Rat Bikes! Pub Bikes Beaters! Frankenbikes!

I've thought a bit about this, but I talk a good project and rarely ever deliver -this is no exception.

Take a look at TCB http://www.tcbracks.com/gallery/#/images/gallery1.jpg
They manage to achieve some excellent designs with just aluminium tube, nuts and bolts.

clamp down the ends in a vice or mole grips and drill bolt holes through.
You'll need some strong round objects to bend them round - hand rails for example
The aluminium tube can be acquired from garden centres - it's used for making fruit cages.

If I hadn't used wood id have used a metal shopping basket. Word on the street is that they cost a lot to make so I wouldn't steal one but they are super tough and the fittings to your bike would break before the basket