As Easter approaches, I know many of us take the time to decorate our homes in festive décor, go shopping for the finest fashionable attire to dress for Sunday services, and plan delightful egg-stravaganzas for our children and loved ones. However, as you begin to plan and put all of your eggs in the basket, have you ever wondered about the history of the traditions that we participate in during this hoppy holiday? If so, did you know?

*The very first forms of Easter baskets were fashioned to resemble a birds’ nest.

*The act of painting eggs is known as Pysanka.

*The practice of giving eggs to one another at Easter time has been traced back to Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. They considered the egg as the symbol of life.

*The name Easter is derived from the Anglo-Saxon goddess ‘Eastre’ who symbolizes the hare and egg.

I hope you’ll find these Easter facts as egg-cellent as I did. I always enjoy learning about the traditions we celebrate for the various holidays. Now, it’s time to walk softly and carry a big carrot as you gaze at the inspirational artwork from the designers below. Each has created unique and beautiful works of art celebrating the Easter holiday. They are sure to put you in the mood to hop into your craft room and get down to some bunny business!

Easter Sunday at the Mall by Marlyn Ramirez

Digital Supplies: Kit: Spring’s Renewal by Kathy Winters Designs (Ginger Scraps), Word Art: Egg-stra Special by Kathy Winters Designs (Ginger Scraps), Template: Binty Designs. Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2, Font: Pea Ally.

Design Notes: To make the photos look better I used Coffee Shop’s Vivid No Wait action.

Journaling: Easter decorations at the mall. (Ayala Center)

Easter Bubblegum Machine by Carol Fretwell

Supplies: Paper, Cardstock, Ribbon: The Paper Studio, Adhesive Vinyl: H&H Supply, Ink: ColorBox (Clearsnap), Ceramic Pot, Ceramic Lid, Ceramic Plate: Greenbrier International, Paint: Apple Barrel, Adhesive: Helmar. Tools: Electronic Cutter: Cricut (Provo Craft), Electronic Software: Sure Cuts A Lot, Treasure Box Designs, Stamp: Peachy Keen.

Editors Note: This handmade bubblegum machine from Carol Fretwell immediately caught my eye. Using products that she purchased, she was able to make this to store candy in. I just think it is simply adorable!

Easter 2010 by Amber Cahill

Supplies: Paper: Prima Marketing, American Crafts, BasicGrey, Cardstock, Markers: Stampin’ Up!, Alphabet Stickers: K & Company.

Editor's Note: This 2 page spread from Amber Cahill really caught my eye. I love how she was able to add many photos to the page. It looks like her family had a great Easter holiday with this beautiful page!

Journaling: Easter dinner with family at Grandma and Grandpa Prouty’s house followed up by Lila’s first Easter egg hunt in the backyard. Thank sneaky Easter bunny!