Polka-A-Dot "Monogrammed" Easter Bucket Basket

These bucket/baskets would be perfect for a family or neighborhood Easter egg hunt. I made this one for my daughter to give to one of her friends. The bucket/basket is made from a 5 quart ice cream container and other items I had at home. Because I had them, I used pre-cut foam circles for the dots. If I did not have foam circles, I would have tried to cut my own or use an alternate item, maybe milk lids for the dots. I used tacky glue to make the project kid friendly. The edges on the dots needed to be pressed down until the glue began to dry to get them to stay flat. If I tried this project again, I would use a different type of glue.

Materials:

5 quart plastic ice cream bucket
Foam scrap ~3" x 4"
~17  1 1/4" foam circles, assorted colors
printed letter template

tacky glue
masking tape
toothpicks

Tools:

Computer and Printer
Exacto knife
Ball point Pen
Scissors

Using your computer and printer, print an initial template. I used Tahoma 300 point bold type for my initial. Using scissors, cut out paper template letter. With a ball point pen, trace this on your foam scrap. Remember to inverse the letter if using an non-symmetrical letter. Cut the letter out of foam using the exacto knife.

 
Using a toothpick, evenly coat the back of the initial with tacky glue. Attach to the center of the bucket.

 
Using masking tape loops, tape dots around initial to check placement. I used 17 dots on my project. When you are satisfied with the dot placement, remove dots one at a time, apply glue, and attach in desired location. Make sure to press down edges well. You may need to press down edges while glue is drying to get dot edges glued properly.

Fill your bucket. I filled mine with a pin wheel, animal crackers, chex mix and other treats.