Mini Milk Carton Peeps & Bunnies

    

         When I was a little girl, my sister and I had Easter basket bunnies that, I believe, my grandmother had made for us.  They were made using a half gallon milk carton laid on its side and covered in white cotton balls.  I don’t quite remember ears, eyes or nose but I’m sure they had them.  We couldn’t find a picture of them anywhere either :(  Well, while making baby shower favors with the Mini Milk Carton Die, those cute little bunnies hopped in my head and I just had to give a few mini ones a try!  

     I love how they turned out!  Then, I just had to try a chick.  He’s so cute!  So I decided to run a bunch more through the Big Shot.  You see, I borrowed the die from a good friend (thanks Jenny!) and before I gave it back, I made sure I had enough bunnies and chicks to hand out all spring long :)  And that makes me very happy!  I have bunnies or chicks to give my hostesses during the months of March and April as a hostess gift.  The kids in my son’s class will get chicks for their spring class party and all my ‘peeps’ that help me at PTA will receive one as well!  Of course, I gave Jenny one as a thank you when I reluctantly returned her die.  Guess I’d better get the die for myself!       These are super simple to make.  I’ve taken pictures of each of the steps…simply because, as I wrote them out, it confused even myself :)  I hope these help.  If I have you totally confused, just contact me and I’ll be happy to clarify :) 

1.      Fold up the carton as you normally would but secure the top and leave the bottom open.  Lay the carton on its side with the carton top, closed and secured, on the horizontal, making sure the adhered seam along the side is on the bottom. 
2.      Cut up the center of what is now the top panel. 
3.      Cut across the score line, thus creating flaps. 
4.      Go ahead and cut the bottom flap off.   
5.      Fold the flaps in and secure with adhesive.  I always use Sticky Strip.  Now, fold the bottom flaps as normal and secure. 

     There you have it!  Now get out your punches, get punch happy and create a face and, don’t forget, a tail!  I used circle punches, Lrg. & Sm. oval punches, the Word Window punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Scallop Circle punch, Heart to Heart punch and the 1-1/4 in. square punch for the chicks beak!  I used grosgrain ribbon for a handle and simply secured it to the inside of the carton with Sticky Strip.  The bunnies are in Naturals White and chicks in Daffodil Delight card stock.    

      Trust me…you will get a smile from anyone you hand this to!  It’s not about how big, elaborate or expensive the gift is…just the mere fact that you were kind enough to think of them :)  And THAT makes me happy too!

     I wish I could find an old photo of our Easter basket bunnies.  This project really brought back some childhood memories!  I really am missing my grandmother.  She’s been gone for almost a year now.  But the memories are so sweet!  What fun it has been!  Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you’ve been inspired to hop to it and get a jump on your Easter crafting projects.

Hugs,

Leslee

All supplies are current Stampin’ Up! and can be purchased here!