Easy Craft: Let's Bring Back May Day Baskets!

We have a rare Saturday post today, and it’s an idea for an easy craft from my friend Maegen, the creator of Sounds Fun Mom. Her site is an awesome resource for young families in the “Sound Sound” area of the Seattle suburbs – if you have any friends out there, please pass the word!

When I was a little girl, my sister and I loved to celebrate May 1st by making paper cones and filling them with flower bouquets for our neighbors. Part of the fun was making them, and part of the fun was getting to ring the doorbell and run!

Photo by Alyssssyla on Flickr.I’ve discovered that most people in the Seattle area don’t have this tradition. Maybe my mom brought it from the Midwest, or maybe it’s just fading away because the stores haven’t figured out how to market it. Either way, I say: Let’s bring back May Day! It’s such a simple craft and such a sweet way to mark spring.

To be official, you’ll want to wait until Sunday, but round up the supplies now (you probably have most around the house). And, I suppose this goes without saying, but if you’re going to do the doorbell and run method, choose a friendly neighbor!

We make ours like this one from Kaboose. It’s basically a decorated paper plate shaped into a cone and stapled. You’ll want to get some ribbon to make a little handle for the door. The cheap, flimsy plates actually work best, and in a pinch, construction paper will work, too. Then fill it with some lovely flowers and find a neighbor to give it to! Of course, if you want to channel your inner Martha and pretty it up, feel free.