A newspaper basket is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to create a functional piece of art. With just a few simple materials and steps, you can make your own newspaper basket to store magazines, knitting supplies or even serve as an attractive planter. Here are 15 easy steps to guide you through the process.

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need newspapers, a glue stick, scissors, a ruler, a pencil or pen, a paintbrush, white glue or Mod Podge, and a varnish (optional).

2. Select the pages: Choose pages from the newspaper with interesting images and text or select pages with similar colors for a more cohesive look.

3. Cut the newspaper: Cut the newspaper pages into long strips that are about 2-2.5 inches wide.

4. Fold the strips: Fold each strip in half lengthwise, then fold it in half again to make it sturdy and crisp.

5. Begin weaving: Place one strip vertically on your working surface and arrange another strip horizontally over it, forming a cross.

6. Continue weaving: Add more strips around these two central strips, alternating between adding them horizontally and vertically to form a woven pattern.

7. Tighten the weave: Use your fingers or a flat tool to press down on the woven pattern to tighten it up.

8. Check for size: Once you’ve created a sufficiently sized base for your intended purpose (e.g., 8×8 inches for a magazine basket), trim off any excess paper.

9. Create the sides of the basket: Fold the ends of the strips that hang over the edges of your base upward to begin forming the sides of your basket.

10. Weave additional strips: Add new strips by weaving them around those folded ends sticking out from your base.

11. Trim off excess paper: Continue weaving until you achieve your desired basket height, and then trim off the excess paper from the top edge.

12. Secure the ends: Fold any remaining ends and tuck them into the inside of your basket. Use a glue stick to secure them in place.

13. Apply glue or Mod Podge: Dilute white glue or Mod Podge using a 1:1 ratio with water. Use a paintbrush to apply this mixture over your entire basket to strengthen it and ensure that all strips are held in place.

14. Dry your basket: Allow your newspaper basket to dry for at least 24 hours, making sure not to disturb it during this time.

15. Varnish (optional): If desired, you can apply a varnish once the glue mixture has fully dried to provide added strength and longevity to your basket.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your very own newspaper basket using just a few simple materials. Enjoy using or gifting your eco-friendly and unique creation today!