french flower buckets.

Published on by Quandie

I have a definite fondness for French flower buckets.

I was planning to fill this post with some interesting history about them, but these days it seems like all the internet wants to do is tell us where to buy stuff.  Have any of you noticed that?  You google something hoping to get some background info on it, and all you get are links to purchase one.

I eventually found this definition:  the phrase “French flower buckets” likely refers to the galvanized metal buckets used to transport and store flowers, which are a common sight in the European floral industry, and are sometimes associated with French floral markets.

Well, OK then.  Not terribly enlightening.  True, they are usually galvanized metal.  But they are also tall and are often tapered from top to bottom.  They also typically have handles at the top, but not always.

They also are usually round.  But I think you can still count this next one as a French flower bucket even though it is oval instead.

Although they are often just galvanized metal, sometimes they are enameled.  I have a lovely vintage yellow enameled one.

While I would never paint one of the vintage enameled buckets, I have painted quite a few of the galvanized ones over the years, usually in white.

Although I have tried other colors as well, like the Dixie Belle Dried Sage on this next one.

That brings me to the pair of French flower buckets that I thrifted recently.

The first bucket has a black rim, and I always love the contrast of the black with a warm white so I went with my standby Dixie Belle Drop Cloth on that one.

To prep it for paint I simply washed it well with some Dawn dish soap and hot water.  Then I applied two coats of the Drop Cloth.  Once dry, I sanded to distress it and after wiping away any dust, I applied one of the I.O.D. Traditional Pots transfers.

For the 2nd bucket I decided I wanted to step outside of my warm white comfort zone, so after the same prep I gave it two coats of Dixie Belle’s Apricot.

After the paint dried and I had distressed it a bit, I added one of the roses from the I.O.D. Rose Botanical transfer.

So pretty!  Perfect for spring.

By the way, I added a coat of Dixie Belle’s flat clear coat over both of these buckets for durability.

I don’t think I can pick a favorite, how about you?

16 thoughts on “french flower buckets.”

  1. beautiful! I would love to have one or ten of these gorgeous buckets. Every one you paint is creative and just lovely. I’ve never seen authentic vintage buckets in my local flea markets/antique malls. Your yellow enamel is fabulous, hold on to that one!

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    1. Actually, I’m probably going to sell the yellow one at my next occasional sale. I just don’t have much yellow in my decor … and I can’t keep everything 😉

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  5. I always loves roses on pretty much anything, so I would have to go with that one! Pink, green, roses, florals – always a favorite!

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  7. I’ll now be looking for these adorable floral buckets! Our first big event in Iowa is just around the corner, on May 2 – What Cheer Flea Market – with over 400 vendors on 20 acres! Hoping to find some tackle/tool boxes, a ceramic lawn chicken, chenille quilts, Pyres/Catherine Holmes, watering cans, chairs for flower area decor & whatever else looks fun. You should consider coming down, it’s about 5 hours from you {one way}!

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    1. That sounds amazing, but the first weekend in May marks the beginning of neighborhood garage sale season here in the Twin Cities. There are at least half a dozen neighborhoods to choose from that weekend, so I’m hoping to make it to at least 2 or 3 of them!

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      1. I noticed that with Bryn Mahr being a hot spot!!! My bff from college lives in the Cities & these 2 things always conflict, darn it!

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