How to Make an Easter Basket

One of the highlights of spring is the celebration of Easter. Once Easter arrives it seems that winter has receded and brighter days are ahead. One of the most fun traditions of Easter is the Easter basket. However, there is often little choice of Easter basket beyond the standard wicker, in pastel colors. If you want something more unique to fill for your loved ones this Easter, here is what you need to know about how to make an Easter basket-Don’t be limited by the traditional-While you can certainly buy one of the traditional wicker baskets, and fill it with treats, it is quite easy to personalize an Easter basket. You can use virtually any basket or box to start with, remember that there are no limits!  Best of all you can give something that the gift recipient can continue to use long after Easter is over. You can use it as is, or go ahead and apply some embellishments. To get you started here are some ideas for Easter baskets:A bathroom caddy

• 1. A plastic bin
  2. A sand pail
  3. A picnic basket
  4. A ceramic planter
  5. A plastic mixing bowl
  6. A printed gift bag
  7. A wooden box
  8. A large colander
  9. A small overnight bag
• Try making your own-Many people shy away from crafts, afraid that they will be too time consuming or that they don’t have the skills. However, you can make Easter baskets quickly and most importantly without having to have any experience in crafts. Here are a couple of ideas to you started-

1. Mesh basket-To make a small Easter basket, save the plastic mesh container that mushrooms or strawberries come in. Empty them and then wash and dry them thoroughly. Cut several different strips of paper or strips of different colored ribbons. You then use these strips to weave in and out of the holes in the baskets. When you get to the end, tuck them in and apply a dot of glue. You can also use a hot glue gun for this. This makes a great preschool project as well.
2. Paper basket-You can also make a small paper Easter basket quite easily. Start by cutting a square that is approximately 10”x 10”, from construction paper, or poster board. Keep in mind that you will need to reserve the scraps to make the handle. Start by folding each corner over to make an edge and staple the corners together. Once you are done with this step then cut a 1 inch strip out of the matching paper, and staple it on for a handle. If you want the basket to be decorated, then use crayons, markers, stickers, and glitter glue before stapling the paper. This makes a great elementary school project as well.

• Reduce, reuse recycle-If you are on a budget this Easter, or just want to make your Easter basket “green”, there are a number of ways that you can use things around the house, to make a one of kind, unique Easter basket. Best of all these projects don’t require anything that is not found in most homes. Kids will especially love the chance to be creative in making their own Easter basket, or one for someone else. Here is a project to get you started: Ice Cream Basket Easter Basket-Rather than throwing away your empty ice cream bucket; why not turn it into an Easter basket? Wash and dry the bucket and then let the kids decorate it by covering it with Easter themed craft paper, adding stickers, using crayons, markers and glitter glue, or any other craft material that they can find. If you want to add a handle then punch a hole on each side and use a pipe cleaner or ribbon for the handle.