Handmade Christmas Decorations

DIY Tartan Plaid Bucket with Gold Accents: Easy Upcycle with Tartan Plaid Pattern and Colors

Transform an ordinary bucket into a stunning tartan plaid decor piece with beautiful gold accents! This easy DIY upcycle tutorial shows you how to add timeless tartan plaid colors and metallic detailing to create a unique, festive look for your home—all on a budget.

How to Make a Tartan Plaid Bucket with DIY Gold Foil Look Transfers

If there’s one thing I know about my crafting style, it’s that my projects never begin with a perfect plan. 

I envy bloggers who can create inside the lines, but my ideas run wild, and I find myself turning right or left whenever inspiration strikes. 

For this project, it all started with the charm of tartan plaid pattern and the allure of high-end gold foil detailing. The combination of tartan plaid colors with a little DIY flair sparked a new upcycle that might just be my favorite yet!

Have You Seen the New IOD Gold Foil Rub-On Transfers?

Rub-on transfers, especially in gold foil, are making a big splash in the DIY world. They add an upscale touch to any project, and IOD’s gold foil transfers are top-notch for sure. But, at a higher price and limited sheets, I knew my creativity would eat through them fast. 

So, why not figure out a way to get the same look with a fraction of the cost? And so, my own version of a “gold foil transfer” idea was born!

Inspiration Strikes in Unexpected Places

This project evolved out of a few ideas colliding in my head. 

I went to the basement to do laundry, where I found an old plastic bucket—a leftover from purchasing Bentley’s hockey balls in bulk. 

It was sturdy, had potential, and I’d previously attempted a spring craft with it, giving it a coat of silver paint before getting sidetracked. While examining it again, I knew instantly that this bucket would make the perfect tartan plaid masterpiece!

Why Tartan Plaid?

Tartan plaid is one of my favorite patterns. The deep, rich tartan plaid colors bring a masculine warmth that fits seamlessly into our Christmas home decor. Something about those crisscrossed lines just feels timeless and comforting, which makes it a perfect upcycling material for the season.

This project may have started with “wild abandon,” but as I thought about combining the plaid with gold accents, I knew I was onto something special. With a roll of tartan plaid wrapping paper and my makeshift gold foil transfers, I was ready to create a statement piece.

DIY Tartan Plaid Bucket with Gold Foil Detailing

Here’s how you can make this tartan plaid-inspired bucket with the look of high-end gold foil rub-on transfers—no pricey supplies needed! Perfect for storing holiday decor or adding a seasonal flair to any room, this bucket is an upcycle you’ll love.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 1 plastic bucket, child's sand pail, or wastebasket
• 1 roll of tartan plaid wrapping paper, or paper of your choice
• 1 white Dollar Tree shammy towel
• Scissors
• Mod Podge
• Antique Gold Rub-n-Buff
• Rounded Stencil Brush (this works best when stenciling)
• Chip Brush 
• Twine
• Glue Gun
• 2 Glue Sticks 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Tartan Plaid Wrapping Paper
   Measure the height of your bucket, from top to bottom. Then, cut a piece of tartan plaid wrapping paper to fit, ensuring you have enough to wrap entirely around the bucket.

2. Apply the Mod Podge
   Dip a chip brush into the Mod Podge and dab a light layer over the bucket’s surface. This will help the wrapping paper stick seamlessly to the plastic.

3. Attach the Tartan Plaid Pattern
   Press the tartan plaid wrapping paper onto the bucket, smoothing out any wrinkles as you go. Continue this process, applying Mod Podge and wrapping the paper until the bucket is fully covered. This will give you the iconic tartan plaid pattern look.

4. Seal the Plaid Paper for Durability
   Once the Mod Podge is dry, apply another layer on top of the paper to seal it in place. This final coat ensures your tartan plaid stays looking fresh, no matter how you use the bucket.

5. Create Your Own “Gold Foil” Details
   Now for the fun part: adding that “gold foil” effect! Select a stencil that fits your style—I used one from a Christmas set I had on hand and used in my slate project. Place it on the plaid-covered bucket where you want to add the gold detailing.

6. Apply the Rub n Buff for a Gold Foil Look
   Dip your stencil brush lightly into the Antique Gold Rub n Buff. Dab off excess, then begin stenciling over your chosen areas, creating lettering or decorative images with a beautiful, metallic finish.

7. Adding a Finished Touch with a Shammy Towel
   To create a soft edge at the top, fold down the seam of a Dollar Tree shammy towel to form a rolled edge, then cut it about three inches down from the rolled edge, glue it in place around the bucket’s rim for a polished look.

8. Wrap the Handle in Twine
   If your bucket has a handle, wrap it with twine for a rustic touch. Secure it with a bit of hot glue every few wraps to keep it from unraveling.

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Styling and Using Your Tartan Plaid Bucket

And there you have it—the tartan plaid bucket of your dreams! 

I love how this project marries the elegance of tartan plaid colors with the upscale look of gold foil rub-on transfers. It has that festive touch, but with a warm, classic feel that will work throughout the seasons.

This bucket has already found a place in our home, filled with holiday greenery  for now. 

After Christmas, I’ll repurpose it with a new arrangement, or maybe even as storage. Either way, it’s a win-win—another basement find brought to life in a completely unexpected way!

Why I Love Using Tartan Plaid in My DIYs

The tartan plaid pattern never goes out of style. It’s classic, rooted in history, and brings that perfect cozy touch to any room. 

Tartan plaid colors blend beautifully with various decor styles—whether you’re going for a rustic farmhouse look or a vintage-inspired aesthetic. And since plaid comes in so many colors, there’s a tartan for every season.

The Beauty of Upcycling with Gold Foil Like Rub-On Transfers

Gold foil transfers are all the rage, but doing it yourself with Rub n Buff saves money while still giving a high-end result. With this project, I discovered that you don’t need an expensive product to achieve a luxe effect. DIY gold foil rub-on transfers open up endless creative possibilities—plus, they’re simple to use on anything from glassware to wall art.

By exploring alternatives, I’ve found ways to bring that golden touch to a variety of projects, from holiday decor to everyday home items. Whether you want the look of gold lettering, a little shine on your ceramics, or a metallic accent on furniture, a little creativity goes a long way.

It’s amazing how a few materials can transform something as simple as a plastic bucket into a standout decor piece. Projects like these remind me why I love DIY and upcycling—the thrill of taking the unexpected and making it beautiful.

Ciao,

Cara