Upcycled grocery bag Easter basket

We all want to find ways to be a little more green, right? Well, I believe being green can also mean adorable and clever, and a perfect example of this is my upcycled Easter basket. By reusing paper grocery bags, I have woven this delightful little basket that can hold Easter treats as well as a number of goodies all year 'round.

Supplies:

• Paper grocery bag (twine handles are best but you can use paper handles, too)
• Ruler and pencil
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Instructions:

Gather your materials.

Deconstruct the grocery bag.

Measure and mark 1.25-inch-wide strips.
You will need 18 strips for the basket and four strips for the braces.

Trim your strips with scissors.

Glue six of the strips together to make three long strips.

Fold all of your strips (except for the four brace pieces)
in half lengthwise, with the bag print hidden inside.

Using the two bag handles, wrap together to form a basket handle
and tack together at ends with hot glue.

Glue six of your shorter folded strip edges onto the brace, keeping the folded
strips touching edges. Repeat with a second set of six.

Weave the two sets together to form the basket base.

Center and tighten the weave, and glue the other two braces
onto the loose ends of the folded strips.

Fold and crease all four edges of weave to begin the shape of the basket.

Trim excess brace paper on all edges.

Using the three long strips, weave three rows around the basket.

Trim excess off long strips as you go.

Trim each inside strip from the brace, fold out and tuck end under top row strip
Trim outside strips from brace and fold in, tucking the end under top row strip.

Release tack on handle and weave into inside of basket.

Using a small square of paper to cover handle ends inside of basket,
secure handle and square with hot glue.

More Easter crafts

Edible Easter crafts
How to dye Easter eggs with melted crayons
Hollow Easter egg cereal bar treats