Sunday, August 12, 2012

New Labels for Old Buckets

Old buckets have a way of finding their way home with me especially when I can pick them up for next to nothing at yards sales and flea markets.   My pile has been growing taller over the last couple of months, so I figured it was about time to do something with them.

tutorial add labels to buckets Mod Podge
The Graphics Fairy and Mod Podge to the rescue.
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.

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.


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47 comments:

  1. The Farmer's DaughterAugust 12, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    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!

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  2. Terrie HearthandWhimsyAugust 12, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    I 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!

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  3. ErikaAugust 12, 2012 at 10:43 AM

    These buckets look so great, I love what you did to them, thanks for sharing.

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  4. Glenda/MidSouthAugust 12, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    Another cute idea !
    I have not visited the graphics fairy in a while.

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  5. AngieAugust 12, 2012 at 11:24 AM

    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!

    Blessings,
    Angie

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  6. Cozy Little HouseAugust 12, 2012 at 11:27 AM

    Wow! Yours look really old. Wish I could find some like that!
    Brenda

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  7. Rosemary@villabarnesAugust 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    They look great bunched together, Betsy. I love playing with buckets and pails too. Love the one that collapses.

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  8. Charm Bracelet DivaAugust 12, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Glad 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 :)

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  9. Full Circle CreationsAugust 12, 2012 at 11:52 AM

    I adore your buckets! They turned out great! And that collapsible bucket is an amazing find!

    Holly

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  10. Marsha @ Tattered ChickAugust 12, 2012 at 12:20 PM

    Love your bucket collection Betsy especially that collapsible one!! !

    Just got back from the Sacto flea feeling hot hot hot

    Xoxo

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  11. Sharing ShadymontAugust 12, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    Great collection! Love the collapsible bucket!!

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  12. Jennifer @ Town and Country LivingAugust 12, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    These 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).

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  13. Sherry@Back2VintageAugust 12, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    The 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.

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  14. JanAugust 12, 2012 at 5:20 PM

    They 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.

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  15. Diane WritesAugust 12, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    It's my first time to encounter a collapsible antique water pail. I was amazed haha and I love it.

    Have a great day Betsy!

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  16. ~ Liz ~August 12, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    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?
    Liz

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  17. LorettaAugust 12, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    Super idea...Love the vintage look of them! Thanks for the share! Wishing you a fab week to come!

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  18. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerAugust 12, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    You 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!

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  19. PamAugust 12, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    You are a great spokesperson for Graphic Fairy. Maybe they should feature some of your creations on their website.

    These buckets are so charming. Perfect for indoor plants or on a covered patio.

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  20. cynthia lee designsAugust 12, 2012 at 8:54 PM

    Love the buckets...they all look great!!
    Cindy

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  21. Faire NotionsAugust 12, 2012 at 9:11 PM

    Love your buckets. If that canvas collapsible bucket could talk...
    Lisa

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  22. KathyAugust 12, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    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!

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  23. BohemianAugust 12, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    These turned out great! Thanks for the Tutorial on how you Created them. Now... I'll be on the Hunt for Old Buckets! *Winks*

    Dawn... The Bohemian

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  24. Laurel@chippingwithcharmAugust 13, 2012 at 5:22 AM

    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

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  25. A Few PenniesAugust 13, 2012 at 7:20 AM

    LOVE 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.

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  26. ~ LauraAugust 13, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    They 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!!! :)

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  27. Connie MercerAugust 13, 2012 at 10:02 AM

    Before 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!!!

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  28. Keeping it CozyAugust 13, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    What a fabulous collection of buckets! And they look great with the labels.

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  29. DoreenAugust 13, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Betsy
    I'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!

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  30. The Polka Dot ClosetAugust 13, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    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!!

    Carol

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  31. Joyness SparklesAugust 13, 2012 at 6:43 PM

    What a cute, cute idea! They look adorable...I really like your buckets. :)

    ***Stopping by from Make It Pretty Monday, have a great week.

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  32. Laurie MarshallAugust 13, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    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... ;)

    LOVE these buckets!!

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  33. Tricia @ Vintage No. 35August 13, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    I love them!

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  34. Dori StowellAugust 14, 2012 at 7:22 AM

    I 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.)

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  35. DinaAugust 14, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    Oh I love buckets too! You did a great job on them with the graphics!

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  36. PamAugust 14, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Your 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.

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  37. PamAugust 14, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    That was me. I forgot to sign into my correct Google ID.

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  38. Fishtail CottageAugust 14, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    really cute idea! would love to have you share this at this weeks garden party on Thursday? xoox, tracie

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  39. Sandi~A Cottage MuseAugust 15, 2012 at 3:48 AM

    Love the unique look you are giving them!

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  40. PeggyAugust 15, 2012 at 7:14 AM

    I 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.

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  41. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinAugust 15, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    Really 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

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  42. Jen @ Creating with the J'sAugust 15, 2012 at 4:52 PM

    Oh your buckets turned out fab!! I am going to have take a look around your blog too! Stopped in from 1929 Charmer!

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  43. The Porcelain RoseAugust 16, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Love the buckets!!
    What 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

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  44. DebraAugust 17, 2012 at 3:58 AM

    What a creative idea! they look absolutely wonderful!

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  45. Fishtail CottageAugust 17, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    Yay - 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

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  46. LaurieAugust 19, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    Ooh, 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!

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  47. Charles AlvarezOctober 29, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    Wow! This is so nice. I like your idea in making this really buckets an appreciable stuff. You did a wonderful job. Thank you.

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