So now you have your basic items gathered (see #1 Basket Materials and Tools post) and it’s time to start a basket!

Obviously, the length of wire that you will need depends on the size of basket that you want to end up making.  A good generic length to start with is about 6″ (152mm) long.  There will be excess, so don’t worry about a 1/16″ (2mm) here or there.

If the paper on the wire is not the color that you want to end up with (it does peek through the weaving,) you will want to paint the 6″ wire lengths now.  Inexpensive acrylic craft paint (support your local craft store!) is just fine for this step.  It is best to take your weaving medium (thread/cord/yarn) to the paint aisle with you for a good match.  As with any painting project, you can mix up a color that suits you.

Generally, you will use 4 or 5 of the 6″ wire lengths to make a basket frame.  When painting the wire, I usually paint about 30 to 40 of the wire lengths.  I’m definitely going to have extra weaving thread after one basket, so I just plan for more.  (You know I’m gonna make another basket!)  I lay out some waxed paper because I will be painting all sides of the round wire and you want it to dry without sticking.  If you want to paint one side, wait an hour and then paint the other side, by all means.  I don’t really have that kind of patience.  *grin*  I put on some thin latex gloves, make a small puddle of paint and drag the wire lengths through the paint, using my fingers to ensure that all sides are coated.  (Confession: sometimes no gloves!)  Too much paint just means extra drying time, so just cover the color of the wire.  Don’t worry overly about a perfectly even color along the entire wire as you are going to cover this frame anyway.  Think of small variations as “interesting texture!”  The wire is very flexible, so it will bend some while you are manhandling it.  Not to worry.  If anything, dragging your paint-sodden fingers along the wire will help straighten a bit.  In my experience, the paper really soaks up the paint and will not betray you later by flaking.

Now, give the wire time to dry.  As with any craft project, letting paint and glue dry before moving on to the next step will end up in a much cleaner and sturdier item.  I move my wire lengths to a clean side of the waxed paper and give it at least an hour.  If you think of it, turn them over after a bit so that the same side is not against the wax paper the whole time.  Sometimes a bit of paint will run off, leaving you with little “edges” or flaps of paint hanging off the wire (maybe that’s just mine!)  No problem.  When the wires are dry to the touch, run a finger nail along them and scrape any excess right off.  See a big unpainted bit?  Touch it up!  I love (let’s face it… require) forgiving crafts!

Okay, once you have dry 6″ wire lengths of a proper color, it’s time to glue a frame together!

=) honey