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Rustic Metal Flower Bucket DIY

March 10, 2017

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Rustic Metal Flower Bucket

The other day I was in town and I had a few minutes to kill in between appointments, so I decided to stop into my local thrift shop. Based on past experience, I didn't have high hopes, but much to my surprise I found a small galvanized metal bucket. It was the perfect size to hold my beloved tulips and I thought it would look very sweet with a label of some sort slapped on the front. 

I almost walked away since it was listed at $4.00 ~ certainly no bargain. This bucket would probably be like fifty cents anywhere else in the world, but not here. Cha~ching. 

Turns out it was 50% off, which was still pricey, but I took it home since I have wanted to try this kind of project for a long time. Plus, I knew that if I went to purchase an embellished metal flower bucket it would cost me much, much more.  

So I bit. 

Small Metal Galvanized Tub

I have seen so many really cute DIYs that involve labels, but I have never tried one. Much like zippers, labeling intimidated me. I don't have a fancy machine and I was afraid that anything I made with my home printer would run. 

I was wrong. 

This project took me no time to complete and there weren't any glitches. 

Choosing a label design was honestly the most difficult part. While there are plenty of free printable options out there, I decided to make my own. I wanted a distressed look, but not too distressed.

I'm kind of a neat freak.

It also had to fit my current decor which is country cottage...with a teeny bit of French country...and a little farmhouse flair. 

And simple. 

Very, very simple. I settled on a basic font and created the label in PicMonkey. 

How To Make A Label

For an aged look, I printed it with a bit of beige/ grey background and then I crumbled it up and smoothed it out. 

Distressed Label For Flower Bucket

Next, I painted decoupage gel on the bucket with a brush, placed the label on it and then brushed more decoupage gel over the top of it. I smoothed the paper out by placing a piece of plastic kitchen wrap between my hand and the label so that the paper wouldn't tear or smudge. I gently rubbed out the bubbles and wrinkles with the tip of my finger. 

To quicken the drying process, I gave it a blast with my hair dryer and I was all done! Not bad for my first try. 

DIY Galvanized Tub For Flowers

When I asked my husband what he thought of my creative transformation, he said, it was all he ever wanted in a bucket. 

Ok, wise guy. 

Displaying Flowers In A Metal Bucket

In all seriousness, it was a very simple process and I am thrilled with the results. 

If you don't love my design, that's ok. You can create one that suits your own unique style. I'm already excited to make another one. Or more likely, turn this one around and maybe add an old seed packet on the back. Or a few...in a collage style. 

The possibilities are endless.

Too bad the thrift store finds aren't.

How to make a labeled galvanized flower tub

***Hey! Looking for more great DIY ideas? Check out DIYIdeaCenter.com for tons of inspiration. You can check out some of my do it yourself creations there and many other great projects for home and garden!***

Creative Ways To Use Galvanized Tubs


Make A DIY Flower Pot Fruit Bowl


DIY Swan Planter

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  1. Your bucket turned out great. So cute. I have been looking at and pinning different ways to transfer pictures or labels on to different things but have not tried it yet. When you applied your decoupage did you do the whole exterior? I was wondering if you could tell where you decoupaged and where the bucket was without the decoupage (if there was a line that showed or a change of sheen?)

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    1. Thanks Lorri!! So...I applied the decoupage to a very wide area, larger than the label. Once the label was on and secured around the edges, I did wipe off the excess with a damp rag. I wasn't sure if it would show a sheen or not, but I wasn't taking any chances. I thought about including that information in my post and I think I will go add it now. Hope that helps! :)

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  2. Kim, I love this project. Your bucket looks so pretty. I am loving lately all the galvanized items. I just recently bought two galvanized trays for my kitchen. Great find! Have a wonderful weekend. Pouring rain in Texas, but we'll just have to make the best of it. :)

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    1. I like this trend, too, Maria. It reminds me of all the buckets we had around the house when I was little. Of course, they were all true working buckets! Rain, rain go away...and please take our snow away with you!! ;)

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  3. Kim, I love your hubbie's response! He's learned to be middle of the road tactful! Not that the bucket isn't cute. I love it. I have found that making labels with an inkjet printer works fine. I usually wait about 12 hours before I use it, or it will bleed.

