Step 5

Filling the Basket

Now it’s time to start figuring out how the items will be placed into the basket. Some baskets are best with a “360 degree” view—where items are placed facing out from the center in all directions, with labels visible no matter which way you turn the basket. Other baskets are constructed so that all the items face “front.”

Large items should go in the middle, or toward the back, with smaller items in front and on the sides. That way everything can be seen clearly. But, you’ll also need to balance everything so the basket doesn’t tip over. Take some time to experiment with different arrangements until you find the one that looks and works best.
 

Try to give your basket as much height as possible for a more professional appearance. You can add a little extra fill under some items to raise them up a bit.
 

Once you’ve decided where everything should go, you will need to secure the items so they won’t move around after you’ve wrapped up the basket. There are several methods to accomplish this:

• Push the items down into the shred and, if packed tightly enough, everything will stay in place (use your fingers to poke “pockets” in the shred

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• Use wooden skewers, sticking them down into the base of the basket and then propping or attaching the items

• Use clear packing tape along the back of the items to hold them together and upright

• Use cardboard wrapped with wrapping paper, placed along the back of the basket to give support to the items (insert the cardboard well down into the container and tape it down at the bottom)

• If the basket has a handle, larger items may be tied or taped to the handle. Or attach items to a length of tape strung across the back from one handle to the other.

• Buy “glue dots,” which are double-sided, pressure sensitive adhesive dots that apply quickly and remove easily and completely. They can be purchased from craft stores, office supply stores and on the web.