Once I realized that the maps clogging my glove compartment were essentially obsolete, I could have recycled them. But what's the fun in that? I decided to weave them into a basket, which initially sounded intimidating. (Let's face it: The only weaving most of us do is in and out of traffic.)

As it turns out, paper is easier to work with than more supple materials, and the basic over-under weave requires less brain power than refolding a map. It does take time—I spent two hours cutting up the maps and folding them into strips and another two doing the actual weaving—but it was soothing and meditative, like a long car ride. I got lost a few times and had to retrace my steps, which was all just part of the journey. The finished piece is both practical and a great conversation starter—a monument to road trips gone by.

Construction time: About 4 hours

Difficulty Level: 4/10
Weaving the basket is easy; the challenge is making the strips uniform. But don't worry about a few imperfections. It's supposed to look handmade.

Based on a project by Jane Patrick, creative director of Schacht Spindle Company and author of Time to Weave, from Craft, vol. 5.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 2 to 3 large road maps
• String or sturdy thread
• Yardstick
• Scissors
• Clothespins
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat (or just make do with the scissors and ruler)
• White glue (optional)

1. Cut the maps lengthwise until you have 20 two-inch strips.

2. Fold each strip in half lengthwise. Then fold the edges in to the center and press firmly.

3. To make the base of the basket, weave 10 strips (over and under) across 10 other strips, forming a square.

4. Measure the length of one side of the square, then cut a piece of string ten times the length. Fold the string in half and wrap it around the perimeter of the square crossing the two strands of string between each strip as you go. When you've completed the square, tie the ends of the string together.

5. Now make the basket's sides: Cross the two center strips on one side of the basket and weave each outward, over and under, the other strips.

6. Cross the next two strips and weave them outward. Repeat with the rest of the strips on that side until they form a diamond shape. Secure the top with a clothespin.

7. Weave each of the remaining three sides into a diamond shape (be sure to cross the two center strips the same way on each of the four sides—right over left or left over right). Then continue weaving the strands together to join the four sides. Each strip will naturally travel from one side of the basket to the other.

8. Stop weaving when you reach the height you want. Pair up the free ends and fold them over each other and down into the basket.

9. Spend some time pulling the strips snug for a tighter, smoother weave, and then tuck them into the inside weaving and trim the free ends.

10. Place something heavy—like a jar or a paperweight—inside the basket for a few hours to flatten the base. Then crease it along the bottom edges. To make it more durable, coat the basket inside and out with watered-down glue.