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    1. He's quite the joker, Florence. I am glad you got a kick out it...he always provides some great comic relief! ;)

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  4. I think the best DIY projects are the simple ones, Kim, and this fits the bill. Nicely done!

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    1. Thank you, Nancy! This self proclaimed simple girl takes that as the ultimate compliment! :)

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  5. I LOVE all things Galvanized it just pops my energy and interest. Maybe it's because I saw these tubs growing up all the time, we used them to store food like potatoes and my dad (a fisherman) usedlarge galvanized to place dungeness crab prior to cooking. I would kick the container to wake them up when he wasn't looking. I guess this long history with galvanized containers just brings back some fun memories and lets not forget they just look amazing no matter what you do with them. Love this - thanks for the inspiration you've inspired a new project idea. I love words can you tell? Have a great weekend and so glad I stopped by.

    Carole
    Garden Up Green

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    1. First of all, as a lover of words myself, I am grateful for your comment!! Second, I remember the buckets in use as well. There were dead fish in ours, garden hoses, beach critters we were trying to contain, frogs (lots of frogs!), plants being hauled around the yard, and sometimes us kids!! Thanks for bringing back some fun memories and sharing your own!!

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  6. Beautiful Kim. Love this. Looks awesome with the tulips too. Got love anything galvanized!
    Happy Weekend.
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris!! I have to say, I am loving this more and more...I can't wait until summer when I can add some fresh cut garden flowers! :)

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  7. I think the recent galvanized pail craze is like the mercury glass craze a few years back . . .
    Nice find Kim . . . and love your creative label idea . . .
    A seed packet label would be great too . . .
    I come from the "old crock" era . . . and have many . . .
    I wonder . . . I might try some creative stylin' on those old treasures!
    Great post Kim . . .

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    1. It is a craze, isn’t it? I remember having tons of these buckets and enamel tubs around when I was a kid. They were all used for work. There was nothing pretty about them, that’s for sure. Maybe it’s the nostalgia factor that makes them so special? Although, I think most of the kids who started the trend are too young to remember that!! ;) Ha!! And thanks, Lynne!

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  8. Replies
    1. Deb, I think you're his biggest fan! Well, second biggest! ;)

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  9. I like this DIY, Kim. Fast, easy, inexpensive. . .everything I've ever wanted in a DIY project. (hehe. . .couldn't resist!). Have a happy weekend! Hugs, Nancy P.S. It's perfect for your tulips!!!

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    1. Haha!! Nancy! I think you two would get along famously! And laugh. A lot! ;)

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  10. Oh so cute! I wish my printer was working so I could make one. I went into an old junk store haunt yesterday. I was disappointed. It was mostly "man" stuff now, unlike what it used to be. Needless to say, I didn't stay long.
    Brenda

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    1. I am usually disappointed, Brenda, trust me! ;) And you should try your library…they will let you print for free.

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  11. I love your simple thrift store upcycle and it's just perfect with your tulips ;)

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    1. I'm still looking for the kind of bargains and treasure you always seem to find, Cecilia! :)

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  12. Hi Kim. I think you got a bargain there from looking at the ads at the end of your post. I love your label, I have never made one either, but the thought of the seed packet is very interesting. You are always such a mentor and a role model and your tulips are gorgeous..Happy Weekend..Judy

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    1. Judy, you are so right…I never really thought about how expensive the buckets are retail. I just get the word “thrift” in my head and think everything should be a dollar or less!! ;) Thank you for the super sweet words, they made my night. I really do enjoy crafting/ creating and I guess I miss teaching in the classroom…so I share here. :) I’m so happy if you feel inspired!

