What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The surprise material in this small faux-leather basket is ordinary craft foam. One 12 × 18-inch sheet is trimmed to 12 × 16 inches, painted on both sides and along its edges, then folded and joined with brass fasteners to form a 6 × 10-inch basket.
The tutorial from A Piece of Rainbow, updated December 27, 2023, describes the project as “$2 and 10 minutes.” Those figures describe that publisher’s project at that time, not a guaranteed current retail cost or timing for every maker. The method below keeps the documented dimensions and sequence while adding measuring checks so the finished basket folds squarely.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
What this project makes
You start with a flat rectangle of craft foam and remove matching squares from its four corners. The remaining center becomes the basket floor; the four surrounding panels become the sides. After painting, each side folds upward and its neighboring flaps overlap at the corners. A punched hole and brass fastener secure each overlap, so the fasteners can later be removed and the basket stored flat.
| Project detail | Documented specification |
|---|---|
| Starting material | One 12 × 18-inch craft foam sheet |
| Cut sheet | 12 × 16 inches |
| Finished basket | Approximately 6 × 10 inches |
| Published cost claim | $2, reported by A Piece of Rainbow in its December 27, 2023 update |
| Published time claim | 10 minutes, reported by A Piece of Rainbow for its project |
The source does not establish a weight capacity, washability, child-safety rating or long-term durability. Treat the result as a decorative organizer made from foam, not as a substitute for a tested leather or rigid storage container.
Materials and tools
Gather everything before you cut. The foam is the structural piece, while the paint supplies create the leather-like surface and the fasteners provide the removable corner joints.
| Item | Role in the project |
|---|---|
| 12 × 18-inch craft foam sheet | Primary material; it is cut to 12 × 16 inches before the corner cuts |
| Brown acrylic paint | Main color in the faux-leather mix |
| Yellow ochre acrylic paint | Adds the warm, earthy tone specified in the tutorial |
| White acrylic paint | Lightens and adjusts the brown mixture |
| Brass fasteners | Join the overlapping corner flaps and can be removed for flat storage |
| Small hole punch | Creates the holes for the fasteners |
| Scissors | Trim the sheet and cut away all four corners |
| Clear spray (optional) | Adds a shinier surface, if that look is wanted |
Protect your work surface from acrylic paint and overspray. If you use the optional clear spray, follow that product’s ventilation and drying directions rather than treating it as a required step.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
Set out the dimensions before cutting
Trim the sheet to 12 × 16 inches
The original sheet is 12 × 18 inches. Measure 16 inches along the long edge and cut off the extra 2-inch strip, leaving a 12 × 16-inch rectangle. Check both diagonals or use a square corner so the rectangle is not skewed; accurate right angles make the later folds meet cleanly.
Mark a 6 × 10-inch center
The target basket floor is 6 × 10 inches. On the 12-inch dimension, the unused width is 6 inches, so it divides into 3-inch side panels on the left and right. On the 16-inch dimension, the unused length is also 6 inches, creating 3-inch panels at the front and back. Lightly mark those 3-inch lines from each edge. This leaves a centered 6 × 10-inch rectangle.
Those measurements explain why the four corner pieces are 3 × 3 inches: each one sits where a 3-inch side panel meets a 3-inch end panel. The tutorial describes cutting away the corners; marking the geometry this way keeps all four removals equal and preserves the stated finished size.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPaint the foam for a faux-leather surface
Mix the documented color family
Combine brown, yellow ochre and white acrylic paint. Start with brown as the dominant color, add yellow ochre to warm it, and use white to raise the value until the mixture resembles the leather tone you want. Make enough of the mixture for both faces and the exposed edges before you begin, because reproducing an exact shade after the first batch is difficult.
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
Coat both faces and every edge
Paint one side of the unassembled 12 × 16-inch rectangle, covering the area that will become the floor, side panels and corner flaps. Paint the cut edges as well; an unpainted edge will remain visible after folding. Allow that side to dry, then turn the sheet over and repeat on the reverse. The tutorial specifically calls for paint on both sides and the edges, with drying between sides.
Keep the coat even enough that the foam’s original color does not distract from the finish, but do not rush the turnaround while the surface is wet. Wet paint can transfer to your work surface or the opposite face. Let the acrylic dry according to the paint maker’s directions before cutting or folding.
