By Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

Handmade papier mache bunnies painted lavender, pink and orange are the perfect centerpiece for an Easter luncheon table because actual bunnies hopping is typically never a good decision.

Ingredients:
Scissors
Cardboard
Masking Tape
White Glue
Water
Joint-Compound
Latex Glove
Paint
Paintbrush
Newspaper ( Half the paper cut into 1″x5″ strips, half left for filling)
Marker

What to do:

Bunny Body
Step 01: Create a form

With your cardboard, use a marker to sketch out your bunny’s body. You’ll want to draw the main body, cutting slits about half way down the top of the head, up the front legs, and down the middle back. Create three more forms to fit in those slits creating a 3-D bunny form.

Make sure to trace these forms before assembly if planning on making more than one!

Use masking tape to seal the form in place and to add extra support. Your bunny should stand on its own, if not add more masking tape to level her up!

Step 02: Fill in form

Using one half of the newspaper, bunch up and tape onto your form. Once you see the form looking more like a bunny, use the masking tape to completely cover the newspaper and round off any hard edges.

Step 03: Paper Mache Time!

In a large mixing bowl; mix equal parts white glue, joint compound, and water. Make sure to wear gloves and mix together. Once fully mixed, take your newspaper strips and dip into the mixture and place onto your form. Continue until entirely covered. Let dry overnight and repeat.

Your mixture may need to be mixed up a few times as the joint compound will settle on the bottom of the bowl.

Bunny Ears
Step 1: Create a form

Take any extra cardboard and draw out an ear for your bunny. Create a line a crease up the middle and a small triangle at the bottom. This will help your bunny ear look realistic with a curve and also fit onto her head!

Using your masking tape, fix your ears to the bunny body. Use extra tape to ensure they’re firm and won’t move. Tape around the entire ear.

Step 2: Paper Mache Time!

Using the same mixture as with the body, cover your ears completely. I also took advantage of the dry body to add another layer of paper mache to the whole body.

Step 3: Finishing Touches!
When you’re satisfied with the bunny’s look and she is completely dry, mix up some paint and give her at least two coats. I painted mine three times, added some handmade pom poms for a nose and tail and paper whiskers for the perfect finish!