Last updated on January 19th, 2018 at 05:45 pm
In less than 15 minutes, you can turn a clean, empty paint can into a fun ice bucket or storage container!
It’s time for another round of Craft Lighting, a craft that can be done in less than 15 minutes! Today’s theme is recycled crafts, so I decided to take one of the many (many, many) empty paint buckets I have lying around my house from our ongoing renovation and upcycle it into a totally glam ice bucket!
I’m not going to count the time it took me to clean out the bucket or for the paint and glue to dry, but other than that this craft took me less than 15 minutes to make!
Step 1
Clean out your paint bucket. I let it soak overnight, and then I found hot water and elbow grease were the best recipe for getting it clean. Dry it out really well, including the rim.
Step 2
Spray paint the bucket gold (or whatever color you choose!). Just try to get the top rim, handle, and where the handle connects to the bucket — the rest will be covered by paper. I used Rustoleum Pure Gold, which is my go-to gold spray paint. Let it dry.
Step 3
Measure the height of your can, below the top and bottom rims and cut a strip of paper that will fit halfway around. My can was a standard paint can and my paper was 7.5″ tall and 10.5″ wide.
Cut notches for the paint can handle on each end of the paper. I wasn’t too exact — this is a 15-minute craft after all.
Step 4
Using spray adhesive (I love Elmer’s), adhere the paper to the paint can. Make sure you spray the edges well so that they stick properly (you can also use a little craft glue to help seal down the edges).
Step 5
Spray the entire thing with a clear coat to protect it, and allow to dry.
Step 6
Fill with ice and chill your favorite drink! Since I’m pregnant and wine is on my no-list, I’m adding some ginger lemon herbal water to my ice bucket. This whole project is a double whammy — super cute and super easy!
This would also make a great holder for your supplies in your craft room. I have a feeling I’ll be whipping up a bunch to hold paint brushes and other tall odds and ends that end up scattered around my studio!
Angie @ CCC says
March 19, 2015 at 4:02 amThis is amazing!! Love!!
Jesica says
March 23, 2015 at 7:36 amThis is so pretty, what a great idea!
Carolina says
March 23, 2015 at 10:19 amStunning! And I can’t believe how easy it is to make!
Heather J says
March 23, 2015 at 12:44 pmThis is so genius! Love the idea and your paper….Very nice!
Quirky Homemaker says
March 23, 2015 at 5:03 pmVery cute! Love the gold. Never thought of trying to wash out a paint can! Stopping by from Inspire Me Monday. Have a great week!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
March 23, 2015 at 7:51 pmThis turned out stunning! I admired your commitment to clean out a paint container! Looks stunning though so totally worth the effort.
[email protected] TexMexCrafting says
March 24, 2015 at 6:52 pmHow creative. Who knew a paint can could look so good?
[email protected] Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
March 24, 2015 at 6:53 pmFound you on Two Cup Tuesday’s! I am absolutely in love with this idea! I work at Paper Source so we all sorts of beautiful paper. Thanks so much for sharing! Just liked you on facebook!
laura londergan says
March 25, 2015 at 10:05 pmlove this – super cute!
[email protected] says
March 26, 2015 at 1:59 amI love everything about this. The color and paper you used is perfect!
Emily says
March 27, 2015 at 7:18 amThis is such a good idea! We just built a new house and we have a ton of left over paint cans, I need to make one of these. I’ve included your post in my Five on Friday roundup today. Have a great weekend :)
Naomi @ Plaster & Disaster says
March 28, 2015 at 8:21 amThis is so pretty! What an awesome idea. It could also make a great unconventional gift box if you give the lid the same treatment. Thanks for sharing!
Melanie says
March 29, 2015 at 6:41 pmWhat a great idea! I absolutely love the gold! Thanks for sharing over at Motivational Monday!
Cynthia L says
March 29, 2015 at 7:18 pmI love this! I just bought some paint for my kitchen and now I know what to do with the empty can! So great! Thanks for sharing this at the This Is How We Roll Link Party. Can’t wait to see what you share next week.
Kristina and Millie says
March 30, 2015 at 4:20 pmwow too awesome!! love this upcycle! stylish, fun and unique! no one would ever think it was a paint can for sure :) Thanks for linking to Snickerdoodle Sunday. I hope you will link this to our creative challenge upcycle party on Friday!
Ashley says
April 1, 2015 at 8:07 pmHi! Visiting from the All Things Thursday link party. This is so pretty! Where did you get the paper? I need some of that!
Eloquence says
April 2, 2015 at 7:41 amVery pretty! I love how you took a boring paint can and made it very chic.
Christina at SWEET HAUTE says
April 4, 2015 at 3:26 amFantastic colors and idea! Thanks for linking up to Show Me Saturdays link party, your post is being featured.
~Be Sweet
Christina
at SWEET HAUTE
KayleneP @ The Links Site says
April 9, 2015 at 11:22 pmI love this look and the idea of using them as storage containers! As well as in a craft room they would look great in a garden shed holding tools and supplies!
Trisha D. @Black and White Obsession says
May 4, 2015 at 7:15 amWhat an absolutely genius idea to upcycle all of those paint cans! Love how elegant it looks! Totally going to make one for this summer!
Karen Bowen Pooler says
December 6, 2017 at 2:38 pmwow! So creative and such a nice idea of using a paint can! Can’t wait to try it!