Make a Popsicle Stick Basket
Make a popsicle stick basket using glue, paint, and string, practicing measuring, patterning, and simple weaving while decorating a useful handmade container.
Step-by-step guide to make a popsicle stick basket
Step 1
Lay a sheet of scrap cardboard or newspaper on the table to protect your workspace.
Step 2
Gather all materials and put them within easy reach on the protected workspace.
Step 3
Count out about 15 to 20 popsicle sticks and set them in a neat pile.
Step 4
Line up seven popsicle sticks side-by-side so their long edges touch to make the basket base.
Step 5
Glue one popsicle stick across one short end of the seven base sticks to hold the row together.
Step 6
Glue a second popsicle stick across the opposite short end of the seven base sticks to secure the base.
Step 7
Glue six popsicle sticks upright around the edges of the base to form the basket uprights.
Step 8
Cut a piece of string about 1 meter long with scissors.
Step 9
Tie one end of the string to one of the upright sticks with a secure knot.
Step 10
Weave the string around the uprights by going over then under each upright and continue making rows until the sides reach the height you want.
Step 11
Tie a secure knot in the string to finish the weaving.
Step 12
Trim the extra string close to the knot using scissors.
Step 13
Glue two popsicle sticks across the top edges to make a handle and let the glue set.
Step 14
Paint and decorate your basket and let the paint dry completely.
Step 15
Share a photo of your finished popsicle stick basket on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have popsicle sticks or string?
Substitute craft sticks or cut sturdy cardboard into 1 cm strips for the popsicle sticks, and use yarn, thin ribbon, or embroidery floss in place of the string for the weaving step.
My uprights keep falling over or the weaving is loose — how do I fix that?
After you glue the six popsicle sticks upright around the base, hold each upright with a clothespin or tape while the glue dries, space them evenly, and pull the string snug as you weave over-and-under, finishing with a tight knot and a drop of glue on the knot for security.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For preschoolers, pre-glue the seven-stick base and uprights and use wide ribbon for easier weaving, while older kids can cut sticks for patterns, use hot glue for faster assembly, and add a lid or decorative carving before painting.
What are some ways to personalize or strengthen the finished basket?
Personalize by painting designs, threading beads onto the string as you weave, glue a fabric liner inside after the paint dries, and reinforce the handle by gluing an extra popsicle stick beneath the two top handle sticks.
Watch videos on how to make a popsicle stick basket
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Facts about popsicle stick crafts and basic weaving
🎨 Acrylic and tempera paints are popular for crafts because they dry quickly, cover well, and wash off when fresh.
🧺 Basket weaving is ancient — archaeologists have found woven containers dating back over 10,000 years.
🪵 Most craft (popsicle) sticks are made from birch or other lightweight woods that are smooth and sturdy for crafting.
🧴 School glue (PVA) is water-based and nontoxic, which makes it a safe, easy-to-clean choice for kids' projects.
📐 Weaving a basket helps kids practice measuring, counting, and pattern recognition while building fine motor skills.
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