Recycled Milk Jug Easter Baskets Tutorial

Guest Tutorial from brandyfisher  

Originally posted on her blog repurpose relove

About a week ago I posted about Easter baskets made from repurposed materials including how to make one out of recycled plastic bottles.  Inspired by the recycled plastic bottle Easter baskets from sycamore stirrings I created my own out of recycled milk jugs for Lucy and Baby Sister.

The milk jugs I chose to use are these unusually shaped ones from Costco.  They were perfect for this particular craft for two reasons.  First, there is a seam in the plastic about halfway up the jug that is a perfect guideline for cutting out the bottom of the basket.  Also, if you plan ahead and cut very carefully it is possible to cut out a handle while cutting out the basket.  This prevents having to attach a separate piece of plastic with staples or glue.

 

Unfortunately, as I cut the first jug I completely forgot this plan and cut through one side of the handle.  I stapled it together and made sure to remember when cutting the second and then went through my random ribbons (mostly from gift packages we have received) for decorations.

 

 I used my hot glue gun to attach the ribbons to the plastic jugs and Elmer's No-Wrinkle glue for the card stock letters and flowers.  The hot glue really heats up the plastic so be careful if you choose this method. 

 

This was such an easy and quick project.  I left room for the girls to personalize their baskets when they are older but if they destroy them in the meantime I will not be sad....they were free and completely repurposed from items around the house!

Stop by Brandy's blog for some great ideas on how tos for fun repurposed crafts and more and be sure to visit her on etsy!