Get An Eye-Catching Woven Basket On The Cheap With A Popsicle Stick DIY

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If you grew up doing arts and crafts with popsicle sticks, this project is sure to beam you back. Only it's far from the rickety house many of us used to make! These classic wooden sticks are perfect for creating all kinds of home décor, including an adorable DIY birdhouse. You can also craft an inexpensive, stylish basket using nothing more than popsicle sticks, beads, twine, and glue. Customize it in ways that match your own style, then use it anywhere in the house where you'd like to keep small items organized.

The first thing you'll need is a box of popsicle sticks. Although you could technically collect them after eating cold treats, a fresh batch would probably be best. There isn't an exact stick size for the project, but consider using the larger kind, like these Jumbo Craft Sticks from KTOJOY Store. Next, grab a package of wooden beads. If you're using jumbo sticks, complement them by going for bigger ones, such as these BigOtters Natural Unfinished Wood Beads. In addition, get either twine or string, along with hot glue or another strong adhesive.

Start by cutting two long pieces of twine. Each one should be a few feet long to give yourself some wiggle room. Now, lay a stick on the table vertically and place a dollop of glue about one inch from the top and bottom. Pick up one of the twines and place it on the drop of glue at the top of the popsicle stick. Make sure that you're starting several inches from the end of your twine. Repeat this with the other piece — only place it on the glue near the bottom. Take another popsicle stick and set it on top, so that the twine is sandwiched between the sticks. 

Next, thread a bead onto the top piece of twine, but do not add a bead to the lower piece. You're going to repeat these steps over and over again, making sure that everything is close together. The top section will have a pattern of stick, bead, stick, etc. The lower section will only be sticks. What you'll notice is that it will start to arch like a rainbow. After about two dozen sections of sticks, tie the ends of the twine together (at both ends), so that it forms a round wooden basket.

The only thing you need now is a bottom. You can create one out of popsicle sticks by gluing a line of them together, then cutting the piece into a circle with a sharp tool. Another idea is to cut out two even circles of cardboard that will fit the bottom of the basket. Glue them together to make it an even sturdier piece. Finally, cover it with a decorative piece of peel-and-stick wallpaper, and place it into the basket.

It's up to you how you want to elevate your storage basket. You can keep your popsicle sticks and beads plain for a natural look. Or, jazz up the piece by using colorful sticks, pearl beads, or adorning the outside with bright gems. You could also paint the sticks with a coffee stain and use darker wooden beads. Or, weave additional pieces of twine throughout the basket to play into the woven appearance.

The last thing you need to do is decide how to use your beautiful new creation. Place it in the middle of your kitchen table as a lovely fruit bowl or bread basket. It could also be used on a bathroom countertop for scrunchies, hair ribbons, and clips. Set it in the living room to hold TV and electronic controllers, or fill it up with yummy treats and give it as a gift. One thing's for sure, this DIY takes popsicle sticks from basic to unexpectedly chic.