Paper baskets are made pretty
with the use of ribbons and
greenery.

• A selection of handmade art paper
• White glue; water
• Glass or plastic tumbler with 3-inch openings (see Step 2)
• Glue gun and hotmelt adhesive
• Narrow ribbons to match papers
• Dried rosebuds; preserved greenery

Fill your paper Easter baskets
with cookies and candy.

1. In a small mixing bowl, mix white glue and water to the consistency of skim milk (approximately 1 tablespoon of glue to 1 cup water). Consider making a test strip before you begin forming the baskets; dip your paper into the glue mixture, and let it dry to determine the correct stiffness. It shouldn't be completely stiff, but must have enough body to retain its basic shape when filled. Depending on their composition, some papers will be thinner than others, and the glue mixture may need to be adjusted by adding more glue or more water. You can also glue two rounds together to make one double-thick round if your paper is particularly thin. (Cover the remaining mixture, and it will keep until you are ready to make the baskets. Stir it well before using it again.)

2. Cover your work surface with several layers of newspaper. Choose your tumblers according to the size of the opening; this will be the size of the bottom of the basket. (To fit a tumbler with a 3-inch-wide opening, the paper round should be 7 to 8 inches across, but the round may be larger or smaller. The tumbler also may be larger or smaller, depending on how large you want the finished basket.) Place the tumblers on the work surface with the rims up.

3. Draw circles on the paper and cut them out to make rounds.

4. Dip a round of paper in the glue mixture and let the excess drip off, smoothing most of the excess off with your fingers.

5. Center the paper on the rim of the glass and arrange the outside edge in small ruffles. There are two ways to proceed: Either repeat this step to make other layers on the same glass (arranging more folds on a second or third layer can be difficult), or use a separate glass to make each layer.

6. Let the rounds dry undisturbed, preferably overnight.

7. Gently pull off the dried layer to remove it from the rim of the glass (after removing paper, soak glass in water to wash off excess glue).

8. Stack two or three layers, arranging them so the folds look best, and attach them with a small drop of hotmelt adhesive in the bottom between the layers.

9. Cut several length of narrow ribbon (about 14 inches long for most baskets). Twist them loosely, apply a dot of glue to each end, and secure the ribbons between the layers of the basket to form a handle. Decorate one or both sides of the handle with sprigs of greenery and dried rosebuds.

Tip: The ruffled sides of the basket should be aobut 2" tall. To fist a tumbler witha 3"-wide opening, the apaper should be 7" to 8" across, but the rund may be larger or smaller. The tumbler also may be larger or smaller, depending on how large you want the finished basket.

• Use decorative-edge scissors to cut the paper.
• Use several different ribbons to form one handle.
• Twist, braid, or loop the ribbon.
• Use beads and decorative wire in place of ribbon.
• Edge the paper rounds with decorative paint.
• Use silk flowers or shells instead of dried rosebuds.
• Spray the stacked rounds with an accent color, perhaps using pearlescent or metallic paint, or a sheer color made for florals.