Slatted Basket Tutorial

A while ago I saw the cutest paper basket on Pinterest created by Wenche.  (Click HERE to see it... it is really really wonderful!)

Since seeing it, I have been mulling over in my mind a way to simplify it.  The original basket has a separate rim and each slat is individually cut.  My idea was to use just one piece of paper for the basket and rim and also to make the slats in long strips so there is less cutting.   Today I experimented and am happy to say it worked very nicely.

The base can be made with either DSP or cardstock... both work well.   The base of the basket on the left is made with two sided Designer Series Paper so the patterned paper peeks through.  The one on the right is made with solid color cardstock.

Here is how I made them:
1.  Score a 12" X 12" piece of DSP or cardstock at 3/4", 4", 8" and 11-1/4".  Turn paper 90 degrees and repeat.

 2.  Cutting on the score lines, cut away the sections shown.  Trim the tabs just a little on an angle.

 3.  Assemble into a box.  Bend the top flaps down.

 4.  Cut six strips of DSP 1" X 11'.  Score 3-1/2" from each end.  Apply adhesive to the center of three strips and adhere to the bottom of the box spacing them evenly. 

 5.  Adhere the remaining three perpendicular to the first three as shown.

 6. Apply adhesive to top of each strip and adhere them just under the scoreline under the flap.

7.  Repeat on all sides.

8.  Apply adhesive to the underside of the top flaps and secure.  Cut a 1-1/2" X 12" piece of DSP for the handle and attach to the inside of the basket.

9. Optional step:   For a finished look cover the bottom of the basket with a 4" X 4" piece of DSP or cardstock.

I used goodies from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack and the Heartfelt Banner to decorate the handles.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  I do appreciate comments so I know that someone is actually reading this!