut each arm into five 3/4 inch strips. Each arm will look like it is fringed.
4. Cut plastic grocery bags into one inch wide strips.

Creating the Basket

5. Flip fringed arms up so carton resembles original shape.
6. Fold a grocery bag strip in half. Slip folded part over one spoke of the carton. Continue to weave around the carton.
7. Add new plastic strips as needed. Each time a new strip is added, follow the instructions in Step 2. Continue pattern until bowl is the correct height.
8. Fold the excess spokes toward the inside of the basket. Insert the folded spoke under the woven plastic strips.
9. Punch a hole in the top middle of each spoke. Weave ribbon through top holes, but do not misshapen by pulling to hard. This step will keep the basket from unraveling. Tie ribbon to first hole and cut excess ribbon off.