VALENTINE HEART BASKET

This project is rated as MODERATE

Materials needed: Computer paper (two colors), optionally: crayons, colored pencils, paint

For this project, you have many options.

If you do NOT have a color printer, (or choose not to use the pre-colored design.)

Print two copies of the basket pattern.

After you have printed the patterns, color one of them red. (Note: You can print one of them on red paper instead of coloring one of them.)

If you have a color printer and wish to use it, print just one pattern as above, then Print the second one in color.

When you print the patterns, each pattern has a wide and a narrow strip to be used for the handle. Cut out the wide handle piece from one pattern and the narrow piece from the other pattern. If neither one is pre-colored, color one of the pieces red. Glue the narrow piece in the center of the wide piece. Set the handle aside to dry.

Cut out the basket pieces from both patterns.
Fold each basket piece in half (curved end to curved end with the printed lines to the outside.)
Cut along the lines. Do not cut beyond the end of each line.
Assembling the basket is a little tricky. In order to simplify the instructions, here is a picture of the cut pattern pieces with numbers and letters to aid in the instructions.

After cutting the pattern pieces, each piece will have five doubled strips which will be called "fingers" for the purposes of instruction.

1. Insert finger "1" inside of finger "A".
2. Insert finger "B" inside of finger "1".
3. Insert finger "1" inside of finger "C".
4. Insert finger "D" inside of finger "1".
5. Insert finger "1" inside of finger "E".
After completing ths sequence, your partially woven basket should look something like the following.

Slide finger "1" down on the red fingers to make room for the next finger to be woven in.
Then weave in finger "2" as follows:
6. Insert finger "A" inside of finger "2".
7. Insert finger "2" inside of finger "B".
8. Insert finger "C" inside of finger "2".
9. Insert finger "2" inside of finger "D".
10. Insert finger "E" inside of finger "2".
After completing ths sequence, your partially woven basket should look something like the following.

Slide the woven white fingers down on the red fingers to make room for the next white finger.

Repeat steps 1 - 5 substituting "3" for "1".

Slide the woven white fingers down on the red fingers to make room for the next white finger.

Repeat steps 6 - 10 substituting "4" for "2".

Slide the woven white fingers down on the red fingers to make room for the next white finger.

Repeat steps 1 - 5 substituting "5" for "1".

After completing these steps, the bottom part of the basket is finished. The next step is to attach the handle. Each end of the handle is to be fastened to the inside of each of the front and the back of the basket. The handle can be glued at each end to the front and back of the basket. However, it also may be fastened with staples (see first picture.). Stapling makes a stronger bond and it also fastens the two basket pieces together.

Your basket may be used in several ways.

It may be hung up as a Valentine ornament.
It can be filled with candy and given as a Valentine present.
You may elect to make a basket using different colors and use it for an occasion other than Valentine's Day.

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