"H" is for Hardware Cloth Easter Baskets

Craft: hardware cloth Easter baskets

 A grown up Easter basket made from hardware cloth scraps, plywood and apple basket parts.

I can't take full credit for this one.  After making the hardware cloth containers earlier this week I still had lots of scrap pieces left over that I still wanted to use.

Inspired by this magazine basket from The Art of Doing Stuff:

I used my small scraps to make an Easter basket version:

Two years ago I put a ban on Easter grass in my kids baskets, those plastic strings get everywhere and stick to everything so I finally said no more and the kids don't miss it at all :)

In lieu of plastic Easter grass I cut a piece of green astroturf to fit the bottom of each basket:

Love the look and it leaves more room in the basket for goodies!

Here's how to make the hardware cloth Easter baskets:

1. Cut hardware cloth scraps to size:

For the circle use one long skinny piece and leave prongs on one short end and one long side:

2. Secure ends together by twisting prongs:

3. Wrap top edge with jute string:

4. Cut 2 - 1/4" plywood pieces to fit base:

 5. Place one plywood piece in bottom and fold prongs over.
Hot glue prongs in place:

You could leave it like this but I choose to cover it with another piece of plywood hot glued and nailed in place (not shown):

6. For the handle find an apple basket:

And deconstruct CAREFULLY:

7. Add a short piece of thin wood on each side:

8. Make handle from thin apply basket wood and glue in place.

Add an additional piece on the underside for support and I added carpet tacks to finish:

I'm linking up to:

SAS @ Funky Junk

Nifty Thrifty Sunday @ Nifty Thrifty Things

That DIY Showoff @ The DIY Showoff

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday @ Home Stories A to Z

The Scoop @ Lolly Jane

Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

Transformation Thursday @ The Shabby Creek Cottage

Share Awesomeness Thur @ The 36th Avenue

Pretty Things Thursday @ Scissors & Spatulas

Flaunt it Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

SAS @ Just a Girl

Remodelaholics Anonymous @ Remodelaholic

inspiration board @ Carolyns Homework

Sunday Showcase Party @ Under the Table & Dreaming

Weekend Bloggy Reading @ Serenity Now