How to Make a Country Gift Basket

This cute little country gift basket makes a unique gift presentation piece. It would also make a sweet home decor display piece.

Supplies and Equipment for Making the Country Gift Basket

• 1/8" Baltic birch plywood
• ¼" Baltic birch plywood
• ¼" dowel rod
• DAP Rapid Fuse wood adhesive
• FolkArt Milk Paint and Finishing Oil
• Proxxon Table Saw FET or Proxxon  MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Instructions for Making the Country Gift Basket

1. Measure and mark the 1/8" plywood for the basket sides and slats according to schematic. Mark for two sides and four slats. Measure and mark the ¼" plywood for the basket bottom according to schematic.
   
2. Set the blade height on the table saw so the teeth of the blade are just above the wood. 
   
3. Cut the pieces. The pieces can also be cut on the bandsaw.
   
4. Measure ½" down from the top center of the basket sides, and mark for drilling the hole for the dowel rod. Placing a piece of painter's tape on the reverse side before drilling helps minimize tear out.
   
5. Using the bench drill press, drill the holes for the dowel rod. Set the adjustable fence to ensure that both pieces are drilled in the exact same spot.
   
6. Sand the edges of all pieces on the disc sander.
   
7. Sand the surfaces with the Delta sander.
   
8. Glue the side pieces to the bottom, and let the adhesive dry. Then, glue the slats in places.
   
9. When the adhesive is thoroughly dry, paint with FolkArt Milk Paint.
   
10. When the paint is dry, coat with Milk Paint Finishing Oil.
    
11. Load your country gift basket with goodies and present to your lucky recipient.