DIY Upcycling Project

From Trash to Treasured Table Decor: A Scripted Bucket DIY Upcycling Project

See how I share the transformation of an ordinary used lemonade canister into a stunning scripted bucket. This week's blog unveils a unique DIY upcycling project, blending sustainability with style. Explore the steps, materials, and inspiration for this project, and find new ways to incorporate upcycled pieces into your home decor.

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This week, I decided to switch things up a bit. Instead of presenting both a recipe and a craft, I found myself immersed in two exciting creative reuse projects. As the season approaches, I'm still brainstorming project ideas featuring rub-on transfers for spring. Stay tuned for more inspiration, especially as you plan your Easter tables. Our latest DIY creation might just be the unique touch your table needs.

You might recall that people have been generously gifting me their discarded items. It seems I've gained a bit of a reputation for turning trash into treasure, and I must say, I'm embracing it wholeheartedly. I'd rather see these items find a new purpose than end up in a landfill any day.

Recently, someone handed me a rather ordinary lemonade canister, mentioning that they thought of me before tossing it in the trash. Quite thoughtful, right? The inevitable question followed: What on earth will you do with it? A fair question, and I had an immediate idea.

Instantly, my mind drifted to pretty vases, as they are always on the back of my mind when it comes to giving items new life.  DIY vases can be a fun way to add my own style to our home decor.  

When I began giving our donated lemonade canister a makeover, I was leaning towards a spring-y floral pattern, but then thoughts drifted to a beautiful vellum scripted paper in my stash.  

I don't know about you, but I love scripted items.  There is just something about written word that makes me go all mushy inside.  Add cursive writing to the mix, and I am a big ole' marshmallow thinking of the past, and those hand written letters sent back and forth over the miles.      

I sometimes think I am drawn to beautiful handwriting in part because my own is atrocious.  Sad, but true.  

They say you can learn a lot about someone by looking at their handwriting.  Myself, I am a print and cursive combination writer.  I once had a client comment that he was impressed with my handwriting.  I replied, Why on earth would you be impressed, it is terrible."  

I wasn't prepared with the response he gave, indicating he was impressed, since my appearance led him to believe I would write with girly loops and swirls... when in fact, my handwriting is masculine and could be mistaken for a male since it is scrawly, difficult to read, and in varying sizes throughout.

So, considering both beautiful and less-than-attractive handwriting like my own, let me share our latest creation with you – the scripted bucket.

Materials Needed:

1. Canister rescued from the trash bin
2. Scripted scrapbook paper or paper of your choice 
3. Hot glue gun
4. Hot glue stick
5. Cordless drill & 1/2 inch drill bit
6. Rope
7. Decor of your choice 

Instructions:

• Begin by removing any residue inside.  Normally, I would suggest running an item through the dishwasher, but since this piece is made from cardboard on the exterior, that was not possible.  I handwashed this DIY canister with Dawn dish soap before getting started and letting it dry completely inside.  
• Remove any paper covering the exterior of the canister
• Cut paper to fit height of canister.  My paper did not reach around our DIY bucket, but I matched seams equal distance on each side.
• Using your glue gun, apply a strip of hot glue along the pail, and apply paper, do the same to the other side so ensure all of the cardboard is covered by the paper of your choosing.
• Add twine around the bucket at the top and tie a bow on the front
• (Optional) Drill two holes on either side where the seams match up
• Feed rope through the sides of the bucket, knot off the rope, and unravel the rope up to the knot on each side for a frayed look
• Decorate the DIY pail to your liking

I put hubby to work on the drilling

Tips:

• Consider skipping Mod Podge if using vellum paper, as it may reveal the cardboard underneath.  (I learned the hard way, and had to tear it apart)
• Drill holes before adding twine for the bow.
• Experiment with handle options; I opted for rope due to its sturdiness, but my mind went to our packing paper wreath hanger initially.
• Embrace seams if working with a larger piece of paper, or explore wrapping paper for a seamless look.
• I overlapped the paper to help in covering the glue showing through the vellum paper.  Vellum paper is a translucent, smooth delicate paper.   

I love mixing function with beauty. Pearls are a gal's best friend!  😉

Working with a larger piece caused me to pause.  I am not a fan of seams, but I really wanted to use my chosen scripted paper.  Unless you choose wrapping or wallpaper, just be aware you will have seams on the sides of your DIY pail.  

Stack Easter eggs inside with spanish moss filler

Wrapping paper is one of my most favorite materials to work with since it is economical, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and it is easy to work with.  I have been on the hunt for spring wrapping paper for an idea I have, so if you know where to find some, send it my way.  

Use as a cute hanging planter

I hope you found pleasure in exploring this DIY scripted bucket project, and I genuinely hope it sparked ideas for integrating it into your home. Embracing my identity as an upcycle blogger, I'm increasingly fond of the notion. I invite you to join me on this journey of transforming discarded items into something meaningful, reducing waste and making a positive impact on our environment. Let's collectively follow the path of mindful upcycling, turning overlooked bits into cherished treasures.

Source List:

• Scrapbook Paper - Amazon has scripted paper
• French Scripted Stamp - Amazon - you can create your own scripted paper in the colors of your choice by using a stamp
• Twine - Amazon
• Rope - Amazon
• Flower Bouquet - Amazon
• Dewalt Cordless Drill - Amazon - it's on sale now!
• Moss Eggs - Amazon
• Pearl Necklace - Amazon
• Eucalyptus Stems - Amazon
• String of Pearls - Amazon

Scripted Bucket turned Vase

Ciao,

Cara