Whimsical Bunny Mask

“Here comes Peter Cottontail... hopping down the bunny trail...” words that, for better or worse, continually ring in my mind this time of year. Create your own “Cottontail” with this playful bunny mask made from a paper plate. While there are lots of paper plate ideas on the internet, this one is unique in its use of simple shapes and sturdy materials. Props like this also provide an excellent opportunity for kids to engage imaginative play. Perhaps acting out the classic Beatrix Potter story of Peter Rabbit or inventing their own bunny tale? Either way, this bunny mask will send them hopping (with a little help from all the handfuls of jelly beans).

Supplies

sturdy, white paper plate (found at party supply stores)

8.5" x 11" white, pink card stock

gray construction paper (or brown paper bag)

15" long, 2" wide ribbon (I used a sheer, turquoise color)

2.5" circle cutter

pinking shears

scalloped edge scissors

1" heart punch (I used Martha Stewart’s brand)

X-acto craft knife

self-healing cutting mat

glue stick

paint-stirrer stick (free at most hardware stores)

Bunny face template

outer ear template

inner ear template

1. Download templates above.

2. Print bunny face template and outer ear template on white card stock. Print inner ear template on pink card stock.

3. Using regular scissors, trim bunny face template out.

Cut eye holes with x-acto knife.

4. Center bunny face template on the front of the paper plate

and trace eye holes with a pencil.

5. Use x-acto knife to cut eye holes from paper plate.

6. Using circle cutter, cut two circles from gray (or brown bag) paper.

7. Trim edges of circles with scalloped scissors.

8. Cut outer and inner bunny ears with pinking shears.

9. Punch heart from pink card stock (to be used for the nose).

10. With glue stick, adhere gray circles and heart nose on the front of the paper plate as shown in the photos.

11. Glue pink inner ear onto white outer ear.

12. Flip the paper plate over — using glue stick, paste ears at the top of the paper plate, pressing hard and holding until secure.

Set aside to dry for a few minutes.

13. While paper plate is still flipped face down, position paint-stirrer stick in the center the plate and paste with glue stick, pressing firmly until secure. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.

14. Flip paper plate to view front of face and add a bow tie on the stick at the base of the plate.