The first day of the month of May is traditionally known as “May Day” and is celebrated in many places around the world. There are many traditions and stories surrounding May Day and may vary depending upon where you live. The one thing that is similar in most of the celebrations is the use of “flowers”. Gathering flowers became a tradition and “bringing in the May” (as some would call it) became a popular activity for May 1st.
Today baskets are often made and filled with fresh picked flowers (and sometimes goodies) to be placed on the doorknob of friends and neighbors. The trick is to leave the basket on the doorknob, knock on the door and get away quickly leaving the surprise to be found. This surprise gesture is an expression of the joy of gift giving with the added bonus that you get to be the anonymous gift giver.
May Day Baskets can be made easily and inexpensively with a variety of
items. When I was younger I remember
making them out of construction paper with pipe cleaners for the handle. Today there are so many beautiful
scrapbooking card stock papers available and one 12” x 12” sheet can easily
make 4 small May Day Baskets.
To get started you will need:
Supplies:
·
One 12” x 12” Card Stock Paper
·
2 yards ribbon
·
Small hole punch
·
Small bouquet of flowers from your garden
·
Scissor, ruler, pencil, stapler, paper towel,
plastic wrap.
1. Measure
and cut 12” x 12” card stock into four 6” x 6” pieces.
2. With
one 6”x6” piece overlap opposite corners and roll to form a cone; staple in
place; this becomes the front.
3.
Punch a hole on the sides ½” down; thread one end of an
18” piece of ribbon through one side, knot and repeat for other side; this
forms the handle.
4.
Wrap small bouquet of flowers with damp paper towel, wrap
with plastic wrap and place into cone.
5.
Repeat with other 3 pieces of card stock to make 4
baskets.
·
When you place your bouquet into the basket
adjust the flowers to cover the staple in the front.
·
If you do not have a stapler you can use tape or
glue; if using glue use a clothespin to hold in place until dry.
·
If you do not have any flowers go to a nursery
and buy some small starter plants and place in there.
·
If you do not have a hole punch you can staple
or glue the handle in place.
·
If you do not have plastic wrap use foil or a
small sandwich bag.
·
Be sure to use Decorative Card Stock no paper.
·
You can use 8 ½” x 11 card stock and make 2
smaller baskets that are 5 ½” x 5 ½”.
