If you're looking for a simple project to do with the kids, a cut out easter bunny is pretty much the gold standard of holiday crafts. It's one of those activities that doesn't require a trip to a specialty craft store or a degree in fine arts. Most of the time, you already have everything you need sitting in a junk drawer or the bottom of a craft bin. It's cheap, it's nostalgic, and honestly, it's just a great way to kill an afternoon when the weather is still a bit hit-or-miss in the spring.
The beauty of a simple paper bunny is that it can be whatever you want it to be. It could be a tiny tag for a gift basket, a giant silhouette for the front window, or a whole string of floppy-eared friends hanging across the fireplace. There's something really satisfying about taking a plain sheet of paper and turning it into something that actually looks like a holiday decoration.
Why We Still Love Paper Crafts
Let's be real—sometimes the most high-tech toys and expensive decorations don't bring as much joy as a pair of scissors and some construction paper. I think we all have memories of sitting at a kitchen table, tongue sticking out in concentration, trying to cut around a tricky curve without snipping off a bunny ear.
Using a cut out easter bunny as your base allows for so much creativity. You aren't stuck with whatever the big box stores decided was "in" this year. If you want a neon pink bunny with googly eyes, you can make it. If you want a sophisticated, minimalist white cardstock bunny to match your modern decor, you can do that too. It's all about making it your own. Plus, if you mess one up? You just grab another piece of paper and start over. No harm, no foul.
Getting Your Supplies Ready
Before you start hacking away at your paper, it helps to get your workspace set up. You don't need much, but having it all in one spot makes the process a lot smoother.
First, you'll need the paper. Construction paper is the classic choice because it's easy for kids to handle, but cardstock is better if you want your bunnies to stand up or last longer. If you're feeling a bit fancy, you can even use old book pages, sheet music, or leftover wallpaper scraps.
Next, grab your scissors. If you're working with little ones, make sure they have those blunt-tipped safety scissors. For the adults or older kids, a sharp pair of detail scissors makes getting around those tight ear corners a lot easier.
Then there's the "extra" stuff. This is where you can really go wild: * Cotton balls: For that classic fluffy tail. * Googly eyes: Because everything is better with googly eyes. * Markers or crayons: To give your bunnies some personality. * Glue sticks: Much less messy than the liquid white glue, especially for paper. * Washi tape: Great for sticking them to walls without ruining the paint.
Finding the Perfect Shape
Now, you have two ways to go about this. You can either freehand your bunny or use a template. If you're confident in your drawing skills, just sketch a quick outline on the back of your paper. Usually, a simple "pear" shape for the body and two long ovals for the ears does the trick. It doesn't have to be perfect—in fact, the slightly wonky ones often have the most character.
If you're like me and your "freehand" bunny looks more like a weird potato, you might want to find a template. You can find a cut out easter bunny outline online pretty easily. Just print it out, cut it out, and use it as a stencil. You can trace it onto all your different papers so they're all the same size. This is especially helpful if you're planning on making a long garland and you want some consistency.
Creative Ways to Use Your Cut Outs
Once you have a pile of paper bunnies, what do you actually do with them? Don't just let them sit on the table! There are so many ways to incorporate them into your home.
The Classic Bunny Garland
This is probably the most popular use. Take a long piece of twine or ribbon. Punch two small holes in the ears of your bunnies and thread the string through. If you don't want to punch holes, you can just use tiny clothespins to clip them to the string. Hang it across a mantle, a doorway, or even along the banister of your stairs. It instantly makes the room feel festive.
Table Settings for Brunch
If you're hosting an Easter brunch or dinner, a cut out easter bunny can make a really cute place card. Write each person's name on a bunny and set it on their plate. You could even attach a small piece of candy or a sprig of dried flowers to it. It's a small touch, but it makes the table look like you put a lot of thought into it.
Window Silhouettes
This is a fun one for the neighborhood. If you cut out several large bunnies from white paper, you can tape them to the inside of your windows. At night, when the lights are on inside, people passing by will see the bunny silhouettes in the windows. It's a very "whimsical cottage" vibe that kids absolutely love.
Gift Tags and Basket Decor
Forget those generic store-bought tags. A small cut out easter bunny makes the perfect tag for an Easter basket. You can punch a hole in one ear and tie it onto the handle with a piece of ribbon. It's also a great way to label glass jars filled with jelly beans or other treats.
Keeping the Kids Entertained
If you have kids, this craft is a lifesaver. It's an activity that can be broken down into stages depending on their age. The toddlers can help pick out the colors and "glue" the cotton ball tails on (with a little help). The school-aged kids can practice their scissor skills.
You can even turn it into a game. Hide several cut out easter bunny shapes around the house and have the kids find them, like an indoor scavenger hunt that doesn't involve melting chocolate in hidden corners. You could even write little clues on the back of each one that lead to a final prize.
Another fun idea is to create a "Bunny Boutique." Lay out all the cut outs and let the kids "style" them with glitter, scraps of fabric, or stickers. It keeps them busy for at least an hour, which, as any parent knows, is a win in itself.
Thinking Outside the Paper Box
While paper is the go-to, don't feel like you're limited to it. You can use the same cut out easter bunny template on other materials.
Felt is a fantastic option. It's sturdy, the colors are vibrant, and it doesn't fray. You can make felt bunnies and sew them together for a 3D effect, or just leave them flat. They have a nice, cozy texture that feels very spring-like.
Cardboard is another good one. If you have some old shipping boxes, cut out the bunny shapes and paint them. The thickness of the cardboard gives them a bit more weight, so they're great for propping up on a shelf or a windowsill. You can even wrap them in yarn for a textured, rustic look.
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, making a cut out easter bunny is about more than just the final product. It's about taking a second to slow down and do something creative. It's about the bits of paper scattered on the floor and the lopsided ears that make you laugh.
Whether you're decorating a whole house or just looking for a way to make your morning coffee feel a bit more like a holiday, these little paper shapes are a perfect choice. They're simple, they're classic, and they're a reminder that you don't need much to celebrate the season. So, grab your scissors, find some scrap paper, and start cutting. You might be surprised at how much fun you have with such a basic project. After all, you're never too old to enjoy a bit of paper-cutting magic.