Threads 19: Another use for cardboard combined with basketry

Round read and cardboard waste basket

This is another basket that combines your artistic talent with your basketry skills. You can either use willow, or round reed to make the basket. 

You will need to find some type of corrugated cardboard. The best type is single-face corrugated cardboard roll that is available at some stationery shops or moving companies. Another possibility is to use the cardboard from used cardboard boxes, such as delivery boxes, and choose the lighter cardboard. Since two-sided cardboard is rigid, it can be softened to accept rolling by slowly pulling it over the edge of a kitchen counter or table top.

Reed and Cardboard Baskets Size. Left: H.15”, diameter, Right: 12”. H.12”, diameter 10”

To make the basket

Decide on the size of the basket, and weave the base. Stake up the sides and weave a few rows.

Measure and cut out two pieces of cardboard, allowing a fairly generous overlap. 

Now it’s time to get out your paint brush and to decorate the cardboard.

Slide the painted cardboard pieces down from the top in between the stakes, see photos. Note that the stakes go on both sides of the cardboard. Weaving on both sides of cardboard pieces strengthens the side of the basket, and also the top.

I am grateful to the British Basket Makers Association magazine for reading about this idea many years ago.

Willow and cardboard H.18”, diameter