Upcycled Easter Basket

Do you upcycle? Yea, me too...I look at everyday items, items that are normally thrown out, and think to me, myself and I : "What can I make out of this?"

Me says, "That is trash, throw it away, you can't keep EVERYTHING!!!".....

Myself says, "But it is the perfect size to do something with, plus, think of the landfills!"

Ok girls, calm down...I am going to do something with it, just watch!

This is a clean empty container....I'll let you go ahead and read what it is....that IS why I take so many daggone pictures after all!....
Ok great! If you want to turn this:

Into this:

Follow along, because "WE" are gonna show you how!
The container really is ideal, it's pretty durable and plastic, it does seem like a waste to throw it away, Myself is smiling....
Rip the paper off and you're ready to start!

Save those lids though!!! I will show you what you're going to do with those in just a couple of days....Myself smiling and nodding...

I created gift tags for our little Easter baskets and although you will not have something identical to upcycle, think about tags from clothing, shoes, linens, etc....those can all be transformed into something of use...this tag was off of a bottle, actually had the ball chain with, and all I did was cover with paper on both sides, punch a new hole and you've got yourself a tag!

This is what you'll need:
Upcycled container, this could be anything, paper, plastic, even a tin can would be cute
Mod Podge
Scrapbook paper (I chose 3 coordinating patterns)
Crepe Paper
Rick-Rack or ribbon
Hard felt
Embellies
Easter Grass
Candy (a lot )

Measure your container and cut scrapbook paper to size.

Slather the container with Mod Podge. Not too much you don't want any bubbles, apply the paper and smooth around with your hands.

Next cut a strip of coordinating paper and put round the top (or bottom, I did both ways)

Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top and let dry.
Creating the handles I used hard felt, that is the stiff type of felt that is located right next to the regular felt in you craft store, it just comes bigger and the colors are limited...but it is great for this use.
I love Rick-Rack and it comes in great color and sizes, I chose a pink and aqua to coordinate with my paper selection .

Using pinking shears, I cut approx. a half inch or so and glued the rick-rack on. The hard felt is 12'' wide and that worked fine for my container.
I did this in tandem, while waiting for the Mod Podge to dry...

When your container is all dry, it's time to embellish and add the handles. I did not use to many embellies because the paper has a lot going on. I put rick-rack around the seam and a button.

Now to put some foo-foo around the opening...

I used crepe paper and hot glue and created a ruffle just inside of the mouth of the container. After you are all done gluing, fold the crepe paper down, like this:

I cut an additional half inch of felt to cover up the inside, this gave it a nice clean look, and won't interfere with the candy eating

Next, I put the handles on with hot glue

Embellish how you would like! Again, I kept it pretty simple, but you could really go to town! Let your imagination lead you!

Finally, fill with candy almost to the top, add a little Easter grass, and then put some more candy! I love it!

I think Me, Myself, and I are very happy!

I'll be showing you what to do with those lids next, stay tuned!!