Needles 'n' Knowledge: Baskets 3D Chocolate Bunny Totes

Shaped containers for Easter or other goodies giving in two sizes:

large (above) measures approx. 4.25" wide x 2.875" deep x 6" tall;

small (below) 3.5" wide x 2.375" deep x 4.75" tall.

In separate cut files, create dimensional basket with specialized

insert to hold a chocolate Lindt foil-wrapped bunny in place.

Small basket holds 1.7 oz. size and large basket holds 3.5 oz.

Plain insert versions also available.

Accent panels for basket sides give decorating options.

Handles are held together with ribbon tie.

Tutorial assembly steps will be shown

for both sizes.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes
for the size basket you are constructing.
Small Basket
A main basket shape
B accent shapes for all side segments
C front decor blossoms
D insert (this one holds the small choc bunny)
NOT SHOWN: leaf accent shape

Large Basket
E & F main basket and side addition panel
G side accent panels for all side segments
H handles (cut 2 pair for strength)
I-L grass accent layers
M flower accent
N plaque accent & word cut
O insert (this one is for large choc bunny)

SMALL BASKET ASSEMBLY:
2. Prepare the main basket shape by bending
back on all perforation lines between side and
bottom panels and tabs.

3. Position and attach the side panel accent shapes.
Position and attach the leaf accent shape
with the end punch holes aligned over
corresponding punch holes on basket front.
(Flowers will be attached a bit later.)

5. Form the basket by forming the shape into

a tube to bring the straight side edge to overlap

the opposite tab to perforation line and glue in place.

NOTE that the symmetry of the shape allows
to press it flat while joining the side seam.

6. Push the bottom panel into place with the edge

tabs tucked in behind the side walls until

tab perforation lines align at bottom edges of

side panels, apply glue . . .

. . . and join tabs to

backside of walls.

7. Prepare blossom shapes, if desired, by pressing

the individual petals on a soft surface (stiff foam pad)

using a large ball-end stylus.

(The set shown is by McGill.)

8. Position and attach the side and then center
blossoms over the punch holes on the basket front.

9. Prepare the insert by bending back all side

extensions, and tabs.

NOTE that the end panel that includes the tiny

arrow triangle is the front for the purposes of

orienting the chocolate bunnies into the cutout.

10. Bend the end side segments into position

to overlap the adjacent tab and glue the seam.

Repeat to complete four total tab seams.

11. To complete the assembly, slide the insert over
the top of the foil-wrapped choc bunny . . .

. . . then place the unit into the basket, tucking
side panel segments inside the basket walls.

Apply gentle pressure to assist the insert

wall bottom edges to seat all the way down

inside the basket (they may tend to get caught

on the bottom tab edges).

11. Bring the handles together to align

the ribbon holes . . .

. . . insert ribbon length, and tie knot and bow.

Here you can see the completed basket
with the plain insert "platform" in place.

LARGE BASKET ASSEMBLY

11. Prepare the main basket shapes by bending

back on all the side wall segment divisions and tabs.

12. Join the wall extension to the main shape
by overlapping the plain side edge over the
corresponding side edge tab.

13. Position and attach the side accent shapes.

14. Layer the grass accent shapes by first

identifying the order number cut into the shape.

Then . . .

. . . layer the shape without a number (this is #1)

on top of #2, lining up the side and bottom straight

edges, and glue together.

Repeat with the #3 and then #4 shapes to create

one unit.

15. Position and attach the grass accent on
front panel.

15. Follow steps 5 & 6 above for the small basket
to form the basket.
16. Layer the handle and reinforcement handle
shapes together, matching all cut edges.