Paper Bag Easter Basket DIY

I love Christmas, don’t get me wrong, but Easter has always been my favorite. There is just something more hopeful about it. Besides the whole joyous resurrection thing, it also means spring is finally on its way. After months of cold and gray, seeing the world start to wake up again brings me so much happiness.

Today I am sharing a Paper Bag Easter Basket DIY to celebrate that fresh, new feeling. These baskets are simple but pretty, with lace details and vintage inspired bunny images that feel more grown up than cutesy.

My granddaughters are pre-teens now, and they seem to grow up far too fast. Somehow they have become a little too sophisticated way too soon. They still enjoy Easter, just not in the same way as when they were little, so the giant carrot cushions and fluffy stuffed bunnies from years ago no longer quite fit.

This year I am giving them personalized Easter baskets instead, made with dollar store paper bags and odds and ends from my craft room. It is a small handmade touch added to a cash and candy gift I already know they want.

How to Make a Paper Bag Easter Basket

This tutorial is a bit different from my usual method. Adding the embellishments is pretty self-explanatory, so I am including completed gift bag decorating ideas, with a short explanation. There is a step by step video tutorial at the end as well.

Step 1: Gather the Materials

You only need a few basic supplies to make these Easter baskets. If you do not already have a craft stash, the Dollar Tree carries everything you need.

Printable Junk Journal Pages

For the junk journal page graphic, I used some from Temu . But I created these two printables for you to download and use right away.

Step 2: Prepare the Paper Bags

Locate a junk journal page you like for the front of your bag.

Take two lunch bags and check how the journal page fits on the front.

Measure about two inches above the top of the journal page and trim both bags to size.

Open one bag and insert the second bag inside, lining them up evenly.

Carefully fold the top edge over twice to create a finished rim. It is easier to start over here if the paper rips, before the journal page is attached.

Once the top is folded, use your preferred glue to attach the journal page to the front of the Easter basket.

Step 3: Decorate the Easter Basket

Cut the covered wire to 30 inches. Fold it in half and twist it together. Shape a heart at the top with your fingers, then fold the two ends upward so they are ready to insert later. Set the handle aside for now.

Using the junk journal page as a color guide for the embellishments, choose items from your stash. I used white lace, cream raffia, twine, buttons, paper flowers, and assorted ribbons on my baskets. If the ribbon was the right color and at least two inches wide, I cut it. You can also use ripped strips of fabric or fabric flowers.

To add the lace, decide whether you want it above the folded top of the bag or tucked just underneath. On my baskets, the lace covered part of the bunny image, so I added it over the top.

Start at the back and apply a thin strip of glue along the sides and top edge of the basket. Press the lace into place and hold until it adheres.

For the ribbon detail, I layered several ribbons together, tied them into a loose bundle, then finished them with a raffia bow. The bundle was glued to the front of the basket.

Finally, insert the wire ends into the holes on each side of the basket. Bend them inward and secure with hot glue on the inside.

For one basket, I decorated the handle. I left the second one plain.

Step by Step Video Tutorial

If you would like to see how the brown paper Easter basket is made from start to finish, the video below walks through the process.

The tutorial is divided into short sections and focuses mainly on the embellishments I used on my baskets. I had fun digging through my craft supplies and trying different combinations along the way.

Pin It for Later

This Paper Bag Easter Basket DIY is a simple, budget friendly way to create a pretty, vintage inspired Easter basket using paper bags, lace, and soft bunny images. It is perfect for teens or grown up Easter decor and adds a thoughtful handmade touch to Easter gifts.

Other DIY Easter Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

Here are a few other DIY Easter gifts I have made for my granddaughters as they have gotten older.