The Graphics Fairy and Mod Podge to the rescue.
A super quick, inexpensive, and very easy way to dress up an old bucket.
A super quick, inexpensive, and very easy way to dress up an old bucket.
They sure look naked except for the bright blue Baker Boy orange spread bucket; I wasn't about to disturb that fabulous old label.
All of these labels were printed in color on plain white paper using an ink jet printer. Applying Mod Podge directly on images from an ink jet printer can cause the ink to bleed a little, but I've found that waiting a day or two to let the ink cure helps keep the bleeding to a minimum. I wasn't real concerned about a little bleeding because I was going for a rustic and vintage look anyway, but you could always use a laser printer
After trimming the labels, I wrinkled them and roughed up the edges a bit. No need to do anything more because they came directly from The Graphics Fairy with this wonderful
aged look.
One light coat of matte Mod Podge was added to the back of the label with a sponge brush and placed directly on the bucket. I waited about 20 minutes until it was dry, then went over just the surface of the label with a watered down coat of Mod Podge. Even though I was using a matte finish, watering the Mod Podge down just a little makes the end result less shiny.
I wouldn't leave these outside where water will be an issue, but they're perfect for holding indoor plants, dried flowers, magazines, craft supplies, etc. Outdoor Mod Podge is an option also, but I think it makes the labels look too shiny.
I love the collapsible antique water bucket on the left just the way it is.
Duplex Water Pail No. 12, Mfd by the Planet Co. Patent 639822, Westfield, Mass USA.
I did a little research on these and found that they were manufactured from 1899-1920 and were used by the railroads, the military, and on fire trucks. Some models even had a canvas spout attached.
I did a little research on these and found that they were manufactured from 1899-1920 and were used by the railroads, the military, and on fire trucks. Some models even had a canvas spout attached.
It collapses, but does it still hold water? I couldn't resist putting it to the test....
It took about ten minutes until R. Ducky was sitting at the bottom of the bucket. Oh well, it was a great find and will still hold a bouquet of dried hydrangeas.
I love buckets, too, and buy every one I see--that's reasonable, that is! I truly love the way yours look with the labels. I'll try it one day soon! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love your collection of buckets! I've got a few of my own that I'm going to try your technique with. What a great idea and so cute!
ReplyDeleteThese buckets look so great, I love what you did to them, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnother cute idea !
ReplyDeleteI have not visited the graphics fairy in a while.
I love those old buckets too and you have a wonderful stash of them! I love the addition of the labels you added - just what they needed to make them extraordinary!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Angie
Wow! Yours look really old. Wish I could find some like that!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
They look great bunched together, Betsy. I love playing with buckets and pails too. Love the one that collapses.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that you got your mod podge on! Funny, I just googled how to put graphics onto galvanized buckets, seriously! And mod podge was what came up. I have an old bucket and a newer tallish vase-like container I'm going to try it on. Yours look great! And how about that collapsible bucket? Wild! Love the duck :)
ReplyDeleteI adore your buckets! They turned out great! And that collapsible bucket is an amazing find!
ReplyDeleteHolly
Love your bucket collection Betsy especially that collapsible one!! !
ReplyDeleteJust got back from the Sacto flea feeling hot hot hot
Xoxo
Great collection! Love the collapsible bucket!!
ReplyDeleteThese are really cute! Love your choice of graphics. I bought some exterior Mod Podge to try on pots for the outdoors (haven't used it yet though).
ReplyDeleteThe plain-jane buckets look so much better with your mod podge labels. That collapsible bucket is so interesting as is. I don't blame you for leaving it just like you found it.
ReplyDeleteThey look really cute. I use an ink jet printer also. I found that if I spray the paper, after printing, with clear spray paint it keeps the ink from bleeding when I decoupage them. Let the spray dry completely before you use them. Give this a try and see how it works for you. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIt's my first time to encounter a collapsible antique water pail. I was amazed haha and I love it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day Betsy!
I'm a bucket lover too and just have to stop myself because I only have so much space. But I love your idea of putting the labels on them. They look so sweet! That collapsible bucket is very cool. I can't imagine stumbling upon such a treasure around here. But then one never knows, right?
ReplyDeleteLiz
Super idea...Love the vintage look of them! Thanks for the share! Wishing you a fab week to come!
