Monday, January 5, 2015

UPCYCLING: DIY Faux Enamelware Compost Bin


I’m going to be better about composting this year but in order to do that, I need a cute bin on my counter to inspire me. I had the perfect size metal bucket but it was in pretty sad shape.





DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (3)
Here it is in all it’s glory. Here’s the back story. Last year, my aunt sent me a beautiful amaryllis in this bucket. The design on the bucket was a dark green color with a Christmas graphic. After the amaryllis faded away, the bucket got left outside to face the elements for an entire year and the photo on the left is what it looked like before I rescued it.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (12)I actually have been planning this project for months. I’d look at the sad little bucket and knew that I wanted to mimic the look of enamelware but I never got around to it. A few weeks ago, Fyne’s Designs shared her enamel inspired tree pots on The Inspiration Board and it was the push I needed to work on mine.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (1)1. The hardest part of this project was scrubbing off the Christmas design. It was one giant label and after soaking the bucket in warm soapy water, I was left with a white residue. I tried Goo Gone, cooking oil and even sandpaper but the residue was really stubborn. I gave up and plowed ahead.  2. I taped off the areas that I wanted to remain rusty. I added small bits of tape to mimic vintage enamelware rust spots. 3. The inside of the bucket was protected with a plastic bag taped around the inside edges. 4. Once the taping was done I got started spray painting. 5. 4 light coats of white spray paint, stenciled letters and a final coat of gloss clear coat and it was done.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (9)I forgot to take pictures of the stenciling process, but I used adhesive alphabet stencils. You stick them on, dab on some craft paint and peel away the reusable stencils.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (13)Using a rusty bucket gave me an advantage to easily recreate chipped enamelware.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (16)The bucket is the perfect size for my counter and I can toss in compostable food, like coffee grounds, eggs and greens.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (10)Once the bucket is full, I’ll dump it outside into a composting bin and hopefully by spring, I’ll have rich compost.


DIY Faux Enamel Ware Compost Bin - homework ~ carolynshomework (17)



Thanks so much for stopping by.





Craftsy

18 comments :

  1. I LOVE this faux enamel look! You did a fabulous job, Carolyn. Pinned :)

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  2. What a great idea!!!! Love white enamel!
    Shelly@minettesmaze

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  3. WOW Carolyn! I'm totally stunned that this isn't the real deal. It turned out so gorgeous! I'm featuring your faux enamelware on Party Junk this weekend. :) Thanks so much for linking up!

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  4. Fabulous! I love it! Thanks for sharing the how to's!

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  5. came over from funky junk and i am awestruck at how real it looked then when i read the process with how easy it looked great job xx

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  6. could have fooled me-actually, you did-this looks amazing!

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  7. This is awesome! I so need to do this! I have two buckets under my desk at work. We had a bunch of vendors give us snacks over the holidays and everyone is like, here you keep this, you can do something with it! So, I'm going to do this! Yea!!

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  8. Fantastic Faux finish…..it looks really REAL!! I have a real enamel table top that needs major TLC and this is exactly the post I needed to read. Thank you!

    Kim@reposhture

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  9. Where did you find your adhesive stencils? I see Martha Stewart has some but not sure they are the correct look. Lovely job. What sealer did you use over the paint. Looks great.

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    1. Hi Vicky, I used the Martha Stewart adhesive stencils for this project. The package doesn't have a name on it but they're alphabet stencils and there's picture of coffee cups on the package. To seal the bucket, I used Mod Podge Gloss Spray sealer. It's a very high gloss. I've also used Rustoleum gloss and like that product too. Thanks so much!

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  10. I love this! There are several tin buckets lurking in my stash. I compost too and usually throw my stuff in a plastic bowl which is so ugly. I think I will try this. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings, Deborah

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  11. Love this! I have a few tin buckets that need a little TLC. As soon as it gets warm enough to spray paint outdoors-this is my next project!! Thanks for the DIY info!

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  12. EXACTLY HOW DID YOU KNOW WHERE TO MAKE THE FAKE CHIPS ON THE TIN? IT IS MARVELOUS!!!!

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    1. Thank you so much Mare. That's so sweet of you. I looked at my real enamel wear pitcher and copied the chips. It was so fun to make and I'm planning on making more "faux" enamel ware with other buckets and pitchers. thanks again!!

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  13. This technique looks great! We must have some rusty buckets around here someplace:)

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  14. This is such a great look for the old bucket! It makes it so much more up to date!

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