How to Make a Paper Mache Easter Basket

Paper mache, while a bit messy, is a versatile, fun project for the whole family. With simple household supplies and your imagination, you can craft a paper mache Easter basket to deliver those dyed eggs and decadent chocolate bunnies in style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balloon or plastic milk jug
• Liquid starch
• Newspaper, torn or cut into 2 to 3 inch strips
• Poster board
• Acrylic craft paint
• Craft paint brushes

1. Cut the top of a milk jug off just below the handle so that you have the rounded bottom remaining. This will be the form for your paper mache Easter basket.

2. Lay a plastic tablecloth or drop cloth on your work surface to simplify clean up. Liquid starch can be quite messy and difficult to remove when hardened.

3. Cut newspaper strips into pieces 4 to 6 inches long. You'll need a lot of newspaper--enough to cover your basket with two to three layers of paper mache.

4. Pour liquid starch into plastic bowl or bucket. Make sure it is large enough to reach in and dip newspaper strips.

5. Dip newspaper strips in the liquid starch and hold them over the bowl to let excess starch drip off. Press the strips onto the milk jug, overlapping them slightly. Continue until you have covered the jug bottom with one layer of newspaper.

6. Turn the milk jug upside down and allow the first layer to dry for 12 to 24 hours before applying the second layer. Repeat the process for third layer.

7. Pull the dry, formed paper mache off of the milk jug bottom. To make a handle for your basket, cut a strip of poster board and staple it to either side of the basket.

8. Paint the basket and handle with acrylic craft paints. Coat the basket inside and out with at least two coats to ensure even coverage.

9. Fill your basket with Easter grass, chocolate bunnies and selected novelties after the paint dries. Homemade items add an even more personal touch to paper mache Easter baskets.

Tips & Warnings

• If the bottom of a milk jug is too small for your basket, consider shaping your paper mache basket around a balloon inflated to the correct size.
• The poster board handle may also be covered in paper mache if you prefer a more uniform, finished look.
• Make paper mache Easter baskets with your children for a fun family project. Give filled baskets to neighbors, grandparents or friends, or take them to a local nursing home.
• Using printer paper strips to create your final paper mache layer keeps paint from being absorbed too quickly.