Easy Easter Baskets

by Amy McMahon

This creative activity will allow your child to celebrate a season with her own artwork.

Age: Preschool through elementary
Time: 30 minutes or more
Type of activity: Arts and Crafts

• One large, round margarine container (empty)
• Construction paper (at least two colors)
• Scissors
• Elmer's glue
• Stapler
• Easter egg grass
• Jelly beans, chocolate eggs, or other Easter candy

1. Cut a piece of construction paper into a rectangle that will fit around the outside of the margarine tub (approximately 4" x 10").
2. Fold the rectangle in half (widthwise) in order to "weave" your basket.
3. Draw a line (lengthwise) an inch from the top of the open edge of the paper (opposite the folded edge). This is your "stop cutting" line.
4. Measure and mark lines an inch apart starting at the folded edge and ending at the "stop cutting" line.
5. Cut along the lines you just drew, up to the "stop cutting" line. Then unfold the rectangle.
6. Cut 10 four-inch strips of different colored construction paper (1/2" x 4").
7. Weave the strips (from top to bottom) in and out of the cuts you made in the rectangle. To hold each strip in place, add a drop of glue at the top and bottom of each woven strip.
8. Wrap the woven rectangle around the outside of the margarine tub and glue it in place.
9. Cut another strip of paper approximately 8 inches long (1-inch wide) for the basket's handle. Glue the handle over top of margarine tub.
10. Your child can decorate her basket with artificial or construction paper flowers. Fill it with Easter grass, candies, and jelly beans.

Place the basket on your dinner table where everyone will be able to see it!