Mod Circle Side Table, Step Stool, Basket, Etc.

I've wanted to make a basket that looks like this for a while now.  Thanks to instructables and the cardboard challenge I got the motivation to make it happen.  When thinking about making it I decided I wanted it to have multiple uses and to look somewhat like an art piece.  So here it is, I like how it turned out and if you make one let me see pics!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

for this project I used 16 paper towel cardboard tubes that were all the same size
I used white glue but hot glue might work as well
use scissors or a paper cutter for the strips, I used a paper cutter but scissors would work to
large cereal boxes
cracker, tissue, and other thin cardboard (non-coraggated boxes)
paper clips (not pictured)
1&1/2 inch circle punch


-16 paper towel tubes
- white glue
- scissors or paper cutter
- large cereal boxes
- other thin cardboard boxes
- paper clips (not pictured)
- 1&1/2 inch circle punch

Step 2: Glue Tubes Together

glue the tubes 4x4 so it looks like a square from the top and a rectangle from the side

Step 3: Cut the Strips and Connect 2 Together

cut the ends off the boxes

cut the cardboard strips all the same width, I did 1/2 inches wide

I did a total of 30 strips that I connected to make 15 long strips

weigh down the strips with something while they dry

Step 4: Wrap and Weave the Straps

wrap the straps around the dried tubes

start with the straps the go over the top of the tubes
4 straps centered over each tube

then add 4 more the other direction and glue where they intersect, weigh them down with something as they dry

weave the remaining strips (7 for me) around the middle of the tubes (see photos)
to decide how many you need to weave around the middle line up the circles the length of the tubes
(again see photos)

Step 5: Cut Circles and Glue Them On

cut out/ punch the circles  
I needed 144 for mine  

make sure the middle woven straps are evenly spaced and then glue the circles on
you may need to use paper clips to hold them on as the dry

Step 6: Let Dry and Enjoy

once it's dry remove the paper clips and then use your creation around your house or office

oh, like I said at the beginning I wanted to make a basket so see the photos where I cut one end so I could open it and use it as a basket. One photo shows a whole pack of napkins inside the basket.

Also be VERY careful about using it as a step stool I knew this would hold me but I don't think I'd use it to reach things out of cabinets etc. I kept my hands free to hold on to something if I would loose my balance.  


I really enjoyed this project, thanks for checking it out!