Step 1: Folding strips, weaving base
Brown paper: Fold each strip in half so long cut edges are even; firmly press fold to crease. Open out, then fold each long edge to centre crease. Refold along centre crease, enclosing long cut edges; firmly press folds to crease, creating folded strip 4 layers thick.
Newspaper: For strength, stack 3 strips so edges are even, then treat as single strip and fold in same manner as for brown paper, creating folded strip 12 layers thick.
Magazine paper: Fold each page in half so long edges are even. In same manner, fold in half, then in half again; firmly press to crease. Open out last fold, then fold each long edge to centre crease. Refold along centre crease, creating folded strip 16 layers thick. For medium basket only, join folded strips in pairs (see To join folded strips, below)
To join folded strips: Overlap 1 strip end approx 2 cm (3/4 in) over another and glue.
To weave basket: Note: Use clothespins to "secure" weaving temporarily, where noted.
Weave base: Divide even number of strips into 2 equal groups. Placing open edges of strips to centre, and keeping strip ends even at edges and 1 group perpendicular to the other, weave strips, alternating 1 over and 1 under, then slide strips tightly together into centred base. Secure at each corner.
