DIY Bucket of Flowers Spring Centerpiece

So can we talk about the fact that February is already halfway over? When I looked at the calendar the other day to schedule this post I was blown away. Really, how is it February 15th! Is anyone else as flabbergasted by this as I am? This month is just zipping by so fast and I’m actually ok with it. Day by day we’re inching closer to warmer weather and that makes my heart oh so happy. So let’s celebrate with a fun little DIY project that is perfect for spring. It involves a galvanized bucket, lots of pretty flowers, and some black paint. Easy peasy, as always. Here’s what we’re making:

DIY Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece. Beautiful farmhouse centerpiece for spring

There’s nothing like a bucket of fresh (or faux!) flowers sitting on your dining room table to brighten up your day. This look took about 15 minutes to put together. Let me show you how I did it:

DIY Fresh Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece

First you’ll want to find a galvanized bucket–the older the better. This one has been around forever, so it has a nice vintage look to it. For painting on FRESH I simply used acrylic black paint and letter stamps, which are from Michael’s but I don’t believe they sell these exact ones any longer. You could also use alphabet stencils, or even better just print out letters in Word, trace them on the bucket and fill in with paint. I’ve done that same technique many times and it works really well. (You can see it done in this post.) Either way, it only takes a few minutes and you’re done!

DIY Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece. Beautiful farmhouse centerpiece for spring DIY Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece. Beautiful farmhouse centerpiece for spring DIY Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece. Beautiful farmhouse centerpiece for spring

Now for the flowers. I have to show you guys a really quick trick I do to make my faux flowers look bigger and more full. Start with any large bundle of flowers. These are from Michael’s and they’re a good size, buy if you were to just put them in the bucket as is, it would topple over to it’s side and wouldn’t look very full. You’d probably need 3 or 4 of these bundles to fill out the bucket I’m using. So instead of buying more, I cut each stem off the bundle.

DIY Fresh Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece

DIY Fresh Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece

Just snip it right down at the base of the bundle. And FYI, you’ll need to use something stronger than scissors to do this because they usually have a wire in them. Ok, so once you’ve done that you’ll have a whole bunch of individual stems, which will fill out the bucket much better. But here’s one more trick to make it look a bit fuller–use plastic bags!

DIY Fresh Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece

Yep, just grab a handful of those plastic bags you’ve been saving from the grocery store and start stuffing them in the bucket.

DIY Fresh Bucket of Flowers Centerpiece

I put the bags on the outer ring of the bucket, instead of directly in the middle. This will help hold up the flowers and give them something to “lay” on, which makes them appear fuller. I only needed two bundles of flowers to fill out this bucket.

I do this trick alllllll the time with faux flowers in containers like this. Works like a charm!

DIY Bucket of Flowers Spring CenterpieceDIY Bucket of Flowers Spring Centerpiece

What is it about flowers that make a whole room feel bright and happy? It’s like magic. And I have to say, even though I love me some real daisies or maybe even tulips from time to time, these faux flowers work just as well AND they stay pretty forever–which is a huge win in my book. This whole room just comes alive with the pop of color. And by the way, have I mentioned that I’m ready for spring?

I’m so happy with how this little project turned out and I can’t wait to use this “fresh” bucket all spring and summer long. I’d love to hear what you think and definitely let me know if you have any questions. Oh and tell me if you’ve ever done the plastic bag trick. Surely I’m not the only one stuffing Target bags in with their flowers!

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The Comments

  • Lisa
    February 15, 2017

    That’s a great tip. I’m curious to know how many bundles you actually used to fill the bucket. It looks really full so I’m guessing you used more then just one. Love the bright pop of color the forsythia adds. Very Springy!

    • Sarah
      > Lisa
      February 15, 2017

      Good question Lisa! I used two bundles of flowers to fill the bucket up. Thanks for dropping by!

  • JoAnne
    February 15, 2017

    You’re so right, Sarah – flowers are like magic to brighten up a room. And I happen to have a perfect bucket to use for your “fresh” idea – so cute!

    • Sarah
      > JoAnne
      February 15, 2017

      Right JoAnne??! Magic little stems of happiness. I need a bucket of flowers in every room!

  • Pat
    February 15, 2017

    What an awesome trick with the bags! I just subscribed to your blog a couple months ago and I absolutely LOVE it! Thanks for sharing with us!

    • Sarah
      > Pat
      February 15, 2017

      Aw thank you so much for subscribing Pat, I am so happy to have you here! 🙂

  • Joette Tavernise
    February 15, 2017

    Sarah, so cute! I often put the stem pieces that I cut off in the bottom of the bucket along with the bags to help secure the stems.

  • Deborah Kaker
    February 15, 2017

    Hi Sarah, I am pretty new to dyi but I have done something’s that I am proud of. I love your bucket flower container and can’t wait to make it. The o my problem I have is where do I find the bucket? Do they sell them at stores like Menard’s, etc. or craft stores? Thasnk you for any help you can give me. Debbie Kaker

    • Vicki
      > Deborah Kaker
      February 15, 2017

      You can find new ones at farm supply stores. Old ones may be found at antique stores. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a method on Pinterest for aging new galvanized buckets/tubs. Good luck!

