Create an egg-cellent Easter basket

(Mar 20, 2008) Transform those non-biodegradable, vegetable plastic containers into a colourful Easter basket. Get the kids involved in decorating their own creations and add some creative flair to the holiday.

Materials

plastic container in any shape or size

sharp X-acto blade or scissors

scraps of ribbon, raffia, old shopping bag handles

felt material

buttons and beads

needle and thread

scissors

ruler (for measuring handles)

tape or glue

Small Easter basket
Use a mushroom container for this colourful little basket -- a perfect size for small hands:

using the lines in the plastic as your guide, poke two holes on each side for the handles. They should line up so the handles are steady

Re-use the strings from shopping bags, since they're fairly sturdy.

From the outside, push the thread through the holes you just made.

Tape each end on the inside of the box.

Using some ribbon, tie the other ends together at the top.

Cover with recycled netting or tissue paper to finish.

Clear Easter basket
For a larger basket, use a clear plastic lettuce container:

Using your X-acto blade, slice two slits close to the top edge. These will be used for the handles.

From the outside, thread thick cotton ribbon or any other strong rope through the holes.

Over lap about one inch of ribbon over the holes and then sew in place to create handles.

Felt flowers
Felting is a technique used to turn old, holey wool sweaters into a thick, useable fabric. You’ve probably accidentally created felt by washing that favourite wool sweater in hot water or putting it in the dryer.

To create felt:

Place your wool garment in a pillowcase.

Put it through a wash using hot water, detergent and on a regular extra-small cycle.

Lay flat to dry.

To create the flowers:

Draw the pattern you would like onto tissue paper.

Pin the pattern onto the wool to cut out.

You can also freestyle it and cut by hand.

Finish the flower by sewing a colourful button in the middle.

Straw for the basket
Avoid buying that plastic straw that can’t be recycled and is wasteful. For the Easter straw, look no further than your paper shredder. Who knew old bank statements and bills would come in handy for a craft project? Use coloured paper or construction paper for different shades.

Tara Nolan is a crafter and a packrat trying to find uses for all those things she’s got lying around her house.


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