Add shine only if you want it
A clear spray is optional and is mentioned as a way to make the finish shinier. Apply it only after the acrylic is dry, and use the spray’s own instructions for distance, ventilation and curing. A shiny topcoat changes the appearance; it is not evidence that the foam becomes waterproof, washable or more load-bearing.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Cut the corners and form the basket
Remove all four 3 × 3-inch corner squares
With the painted rectangle dry, cut along the corner marks and remove the four 3 × 3-inch squares. Use long, controlled scissor cuts so the remaining side panels have straight edges. Keep the center 6 × 10-inch area intact. If one corner is larger than the others, compare it with the opposite corner before proceeding and trim carefully rather than trying to correct the shape after assembly.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
Plan each overlap
Lay the cut sheet flat with the painted side you want to see on the outside facing down or up according to your preferred folding direction. Bring each 3-inch side panel upward around the 6 × 10-inch floor. At every corner, two neighboring flaps meet and overlap. Test-fold all four corners once without punching holes so you can confirm that the basket walls stand evenly and that the overlaps point in the same direction.
Punch aligned holes
At one folded corner, hold the overlapping flaps together and use the small hole punch to make one hole through both layers. Keep the hole far enough from the edges that the fastener head sits on solid foam, while leaving enough room for the flaps to overlap. Use that first corner as a visual guide for the other three, matching height and distance from the edges. Misaligned holes are easier to prevent while the foam is flat and supported than to repair after all four corners are joined.
Install the brass fasteners
Insert a brass fastener through each paired hole and spread or bend its prongs on the inside, following the fastener’s design. Work around the basket one corner at a time, keeping the side panels upright as you close each joint. The completed basket should have four secured corners and a flat, rectangular floor.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallKeep the flat-storage option
The fasteners are removable. To store the basket flat, undo the prongs, pull the fasteners out and fold the painted sheet back into a rectangle. Save the fasteners with the basket so reassembly does not require new hardware.
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Checks that prevent the common assembly problems
- The basket floor is not 6 × 10 inches: Recheck that the sheet was trimmed to 12 × 16 inches before the corner cuts. Unequal corner squares change the floor size and make the walls meet unevenly.
- A corner will not overlap: Flatten that corner, compare the two flap lengths and verify that the full 3-inch corner square was removed. A partial cut can leave material blocking the fold.
- The fastener hole tears the foam: Move the hole slightly inward on both flaps and punch through the layers while they are held together. Avoid placing the hole directly on an edge.
- The walls lean in different directions: Open the fasteners, set the sheet flat and refold each 3-inch panel along a straight marked line. Reinstall the hardware only after the four folds match.
- Paint is visible on the wrong face: Decide which painted side is the exterior before folding. Because both faces are painted, you can reverse the basket, but the corner-prong placement will then be on the opposite interior or exterior side.
- The finish looks dull: The optional clear spray is the documented way to add more shine. Let the acrylic dry first and follow the spray label.
- Paint rubs while you assemble: Stop and allow the acrylic to dry fully before folding. Handling a damp surface can leave fingerprints or transfer color between layers.
Using the finished basket responsibly
The result is a small, collapsible container for light organizing tasks that fit its 6 × 10-inch footprint. Place it where the foam will not be exposed to sharp objects, standing water or heat. The available project information does not give a tested load limit or cleaning method, so avoid presenting it as a heavy-duty, washable or child-safe storage product.
Because the joints are made with removable fasteners, the basket is well suited to temporary organization or seasonal display. If you need a different arrangement, remove the hardware, flatten the sheet and refold it rather than forcing a corner that is still attached.
What the “$2 and 10 minutes” claim means
A Piece of Rainbow’s December 27, 2023 update says, “Our faux leather version only took $2 and 10 minutes to make!” That is a publisher-reported project cost and duration tied to its materials, location and workflow at that date. Retail prices for foam, paint, fasteners and optional spray can change, and your first attempt may take longer while you measure, wait for paint to dry and align the corners.
The claim is still useful as a scale indicator: this is designed as a small, low-material craft rather than a multi-day build. It should not be read as a current universal price, an independently timed result or a promise that every finish will be complete in ten minutes.
A repeatable checklist
- Gather craft foam, brown, yellow ochre and white acrylic paint, brass fasteners, a small hole punch and scissors; add clear spray only if you want extra shine.
- Measure the 12 × 18-inch foam sheet and cut it to 12 × 16 inches.
- Mark a centered 6 × 10-inch rectangle by measuring 3 inches in from each edge.
- Cut away the four marked 3 × 3-inch corner squares.
- Before cutting or folding further, paint the foam’s first face and all edges; let it dry.
- Paint the reverse face and let it dry completely.
- Fold the four 3-inch panels upward and test the overlaps.
- Punch one aligned hole through both layers at each corner.
- Insert and secure one brass fastener per corner.
- Apply optional clear spray only after the paint is dry, then follow its label for drying and ventilation.
- For flat storage, remove the fasteners and unfold the basket.
Following those measurements and checks gives you the documented 6 × 10-inch form while keeping the defining surprise intact: a sheet of craft foam finished to look like faux leather.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
