I saw an adorable felt owl treat basket while shopping the other day, and I knew my oldest daughter would love it because she is so ga-ga for owls right now, but it was $12. Last year, I paid $4 for a Monster High treat bucket and I thought I was losing my sanity – it’s one night, and one night that was already expensive enough. I wasn’t spending $12 on a treat bucket. So, I did what any logical crafter would do – I created my own out of a coffee can and felt.
I freehanded my owl pieces, but I scanned them before I assembled them so that if you wanted to make your own DIY Halloween Treat Bucket, you don’t have to draw the pieces yourself. (You’re welcome!) Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- An old coffee can, with the label removed
- Printable Owl Template/Pattern
- felt in your choice of colors (I used black, grey, and purple with small bits of white and yellow)
- fabric scissors
- fabric glue
- 12×12 glitter cardstock, cut into two 12×6 pieces
- halloween lace, glitter glue (optional)
- sisal rope
To start, place your glitter cardstock inside the coffee can to create a liner. My coffee can was the 925g size, and a 12×12 paper cut in half fit perfectly inside. Next, wrap black felt around the can and cut to size, with about an inch overhang at the top. This will be glued over the lip up the can and tucked underneath.
Next, start assembling your owl. Using the template provided, cut out all of the pieces. You will need to cut 1 of the body, beak, eyes (white), and eyes (white). You will need to cut 2 of the wing, eyes (black), and feet. You will need to cut 1 belly if you are not using lace, but you will cut it twice (once from felt and once from lace) if you are using an overlay. I used a piece of Halloween lace from a tablecloth that I cut up to make this Halloween wreath. I also covered the wings in purple glitter glue.
After your owl is assembled, you have two choices. One if to make your owl stand up on the can (as I did) or have it glued straight onto the can. If you choose the second option, you can go ahead and use the fabric glue to adhere your owl to the can. If you would prefer him to stand up off the can (more 3D) like I did, you will need to add a sturdy backing to the owl before attaching him to the can. To do this, use the body template and cut the shape out of a thin piece of cardboard. I used the back piece of a cardstock pad. Then, cut around it again, cutting about half an inch off the whole way around so that it is slightly smaller than the felt body.
To poke holes in the sides for a handle, I used a pair of rusty old pliers, but you can use whatever you have! I hot glued an eyelet on the sides, but thats completely optional. I had it, so I used it, but I wouldn’t go out and buy a pack of large eyelets (you can find them at the sewing store) just for this.
String your rope through the hole, and repeat on the other side. I tied a knot on the inside to keep the rope from sliding out.
Attach your owl and you are all ready to go collect some treats!
My youngest wants a raccoon version so I may have to get right back to work! What animal would your little ones pick?
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