Burlap Basket

Make a unique burlap basket for someone special!

Skill Level: Moderate

Time Needed: 1/2 hour

Age(s): 7 to 11

Appropriate For: Easter

Supplies Needed:

Project Rating:

Measure and cut a piece of burlap into a 12" square. Make sure the burlap is big enough to cover a small bowl.
Wrap plastic wrap around the outside of a small bowl. Place the wrapped bowl on the surface covered with wax paper.
Place the piece of burlap into the large mixing bowl. Completely saturate the burlap with glue. Work the glue into the burlap with your hands. This will be messy! Wash your hands after this step.
Wrap the burlap around the bowl. Shape it to the bowl's contour.
Use a rubber band to hold the burlap to the bowl. Remove the rubber band after an hour or so. The rubber band will help the burlap maintain its shape until the glue has hardened a bit.
If the burlap extends beyond the rim of the bowl, bend it and ruffle it to give the bowl an artistic appearance. You may need to cut the edge of the burlap to make it even all the way around.
After the burlap has dried, remove the bowl and the plastic wrap.
Fill the bowl with dried flowers, potpourri, or candy!

Teaching Tips:

Talk with students about the history of basket weaving. Have students research how baskets have been used in different cultures over the ages. Ask students to draw a picture and write a paragraph depicting how baskets were used in a specific culture in the past.
Encourage students to create their burlap baskets as a gift for someone special. Have students make a greeting card to accompany the gift. Have students draw a picture on the front of the greeting card and write a witty or sentimental phrase on the inside of the card. Bring in examples of store bought greeting cards to inspire students.
Have students brainstorm a list of the different functions for a burlap basket. Some examples include a laundry basket, an Easter basket, and a bicycle basket.