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  13. A beautiful project, Kim, from start to finish: frugal, fresh and fun! Your tulips look like they were grown for this bucket!

    Happy weekend,
    Poppy

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    1. Thanks so much, Poppy! I do love my (cheap) tulips! ;)

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  14. Super cute! The label has a graphic quality to it that I like.

    Your hubby sounds much like mine. :)

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    1. Thanks Stacey! It's very simple, but I think it will age well. :)

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  15. So country, so cute! I really love your creativity on the label! Decor like that would have cost a pretty penny in a department store...great job Kim :)

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    1. Thanks Karen! I know, I just can’t pay retail ( or even discount) anymore. DIY has spoiled me! ;)

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  16. I use PicMonkey all the time but hadn't thought you could make labels on it, definitely something to try. Your tulips are gorgeous, the ones I've see for sale here look so puny. Did you get your bucket at Goodwill? We just happened to go to one here last Saturday, not thinking about it being the first Saturday of the month, and everything was 50% off! I've been on the watch for brass candlesticks for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law for their reception and found 5 tall ones 1/2 off! That kind of prices makes the hunt worth while.

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    1. Your candlestick purchase sounds like a big score, Dewena! I did get my bucket at Goodwill. It was a lucky find, since they don't have a lot of housewares, it's mostly books and clothes and what they do have is overpriced...even at 50% off. The tulips, however, are a bargain every time. $5 or less at the grocery store!

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  17. Very cute idea, Kim. Rubber cement works too, and when it comes off it does not leave a trace, so you can even reuse the same image. Maybe decoupage and rubber cement are the same. I don't know, because I have never used decoupage. xoxo Su

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    1. I haven't thought about rubber cement since my own grade school days, Su. I have to try that. I bet it rubs off the bucket easily, too. Thanks for the tip! :)

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  18. Replies
    1. It really was and it did work...I was surprised. I thought the ink would run and it didn't. I would do this type of craft again and again. :)

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  19. I love it! I have a lot of galvanized decor in & outside of my home.

    I did some impromptu thrift shopping with a friend yesterday as well. I scored two baskets. One Is a small oval with upright handles...very sturdy & perfect for picnic on my screened porch. I plan to fill it with napkins, silverware & salt & pepper to grab & carry out when we enjoy meals outside. It was only $2. The second is a long, low oval basket with short stubby handles on the ends. It has a perfect linen liner with the words 'give us this day our daily bread' written in a pretty brown script. The basket is a rich brown reed basket with twine woven through it. It's in pristine condition except the liner is a little dirty. I plan to wash & iron it, then fill it with gourmet past noodles, past sauce & fresh bread to give as a housewarming gift this week. The basket cost me $3.50!

    My other great score was an unopened package of spring print tissue paper for .50...I go through a lot of tissue paper because I love giving gifts.

    I rarely go thrift shopping but I was out with a friend & our initial plans bombed so we decided to browse a little. It was such a fun day.

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    1. Jenny, you found some awesome items at excellent prices. That lined basket is going to make a wonderfully thoughtful gift. I try to think outside of the box when I shop, but the pickings are often slim. I am excited for the warmer weather so I can go to shops in a few beach towns nearby. They are only open seasonally. Enjoy your treasures, you lucky gal! :)

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  20. Hi,
    I pinned this one too! Great idea!
    Thank you,
    Carla

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    1. I love getting pinned, Carla!! Thank you!!

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  21. I just saw your reply to Dewena that your GW doesn't have a lot of housewares - that's a shame. The GW I go to has a ton of housewares. I would not have given that bucket a second glance as it was - but with your label on it, it made all the difference in the world! That is so cute. Great job!

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    1. Thanks Melanie! There are tons of antique stores around here that have housewares, but they are very, very expensive. I'm usually looking for old stuff that I can repurpose or something newer, in good condition that is less than what I would pay at Marshalls. In my area, that is a tall order. I think I need to take a thrifting trip to another part of the country!

