Here is a fun project to do with children, something simple, colorful, and easy. These tiny baskets are made from individual egg carton cups, and would be great for an equinox or Easter celebration. This is not a new idea, I know (I'll offer links to other versions at the end of this post) but I hope you will enjoy our take on this favorite theme.
(There are two parts of this tutorial that are better done by an adult: cutting out the individual egg cup and poking holes with an awl. You will want to be aware of those two steps before beginning this project with a child.)
Tools and supply list:
- egg carton
- scissors or utility knife
- awl
- glue stick
- tissue paper
- sturdy, colorful paper (for handle)
- metal brads (optional; omit if making for young children)
- double sided tape (optional)
- straight edge and cutting mat (optional)
Begin by cutting a single cup out of the egg carton, using scissors or utility knife. Then have the child tear tissue paper into short thin, strips.
Adhere tissue strips to the egg carton with glue stick. This is one of my daughter's favorite parts of making these!
When the egg cup is completely covered in tissue paper, choose paper for the handle. We used medium-weight printed papers, and "laminated" two strips together with double stick tape so that the handle had a pattern on each side. You could also use solid colored construction paper. Our handle measured approximately 3/8" wide by 3 1/2" long.
Use an awl to poke a hole on two opposite sides of the egg cup. Make a hole in each end of the handle.
Align the holes in the handle and basket, and insert a metal brad in order to attach the two. If you are making this basket to give to a young child, do not use a metal brad; instead, use glue or double stick tape to attach the handle.
Now you are done!
You could fill these with jelly beans, or tiny felted eggs, or special rocks and acorn caps.
Here are a few related links:
That last link is at My Little Hen, who kindly posted a link to my tiny book tutorial (part 2) on her site. I found her egg carton baskets after making my own, and I love what she's done!
