There’s something so sweet about May Day…maybe it is the promise of fresh flowers or maybe it’s the joy of getting to surprise someone with a little burst of sunshine at their door. Either way, every year, my kids and I pull out the scrapbook paper, ribbon, and scissors to make our own May Day baskets; some of which have made their way to neighbors, teachers, and even our local librarian.
As a mom of three and someone who wears many hats in my day-to-day life, I love crafts that don’t require a ton of prep but still feel fun and thoughtful. This May Day basket DIY checks all the boxes. It’s quick, kid-friendly, and a great excuse to slow down and enjoy the season. If you and your family want to get in on the May Day tradition this year, use the instructions below to make some baskets that are guaranteed to bring a smile to the special people in your community.
What You’ll Need
- 12” x 12” scrapbook paper
- 24” piece of ribbon or twine
- Fresh flowers
- Clear tape or double-sided sticky tape
- Hole punch
- Paper scissors
- Optional: Scallop-edge scissors
Step-By-Step Guide to Making Your Own May Day Baskets
Step 1
Grab a 12” x 12” piece of scrapbook paper. If it has a branded edge, trim that off, so you’re left with a clean square.
Optional: If you want to add a decorative edge to your paper, use scallop-edge scissors to trim two adjacent edges of the square. You can also use a regular pair of scissors and this print-out template to give your basket a pretty, unique border.
Step 2
Roll the two straight edges toward each other to create a cone shape. Secure the edges with tape – clear on the outside or double-sided in between the paper layers.
Step 3
Use a hold punch to make small holes around the top edge of the cone. This will be used to thread your ribbon for hanging.
Step 4
Cut a piece of ribbon or twine about 24” long. Starting at the top, weave it in and out of the holes you just punched, making sure to leave even lengths on either side. Bring the ends of the ribbon together and tie them into a bow. This will serve as your handle.
Step 5
Now for the fun part! Snip some fresh flowers from your garden, or grab a small bouquet from a local store, and tuck them into the cone. Add a little tissue paper or greenery to keep everything in place.
Want to prepare your baskets ahead of time? You can make your baskets a day early, so they’re ready to fill and deliver on May 1st. Just store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to add your flowers.
About the Author:
Jess Shirk is the genius behind many of the Dutch Apron® Bakery recipe blog posts. She joined the team back in 2022 as a social media manager, and, since then, she has become the brand’s resident photographer and baker. When she’s not perfecting pictures for Dutch Apron® Bakery’s social media feeds, she can be found spending time in nature with her two dogs, going on bike rides with her family, and trying new bread recipes.
