Simple Paper Basket Tutorial

I have recently discovered the world of free and downloadable tutorials. There are so many simple/easy ideas out there that seem even more "do-able" because there is a tutorial to go along with it. I made something "original" (although I am sure that this is not a novel idea) and it turned out so nice that I wanted to share.I had some beautiful "baby girl" 12 x 12 inch scrapbooking paper (which was more of a cardstock thickness) that made beautiful easter "baskets". You can do this with any size of heavy weight paper though and your basket will be either small, medium, or large depending on the paper size.

#1 - Fold paper into three equal parts. For a 12 x 12 inch paper, fold every 4 inches.Cut slits at each folding line four inches deep, on both sides of the folded line. You will have four slits to cut in all.
Gather up the three separate pieces of paper that you have created by making the two slits on both side. You can gather them as loosely or as tightly as you would like depending on if you want more of a "boxy" basket or a "boat-shaped" basket. I made mine more "boxy".
Punch a hole about 1 inch from the top of each side.
Thread a ribbon or string (6 inches or other desired length) through the hole you have created.Tie the ribbon or string to secure each side.
Voila! You have a basket that you made yourself!