For my front door area, I was eager to reuse my black footed planters (to create a similar look to last years) for Easter (http://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/3759/). But of course… it had to be a brand new look AND on a budget (translation – make it myself!) I also had a definite passion for purple this year and here’s my inspiration….
PURPLE PEEPS!
Before I could create the entire look, I first had to create a duplicate of my inspiration – the Marshmallow PEEP Bunny.
Using a 50% off coupon, I purchased a sheet of (apx.) 2″ x 12″ x 36″ white styrofoam, drew and cut a PEEP shape and used one of the discarded pieces (as a file) to create nice, clean edges on the finished product. And by the way, I created a simple and inexpensive pattern of my bunny and its in my SHOP (here’s the link – http://theseasonalhome.bigcartel.com/)
Next, I painted my PEEP shape with a styrofoam-friendly brand of spray paint (Design Master) in lavender and then while damp, sprinkled it with a light coating of iridescent glitter for a sugary look. I also painted a bamboo wood dowel that I had cut in half and once that was dry, I inserted both pieces into the bottom of my PEEP shape, to create a stand. Chocolate brown (my name – not the manufacturer’s – but I thought that might be more helpful) acrylic paint and a small paint brush helped me create the face. Don’t they have the cutest faces?!! Couldn’t you picture several smaller versions of these in your front yard (maybe in different colors?) And if you’d like to own this pattern, be sure to check out my SHOP! 🙂
Ok, back to the project (lol)…. I spray painted one of my footed, black planters white, and even reused a styrofoam circle (note the hole made by last year’s pvc). Then, I placed & gently pushed my PEEP’s bamboo legs into the styrofoam circle to secure it in the planter, slipped a purple-themed spring wreath over his head and added extra flowers to camouflage the styrofoam.
I added a bow to my bunny and placed my large, purple yard eggs and several other decorations around to bring my purple PEEP passion together, including using one of my outdoor greenery plants. And I love the mossy, jumping bunnies I found at Pier 1 this year. See what you think…



















Eileen,
I love the purple theme! I found large Peep pillows, etc at Bed Bath and Beyond on 75% clearance many years ago. (You can see the small plush ones on my buffet photos!) I always go hunting after holidays to get new inspiration at deep discounts.
Hoppy Easter!!
Sue Singleton
I love it and what a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
omg, that’s beautiful! so copying your ideas!
so glad i signed up! kathi
So darling! Saw you over at Jen’s. I’m pinning this qt! Happy Easter =)
Purple is my favorite color! Will keep your ideas in mind for next year’s decor! Happy Easter!!! it’s beautiful =0)
[…] for last – this super-sized, three-foot-tall replica of a Marshmallow Peeps Bunny. Eileen from The Seasonal Home shares her springtime front porch with Craftomaniac, and she shows how she fashioned her […]
I love this! Peeps are my favorite. Im going to give this a try! Thanks for the tutorial.
That’s awesome Wanda! Good luck & let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Your ideas are amazing, just wish we could get more of these sorts of things in shops in New Zealand!
Thank you Trace. I’m working on carrying more of them in my store, so please stay tuned.
Love these peeps. Do you think we could make them with 1 inch thick foam instead of 2 inches?
Yes, but if you have a lot of severe weather, they could break easier. To save money, I have been told that Joann’s Crafts (on line) has good prices and the shipping is almost nothing. Good luck!
If I were to make several peeps, what about the large sheets of foam at a Home Store, like Menards or Home Depot? They seem much more cost effective, but I’m curious about the density of the styrofoam and how it would hold up in the wind and weather. Do you have any idea? Thanks, Elisha
Not knowing how severe the weather is in your area, it’s hard to advise you but, if you only plan to use them one year, the slimmer density may be fine. To save money, I have been told that Joann’s Crafts (on line) has good prices and the shipping is almost nothing. Good luck!
I am trying these this year and did buy my styrofoam at the local hardware store. A 4×8 sheet 2 inches thick cost me just under $13.00. I hope mine turn out this cute!
I’m sure they will look great Sandi. Enjoy the Creativity and Happy Easter! Eileen
What an inspiration!
Sooooo verrrrry beautiful!
[…] PURPLE OUTDOOR BUNNY PEEP – A SEASONAL HOME […]
have you ever tried using an electric knife to cut Styrofoam and cardboard. it works great. cute bunnies thanks
I haven’t tried an electric knife before, but I will next time… thanks for the tip! ♥ 🙂
[…] made & used in the planter in 2012 (above) and for my 2013 Easter […]
[…] PURPLE OUTDOOR BUNNY PEEP – A SEASONAL HOME […]
great ideas….beautiful work !!
Hello! I want to make one this year where did you get the bunny to trace? Love them Thanks
Hi Kerri, The bunny pattern is original and located in my shop (on this website) for only $9.95. Thanks for the compliment! Eileen
I tried to make these but Design Master paint is not in my area. I used the best Krylon but it still ate holes in my styrofoam. Is there some type of special paint to use that will not do that to the styrofoam?
Thanks,
Lynn Harrison
Hi Lynn, use a bottle of acrylic craft paint but thin it with a little water. Also, allow extra drying time. Sorry the krylon created an issue for you. 😞
Love this!!!! where did you get your birdhouse??
I found that at a Home Goods store Christine. They always seem to have cute ones! 😉 Happy Easter ♥ Eileen