    • Sarah
      > Deborah Kaker
      February 16, 2017

      Hi Debbie! Great question. You can find buckets like this at tool stores, or even on Craigslist–the older the better! Just search for galvanized bucket and I bet you will find a few.

  • Kimberly
    February 15, 2017

    Love your blog! I also love your table runner! is it possible to list the source? My apologies if you have already listed it somewhere else on your blog!!

    • Sarah
      > Kimberly
      February 15, 2017

      Of course, I should have listed the sources, thanks for the reminder! You can find that runner at World Market, here’s the link: https://rstyle.me/n/cfb7i9b6hgf. Thanks for dropping by Kimberly!

      • Kimberly
        > Sarah
        February 16, 2017

        Thank you!!

  • Jonita
    February 15, 2017

    Great Idea Sarah, my hubby got me 2 pots of Tulips for Valentines so spring has arrived.???? I am going to make a crate lid for my table cute idea. Just love your ideas.

    • Sarah
      > Jonita
      February 16, 2017

      Thanks Jonita, that’s actually the bottom of an old onion crate, but you could definitely make one and it would be a super easy DIY! Hmmmm….maybe a good post idea!

  • Ann
    February 15, 2017

    Hey Sarah…I love the vintage bucket of flowers. Those flowers are one of my favorite. Now I can brighten up my dining room table. Thanks. ???? I have a question about some bedding for my master bedroom. Would it be ok if I emailed ya…?

  • Terry Germain
    February 15, 2017

    I’m enjoying your blog. Thank you for sharing your ideas, its something I look forward to.

    • Sarah
      > Terry Germain
      February 16, 2017

      Aw well thank you for coming by Terry!

  • Elle
    February 15, 2017

    The bags are such a perfect idea! I will try that. For years, I have wadded up tin foil and stuffed it into buckets, tins, pitchers or wooden boxes, to raise the contents to show case them better, sometimes just to raise an object or two in the whole display. You can use it over and over again! I have also used scrap blocks of 2 x 4’s or 1 x4’s up on cabinet tops to raise things I’m displaying. Love your blog. Also, your idea about cutting off the stems- ingenious. I’m always trying to bend and stuff that huge stem into things, and lamenting the fact I can’t buy more to fill things out. Excellent idea. Thanks!

    • Sarah
      > Elle
      February 16, 2017

      That’s a great idea with the blocks Elle! I’ve used plastic tupperware containers to do the same thing in the past, but blocks would be a much better idea. So glad you dropped by and enjoyed the post!

  • Pam
    February 15, 2017

    What a great idea to paint “fresh” on the bucket…adorable!

    • Sarah
      > Pam
      February 16, 2017

      Thank you! xoxo

  • Vicki
    February 15, 2017

    Such a sweet idea! Forsythias are so pretty!

    • Sarah
      > Vicki
      February 16, 2017

      Aren’t they pretty Vicki?? I think they are my favorite right now! I found these at Michael’s.

  • sandy streich
    February 15, 2017

    Hi Sarah

    Love all your ideas! I have just the bucket.

    • Sarah
      > sandy streich
      February 16, 2017

      Oh awesome, I hope you give it a try Sandy!

  • Laurie
    February 15, 2017

    I’ve got bags in my centerpiece vessel right now! I thought I was the only one! I must say, it is a brilliant idea.

    • Sarah
      > Laurie
      February 16, 2017

      Ha, we are kindred spirits Laurie!

  • Mikaela
    February 15, 2017

    You are a genius! Never thought to do this! No more buying 5 of those expensive bundles of flowers! Another great post! Thanks Sarah! ????

    • Sarah
      > Mikaela
      February 16, 2017

      So glad you liked the post Mikaela! Thanks for dropping by!

  • Mary Byers
    February 15, 2017

    I really enjoy your blog!! I have used the “plastic bag trick” at Christmas when I put poinsettias in my crocks.

    • Sarah
      > Mary Byers
      February 16, 2017

      High five Mary, those bags make such an easy fix!

  • Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog
    February 16, 2017

    So adorable!!! I love how this turned out. I can’t WAIT for Spring!!

    • Sarah
      > Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog
      February 17, 2017

      thanks girl!!

  • Sharon Isaac
    February 23, 2017

    Just love this idea Sarah. I have a bucket like yours and some paint and stamps so I’m going to give it a go. Going to try the plastic bag idea too. It’s a great one. Enjoy reading your blog and love all your great ideas. Thanks for sharing and God bless xx

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  • Amber Ferguson
    March 25, 2019

    This is so adorable! I wanted to let you know I featured this post in a round up of ideas for “Simple Spring Decorating With Forsythia Branches.”
    https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/simple-spring-decorating-with-forsythia-branches/

    Thanks for inspiring!