The upcycling of a sap bucket

I was out exploring a trendy older business community with my 'aspiring photographer' hubby a while ago.  While he was happily snapping urban landscapes, I wandered into a great shop that up-cycles and re-purposes old broken down furniture and what-nots.  Since I do that also, but on a smaller scale, it's fun to see what other recyclers are doing.  Most everything in the store was well above my price range, especially being, shall we say, a value conscious DIY Diva;  but I did find this great old sap bucket from Quebec for under seven dollars.  The Hubby wandered in just in time to hear the sales person tell me it was from Quebec, and I saw his eyes light up!  Montreal, Quebec is where he grew up and he's pretty sentimental about that.

I can just picture it full of soft pink peony buds.  Of course, I couldn't just leave the bucket as it was, that would not be in my nature.  So I started by adding some burlap and lace.

That wasn't quite enough, so I added more lace, some gold french ribbon and a few jewellery findings.

Hmmm....not sure I like this! How about with some flowers?

I don't have enough pink roses kicking around so I tried it with blue hydrangeas.  That is SOOOOO not working for me!!!!  So....back I go to the old drawing board.  I pulled of the gold french ribbon and findings and added a cream fabric rose.

Gaaahhh......it just makes me crazy when what's in my head doesn't play out in reality!!  You know what I mean, I know you do!!  This still isn't doing it for me.....so off comes the burlap and all.  In my frustration I tried out a vintage graphic from the Graphics Fairy and that just wasn't it either.

So.....the once again naked bucket was put aside for about 3 months until I finally took it up again tonight!!

A little burlap, two vintage crocheted doilies, a pinch of floral ribbon, a dash of bling and one pink cameo later and voila!!!

Now THIS I can live with!!  Well.....except it's actually not for me so I won't be living with it. Now that I'm finally happy with the end result,  this 'pretty' will be heading to my antique market booth opening in May!

So pretty with a bunch of lavender in it! 

This was going to head to my booth, but my darling Mama who wanted to be my very first customer fell in love with this bucket. 
SOLD - I love you Mama!!

Caio!!!

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