I first learned weaving paper strips to make perfect miniature baskets from Jane Harrop. I’ve used her technique quite a bit for all manner of woven containers. I’m no stranger to precise measuring and cutting of things, but the Cricut machine is ideal for streamlining and automating the process, namely the precise measuring and cutting. I draw the lines in Illustrator, and export as a SVG. Here you see a 1/16-inch (1.6 mm) layout of base and weavers. Perfectly cut by a happy machine.
Beginning weaving. This is for a finished height of 1.5 inches (38 mm) which translates to 18 inches (46 cm), a substantial-sized basket. On a 1.5-inch (38 cm) base, that’s a lot of weaving of black paper, late at night, on the first day of the new year.
Slow progress, though I enjoy the process. This height (or width) of basket requires tacking down the weavers every three or so, to maintain integrity. It gets gluey.
Come next morning, I’ve rethought my premise. All black is challenging to work with in the best of light. Also, black cardstock as a medium is very monochrome and flat as a believable basket. And the starting height requires *far* too much time weaving for a prototype or proof of concept. So I redrew the base to half the height, and cut a new pattern from white cardstock. I used an ebony Minwax touchup marker to stain the base, which lends a more organic color to the paper. I was about to stain the weavers, when, hey! that looks cool!
I’ve once again lost the light, but I think you can see how appealing this black-and-white woven tub is! More importantly, having the tedious measuring and cutting work reduced in producing such a thing — whether round, oblong, square or oval, handled or no — in whatever color suits your purpose, because *you* decide… might this be a thing for you? I’m going to put a basic kit in the shop which will accommodate up to a 1.25-inch round bottom, a 1/16-inch weaving base and more than adequate weavers. I’ll gladly draw to your specifications, as well. It will take me a few more days, but check it out and let me know!
nancyland.com 
This is great and a fantastic idea for a kit. I think it would appeal to many – especially considering the selection of materials/colours you could use. Love it :0)
Thanks for the feedback, Pepper! I’ve got some iterations to work through and supplies to lay in, but then it’s a go!
You could offer these in any colors, you are right – even monochrome. Why not leave the choice to the buyer? Looking super!
I’m thinking white cardstock and leaving the coloring up to the buyer. Options might be the shape/size of the base. Glad you like it, Marion!
I whole heartedly agree with both Pepper and Marion. The baskets as kits would be Very Appealing!
Thank you, Elizabeth! The machine makes it possible :)
Brilliant!
*blushes* and grins widely. Thx, K.
Fabulous idea, I’d buy one, for one read heaps :)
Wow, Bonnie, thanks. You can make lots!
Ohmygodyes. The cutting is what drives me away from such fun little projects and I’m sure I’m not the only lazy one ;)
Good to know, Christina! It *is* a fun project with such versatile results :)
Great idea!
Thank you, BW! Lots of possibilities here.
Coolio! That looks awesome. And like I might not screw up the kit. Part of me is still scared of the flowers.
Yay, Sheila! And be not afraid to learn by doing :)
Marvelous!! :D I do like the appeal of the black, but a white base would offer so many options.
Thanks, Brae. And white can easily become black :)
Looks great, the color combinations are endless, great job!
Bennie, thank you. I have to get faster at weaving, because I want to try them all!
You are rocking that new machine, Nancy! I love it! The basket (and the concept) is fabulous!
Gosh, thanks, Jodi. I feel kind of the same excitement as in the early days of desktop computers and printers, when the power of the printing press came to every studio. It’s mind-and-maker expanding :)