May Day Canned Crafts

Observed for centuries across cultures, each with their own unique traditions, May Day celebrates the sprouting of agricultural crops as the season begins.  While it still holds importance within agricultural practices, it has become a celebration of the beauty and life that comes with spring, and a glimmer that summer is right around the corner!

At festivals all over the world, people gather and practice their traditions – Maypole dancing, holding large picnics and bonfires, and going around barefoot in nature. Though typically celebrated with community, May Day is a special time to enjoy spring, something we can do from anywhere – even your quarantine household.

This year, we spent some time learning how to make May baskets from one of our grandmothers… and then we taught her how to make them- Canned Oregon style. Grab some paper and an empty can and celebrate May Day by crafting with us!

Materials you’ll need:
Construction paper
Stapler, tape, or paste
Empty Can
Fresh Flowers

How to make traditional May baskets -

Take your first piece of paper and cut a 1”x 11” strip from along the long edge.

Roll the sheet of paper into the shape of a cone and either staple, tape, or paste the fold to stay in place.

Fold the bottom of the cone up once and staple.

Take the strip of paper (from step one) and attach each end to opposite sides of the cone to make a handle.

Put your fresh flowers in the cone and hang your basket on your doorknob!

How to make Canned Oregon May baskets -

Take your piece of paper and cut a 1” x 11” strip from along the long edge.

Take the sheet of paper and cut a 2”x 7” strip from along the short edge.

Find an empty can and take a can opener to take the top off for an open “vase.”

Wrap the second strip of paper around your can until it fits tightly and secure with staples, tape, or paste.

Attach each end of the long strip to opposite sides of the wrapped strip to make a handle.

*For extra support, you can cut another long strip to connect to the wrapped strip in the opposite direction of the handle to cradle the can.

Put your fresh flowers in the can and hang your Canned Oregon style basket on your doorknob!