How to Make a Woven Paper Heart Basket for Valentine's Day

This woven heart basket is a fun paper craft that I learned in third grade. We used large pieces of construction paper to make hearts for our Valentine's Day boxes. It only takes a few sheets of tissue paper to make these adorable little hearts. Super last minute surprise for Valentine's Day!

This cute braid can be used to store small gifts to send to neighbors and friends. You can also do it on any size of paper you have!

Here is a video of the process. Pattern and step by step instructions in the post.

2-color thin paper (does not work with cardstock)

pair of scissors

Start by folding the paper in half so it is 5.5 x 8.5. You can print these patterns on paper and then cut them out on stationery. It should be 2.5 inches by 5 inches wide with rounded corners at the top.

Then cut this shape out of a fold of colored paper, cut out 2 identical long oval pieces.

Fold the sheet of paper in half.

Now make 2 long cuts in each half of the heart. The ends are almost completely folded over. I just looked at it. In fact, you can cut different widths and end up with a completely different end result, so go for it!

Have your weave made up of 4, 5, 6, or even 10 sections that you can weave together! Give the outline a different shape by cutting it with decorative scissors!

The weaving process is a bit daunting as the container will open with the heart! Don't worry, it's easy.

Bold 3D fleece lining from top to bottom. It's a little more difficult because it's all around and through. Create a thick basket effect by braiding on both sides.

Hold the paper halfway as shown in the image below. Start at number 3 and slide C through hole 3. Then slide 2 through hole C. Then slide C through hole 1.

Then continue knitting 3 to B, B to 2, 1 to B.

Complete the hearts by braiding A into 3, 2 into A and finally A into 1.

Try it several times when it seems difficult and you will succeed! Then look inside to make sure you're weaving correctly. It should open up like a nice little basket.

Optionally add rings for hanging baskets. Fill them with treats, hang them in a garland, make them out of felt for a more permanent decoration, or make giants out of large sheets of paper!

Make the bow big enough to fit on someone's doorknob and you can give them a nice surprise!

that's all! Do everything you want! Experiment with different numbers of web strips. Have fun, have fun!