Use a knife to cut the bottom of the basket. Cut it along the perforations where the plastic is thinner than the solid base. Measure the height of the basket from below the rim and then cut the black construction paper to that size.
Wrap the black cardstock around the basket drum and secure with tape or a glue gun.
To cover the top edge of the basket, cut a thin strip of black construction paper and use a glue gun to attach it to the basket.
To make the handle for the pitcher, draw a semicircle on a piece of cardboard or white construction paper, and then cut out the shape.
Cover the handle with the remaining black construction paper. Attach it to the cup with glue or tape.
Cut the batting into 5-inch squares.
Cut the white construction paper into 4-inch strips. Cut each strip across the width to make equal pieces. Roll each piece into a tube and staple the ends to secure. Lay the paper tube over a piece of batting and twist the batting around the paper.
Tuck the ends of the batting into the tube and secure with tape or hot glue.
Cut the taffeta fabric in half lengthwise. Glue along the inside edge of the basket. For a flowing, frothy look, glue the fabric bundles in place, making sure to cover the entire edge loosely. Tape or glue the marshmallows onto the fabric and basket.
If you wish, add a pattern to the mug. We used a circle cutter to make about 30 polka dots for our mug.