Upcycle A Paper Cup And String Into The Cutest Basket Storage Solution

Of all the things you could do with empty paper cups, creating beautiful crafts is one of the most fun. Besides the fact that you can turn them into a wide range of unique items, there's a pure joy to making something with your hands or even engaging in this activity with the little ones. Add to this the satisfaction of repurposing unwanted items by saving them from landfill, and you have even more reason to keep those used paper cups. Copying one idea from DIYer @mrsclarehoops on TikTok, you can turn your paper cup (and some string) into a cute little basket storage solution.

For this project, you will need a few paper cups (depending on the number of baskets you want to make), a sharp pair of scissors, double-sided tape (the clear type) or hot glue, twine, a strip of cardboard, and cotton lace. For the twine, choose whichever type you prefer, either the more rustic jute or sisal or the smoother cotton twine. Select a neutral brown twine or a brightly colored option for an easy blend with your decor.

You'll be surprised at how quickly this DIY basket comes together. To begin, clean your paper cup to remove any liquid remnants. Then, grab your scissors and start cutting slits into the cup to create little strips, each about an inch wide. Don't cut all the way to the bottom — rather, go about three-quarters up the side wall. Next, we're going to wrap that bottom uncut section of the cup with twine. To do that, stick the double-sided tape around it or apply hot glue, then start winding the twine around the cup in a spiral from the bottom going upward. Keep the rows close together to cover the cup well and give a woven basket effect.

@mrsclarehoops

I love this paper cup & string basket so much!!! #diyeasterdecorarion #easycraffs #minibasket #diybaskets #craftsforeveryoccasion

♬ Fairy Walk Style String Quartet and Woodwind Instruments(1528832) – Etsuo Kawasaki

When you get to the level where the slits begin, stop the winding, bend each strip outward, and then flip the cup upside down and press it down onto a flat surface. From here, continue taking the twine around the cup, only this time you'll be going over and under each strip, forming a woven pattern. Continue doing this until you get to about halfway up the cup, then turn the cup upright and continue weaving. As you proceed, the basket will start forming a bowl shape as the wall curves inward. Stop when you're just about to get to the cup's brim. And, for the last line around the cup, apply glue before taking the twine over each strip to prevent unraveling. Now cut the twine and the end bits off the strips. The only thing left to do is fashion the basket's handle.

Right now, your DIY basket looks more like a bowl without handles. To add the handle, first grab a strip of cardboard and wrap it in twine. Then glue it to the inside of the basket to make the typical curved handle. If you want a more sturdy handle, use a piece of craft wire instead of the cardboard strip. And that's it. Your DIY basket is all ready for use.

Now you can add as much flair to this tiny basket as you want to make it your own. The TikTok creator wrapped the rim with pretty cotton lace and then tied tiny bows onto the handle to complete the look. You could swap out the lace for a brightly colored ribbon to make the basket pop. And, instead of bows, try gluing on a few dry flowers to further boost the boho vibes.

Once you're satisfied with the final look of your basket, you can now put it to good use. Make it one of your storage solutions for keeping small items organized, such as jewelry or hair accessories, and place it on top of your dresser for easy access. These designs can also make for a very cutesy gift basket or even a play item for kids to carry mini Easter eggs during the Easter holiday. And, besides storage functions, you could hang several of these DIY baskets on an accent wall or in your hall to serve as a unique entryway design that makes a stunning first impression.