ReplyDeleteYou have so many great buckets, I find them but not at great prices. Love the vintage look of the buckets and your labels so great with them. I so want that collapsible one, so darn cool. If any are missing don't look my way! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration with Sunday’s Best – it helped make the party a success!
ReplyDeleteYou are a great spokesperson for Graphic Fairy. Maybe they should feature some of your creations on their website.
ReplyDeleteThese buckets are so charming. Perfect for indoor plants or on a covered patio.
Love the buckets...they all look great!!
ReplyDeleteCindy
Love your buckets. If that canvas collapsible bucket could talk...
ReplyDeleteLisa
I love the way they turned out and thanks for the tip on letting the ink jet dry for a day and less likely to bleed. Saves me some trips to the copy shop! BTW, I have found Modge Podge to be VERY water-proof once it is dry. I even had something accidently fall into a bucket of water and sit two days and the Modge Podge STILL didn't come loose. I dont think there is anything that takes that stuff off once it is dry!
ReplyDeleteThese turned out great! Thanks for the Tutorial on how you Created them. Now... I'll be on the Hunt for Old Buckets! *Winks*
ReplyDeleteDawn... The Bohemian
These are wonderful Betsy! I have a bit of a bucket collection myself... Thanks for the tip on watering the Mod Podge for the "top coat"! I'm going to do that next time :) Laurel
ReplyDeleteLOVE your old buckets--I'm on the hunt for some too. Your blog is just awesome--great things so near and dear to my junking heart! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThey are fantastic!!! You are just so amazingly creative!!! I've had an idea percolating for a while and I think you just provided the missing link!! Thankyouthankyouthankyou!!! :)
ReplyDeleteBefore I went down the publishing road I used to junk up old stuff and paint on it. i would do fairs and craft shows~I had many of these buckets~always a good seller!!! Great blog post Betsy!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous collection of buckets! And they look great with the labels.
ReplyDeleteBetsy
ReplyDeleteI've been stalking your blog for months now, and now following, although I do subscribe to your email feed as well.
I love your altered buckets, so much so that I pinned this!
It's crazy how you can get on a roll of one particular find, I think I have only found 4 buckets ever. Good tip to wrinkle the labels and rough up the edges!!
ReplyDeleteCarol
What a cute, cute idea! They look adorable...I really like your buckets. :)
ReplyDelete***Stopping by from Make It Pretty Monday, have a great week.
Isn't it funny how suddenly you start finding a lot of one thing in particular? I went through a globe era, then it was clipboards and vintage wooden hangers, now I seem to find old rulers and silver trays everywhere. Not that I'm complaining... ;)
ReplyDeleteLOVE these buckets!!
I love them!
ReplyDeleteI just love these! I did one myself just a few weeks ago and don't want to give it up! (I had thought to sell it, but can't bring myself.)
ReplyDeleteOh I love buckets too! You did a great job on them with the graphics!
ReplyDeleteYour buckets look pretty cute with their new labels. I have never seen a collapsable one before. I guess you can't expect it to be 100% water worthy after all those years.
ReplyDeleteThat was me. I forgot to sign into my correct Google ID.
ReplyDeletereally cute idea! would love to have you share this at this weeks garden party on Thursday? xoox, tracie
ReplyDeleteLove the unique look you are giving them!
ReplyDeleteI love the buckets! I've been toying with the idea of painting, aging and applying labels to old tins and cans for a similar effect, but I think next week when I finally get to go junking, I'm going to look for actual buckets. Inspiring as usual. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteReally pretty! Thank you for sharing this at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see your prettiness again on Monday. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
ReplyDeleteOh your buckets turned out fab!! I am going to have take a look around your blog too! Stopped in from 1929 Charmer!
ReplyDeleteLove the buckets!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea.
I have several of these old buckets and a few sap buckets stashed in my shed. They would look wonderful with vintage labels. Thanks for inspiring me.
Thanks for sharing!
Will visit again soon.
Elizabeth
What a creative idea! they look absolutely wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYay - so glad you came over and linked up - i am in love with those buckets...Thank you so much for linking up to the Garden Party! xoox, tracie
ReplyDeleteOoh, thank you for the tip about waiting a day so the ink doesn't run...your buckets are just lovely, what an easy, fun project!
ReplyDeleteWow! This is so nice. I like your idea in making this really buckets an appreciable stuff. You did a wonderful job. Thank you.
ReplyDelete