Happy (almost) May Day! May Day celebrates the first day of May, and is commonly commemorated in many traditions as an ancient spring festival. Cultures around the world celebrate May Day each year with dancing, singing, cake and of course… flowers! The month of May is a beautiful time to enjoy fresh spring flowers, cool weather and the upcoming season of summer.

What’s one of the most popular parts of May Day? The baskets, of course! May Day is a time to come together with family and friends and create festive crafts. If you’re looking for a way to get started, check out these 5 cool craft ideas to celebrate.

1. Scrapbook Paper Cones

May Day baskets can be made out of anything from flowerpots to recycled tin cans. One cute tradition is making them from scrapbook paper. Paper cones are a unique and easy-to-do idea to create cute May Day baskets for friends and family. 

First, choose a fun piece of patterned scrapbook paper and roll it into a cone shape, then secure with a strong piece of tape. You can then punch two holes on either side of the opening and thread a loose piece of ribbon between them with knots on either side. Your newly created basket can now be hung from a doorknob. Fill the cone with flowers and light candy for a beautifully decorated treat.

2. Real Flowers 

May is all about the flowers, so join the party by buying—or picking—some flowers. Fill a basket with a gorgeous bouquet to give your neighbor or someone you love, because nothing brightens up a room or someone’s day quite like a fresh bundle of beautiful flowers.

3. Fake Flowers

If you would rather go the fake flower route, there are a ton of options to choose from for your May Day festivities! Use tissue or crepe paper to create the illusion of budding flowers on a stick, or hand paint some coffee filters for a unique touch. 

If you prefer a more two-dimensional style, flower paintings are always a great way to go. Whether it’s finger painting, watercolors or even bubble painting (that’s right—look it up), your artistic renderings will be a beautiful addition to any May Day activity. Try it out yourself or get kiddos involved for a fun, yet slightly messier, experience.

4. Springtime Poems

For the more literary artists, there’s always the option of writing a sweet springtime poem or letter. You can send these out as handwritten notes to friends or family, or attach them to another May Day basket. Commemorate the season by writing about something you love in the springtime, or send happy messages with May-filled joy. 

5. Candy Bouquet

Finally, for the sweet tooth: a candy bouquet. If you’re not much into crafts, and not much into flowers, candy can float your boat! Pick out some delicious sweet treats to fill your baskets and send them out with love. Because when in doubt, candy is always the way to go.

At the end of a successful May Day, celebrate the start of a beautiful season by going out to your favorite restaurant or cafe for a light snack or drink. Enjoy your May Day with some of these cool craft ideas and have a fresh start to the summer.