Preparing the Basket

• 1). Dye 1/4-inch flat oval reed in pastel colors for Easter.
  
  
• 2). Make a God's Eye on each side of the basket to hold the 10-inch round hoops and ribs in place. (See "How to Make a God's Eye" in the Related eHows.)
  
  
• 3). Using #6 round reed, cut two pieces 16 1/2 inches long; two pieces 18 inches long; two pieces 19 1/2 inches long; two pieces 18 1/2 inches long; and two pieces 17 1/2 inches long. These 10 pieces will be the ribs of your basket.
  
  
• 4). Make pencil marks on one end of the ribs: Mark a "1" on both 16-1/2-inch ribs; a "2" on both 18-inch ribs; a "3" on both 19-1/2-inch ribs; a "4" on both 18-1/2-inch ribs; and a "5" on both 17-1/2-inch ribs.
  
  
• 5). Cut both ends of the ribs at an angle. This will make them easier to insert in the God's Eye. Cut with a pair of wire side cutters or use a pencil sharpener to sharpen the ends of the rib.
  
  
• 6). Dip the #6 round reed pieces in warm water for a few seconds. This will help prevent them from breaking.
  
  
• 7). Soak long pieces of 1/4-inch flat or flat oval reed.