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  22. I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Birthday, Kim! May all your birthday wishes come true.
    Love the tulips in the galvanized bucket. The label added that perfect finishing touch. xo

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    1. Thank you, Susan. You are very sweet to pop by and share your wish. :)

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  23. I think your hubby and mine would get along. ;).

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    1. Haha...I think he would get along with you, too!! ;)

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  24. This is an adorable idea!! :)

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  25. I love it, that is too cute!! I think that is a project that I can easily handle! Unless, of course, I tear the paper...lol. But, given today's vintage, rustic, worn-look decor, the torn paper might work for me. :-) There are little to no thrift stores close to where I live. I don't understand why, because there are definitely enough people to warrant having them. Frustrating! Love and hugs!

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    1. Yes! That’s exactly what I was thinking Benita…torn, smudged, wrinkled…rustic!! It’s a no fail craft. Perfect!

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  26. Beautiful results! You are very crafty!

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    1. Thanks Angela…crafty but lazy! Thank goodness for computer printers! ;)

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  27. This is such a cute project. I like the look of the galvanized bucket. I bet I could find something similar at Tractor Supply!

    xo,
    RJ

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    1. Oh, Tractor Supply. We don't have those, it sounds like a fun store!! :)

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  28. Very sweet look Kim. It turned out beautifully and of course the tulips are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your fun project at DI&DI.

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    1. Thanks for popping by to check it out, Linda! :)

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  29. Good Morning Kim,
    I have scaled back in the depth of my DIY's too and isn't this just darling!
    You are such a crafty one!
    Have a wonderful week,
    Jemma

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    1. Easy, easy, easy, Jemma…that’s how I play now! ;)

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  30. All things galvanized have been on my radar also and there aren't many pieces in the thrift stores I go to. I did luck up last fall and find a quilted look galvanized rectangle vases for $2.99. A couple weeks ago I went into Gordman's and found a huge selection very reasonably priced. Adding the label to yours was a great idea and I tend to forget how much you can do with PicMonkey. Lovely project!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sandra. Yes, this one was so easy and after peeking around at other galvanized items, I guess I got a good deal after all! :) Thanks for the visit!

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  31. Super cute idea! I have a bucket like that....now you've got my wheels turning!!

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  32. "All I ever wanted in a bucket" HAHAHAHA.... gotta love men ;)

    I think it turned out really cute, Kim! All the antique dealers take the good stuff at our thrift stores, but once in awhile I'll find something.

    xoxo,
    rue

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    1. Yes, he keeps me laughing. Although, I almost didn’t include his comment. I am not sure I want to encourage him! ;)

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  33. Love this Kim! I thinks our husbands would get along well. Yours sounds just like mine. ;)

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    1. I laugh a lot, Kristi and I bet you do, too!! :)

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  34. how beutifully you turned this bucket into a beautiful vase dear!

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    1. Thank you so much! I had fun making this one, especially since it was super easy. Thanks so much for the visit!

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  35. Love that modpodge! Oh the fun to be had with it! Glad your thrift store shopping ended up with sun a fun find. But, I really laughed out loud at your husband's comment, lol! :)

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    1. Marilyn, I just found a jar of matte decoupage in the clearance bin for .99!! I am dreaming of all the fun I could have already! ;)

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  36. Cute idea Ms. Kim!!! and I too laughed out loud at your hubby's comment. I think they were all cut out of the same cloth :^)
    Love the tulips as well...I haven't had any this year, but maybe soon!! The paperwhites and the mini daffys are in full bloom.
    Have a great weekend!!
    Blessings,
    J
    PS: maybe next time you could print your tag in red ;^)

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    1. A red label?? Genius! Now where was my brain? I may just have to get another bucket and make one in red! ;) Enjoy your flower blooms. Everything is buried in snow here. I am pea green at the idea of your green and budding view! xoxo

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