Today I’m joining Cindy at Country Road 407 for her monthly Pinterest Challenge. Today’s challenge is to style a bucket or basket for Summer.
How to recycle decor is about updating a Wooden Ice Cream Churn that is a true trash to treasure adventure. I found this wooden ice cream churn on trash day, by the side of the road. Home with me it came and I decided to dress it up a little and add some flowers.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo before I decided to give the bucket a white wash of chalk paint. But, it was just a plain aged wooden bucket before. Once I added the white wash, I loved the new look so much, I couldn’t wait to fill the bucket with fresh flowers.
You can learn more about chalk paint on this previous post, How to Use Chalk Paint.

If you love creative floral arrangements check out this wildflower arrangement and arranging hydrangeas in a basket is super easy with these tips.
Pinterest Challenge
Each month Cindy at County Road 407, sponsors a Pinterest Challenge and it’s always so much fun to see each participants version of the inspiration photo. This month the challenge comes from Anderson and Grant and here is her repurposed picnic basket.
If you are joining me from my friend Julie at My Wee Abode, here’s a little introduction in case this is your first visit. I love to entertain although I don’t like to cook and my blog is filled with entertaining tips and tablescapes. I love DIY projects, thrifting, vintage, and farmhouse style decor, as well as trash to treasure transformations such as today’s project.
How to add Fresh Flowers to Recycled Decor
In order to add fresh flowers, I added a combination of containers to hold water inside the recycled churn. First, fill each container 3/4 full of water prior to adding plants.
Next, begin to add the greenery or herbs to the recycled ice cream churn, spacing evenly around the containers. I used fresh herbs because I have an abundance of sage and rosemary planted around my landscape. You can also read How to Dry Herbs and How to Make Botanical Art with pressed herbs on these previous posts.
Finally, add your fresh flowers by tucking them into the greenery. Be sure that each stem is placed in water.
These photo’s are from last summer when the Black Eyed Susan’s were showing up in a big way.
Adding Faux Flowers to Recycled Decor
I’d love to keep the recycled churn filled with fresh flowers and greenery, however it looks lovely with faux flowers as well.
To create a faux flower arrangement, gather a selection of faux flowers that work well with your decor. If the stems are longer than necessary, bend the wire stems to the length needed to fill your container. This allows you to use these same stems in a deeper container at a later date.
Once again, begin by adding the greenery stems and then fill in with the floral stems. I like to create a loose, natural arrangement.
The mix of various stems, gives the Ice Cream Churn a completely different feel than the Black Eyed Susan arrangement.
These lovely stems will last until the Black Eyed Susan’s are blooming again. I saw a couple of faces starting to pop out early.
I love a trash to treasure transformation and you can see one of my first blog posts where I shared How to Repurpose an old Silverware Box.
Check out more Recycled Decor on the Pinterest Challenge
Next up on the Pinterest Challenge, Lora at Lora B. Create and Ponder is sharing her Welcoming Guest Room Basket Ideas. Be sure to click on the photo’s below to follow along on the Challenge.
Christy @ Our Southern Home
Wednesday 2nd of June 2021
I am totally kicking myself for donating the old ice cream churn that we never used. Why in the world didn't I keep it for a plant bucket! This looks amazing. Your screened porch is fabulous!
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Wednesday 2nd of June 2021
Christy, We've all gotten rid of items that we later regret. Maybe you'll find one on the roadside. LOL
Kristin | White Arrows Home
Monday 31st of May 2021
Your bucket looks so pretty whitewashed and with any variety of flowers! It's so inspiring Rachel!
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Wednesday 2nd of June 2021
krisin, Thanks so much.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Friday 28th of May 2021
You did a great job with this Pinterest Challenge Rachel. So beautiful!
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Saturday 29th of May 2021
Kim, Thanks for stopping by.
Carol@Blueskyathome
Friday 28th of May 2021
How awesome to find that old ice cream churn, Rachel. I love the white-wash treatment you gave it. Fresh or faux flowers both look great in the churn, inside or outside. Great use of someone else’s discard.
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Saturday 29th of May 2021
Carol. I really appreciate your kinds words
Niky
Thursday 27th of May 2021
OMG, just last week while we were on a walk in our neighborhood, I saw an old wooden ice cream bucket out by the neighbor's trash. I thought about picking it up, but then thought, "But what would I ever do with it?" I blew it! Now I know and will forever regret not grabbing that bucket thanks to your lovely post. :-( Opportunity missed. LOL
Niky @ The House on Silverado
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Thursday 27th of May 2021
Niky, I can understand! But when in doubt, grab it. LOL