Make a cute bucket for free.

      Do you need a cute bucket but don't want to spend money on something you'll only use once or twice for something? Did you maybe forget to buy a Halloween pail for trick or treating and need something better than a plastic bag or maybe you just wanted something different to toss some small gifts in?

     All you'll need for this cute little milk bucket is a milk jug, a hole punch, a handle from an ice cream bucket (or string or maybe a hand crafted metal handle. Just use whatever you have on hand.) Stickers or markers are optional if you want to decorate your bucket.

     Cut the bottom off of the milk jug along the straight, cutting off the curved bottom. You want the top to be straight so you can even use the hole punch to create the holes for the handles. The hole punch is important because the plastic will tear with stress if you just cut an x or straight lines to push the handle through. The circle hole gives added strength to help the bucket last longer.

     I took the handle from an ice cream bucket, one of those plastic ones that would make a great bucket if not for the fact that any unbalanced weight inside leads it to tipping one way or another. You can use whatever type of handle you want for this project but I found that the plastic ice cream bucket handle works perfect, plus you can still use the ice cream bucket for storing craft supplies in like I do. You may need to widen the hole, use a pen, pencil or something round to gently widen the hole just enough to click the ends in nice and tight.

     Once you have the milk jug cut, the hole punched and the handle in, your bucket is done, except for any decorating you wish to do. Since mine had an indented circle in the plastic, I drew an eye and went from there to create a strange but cute little character.

Disclaimer; this bucket is a year old so you can see how well it lasted hanging up with things in it. I have noticed that some gallons of milk have changed shape, space saving versions I don't like at all. The new versions are flimsier when filled with milk, they bend when I pick them up but I don't think this will alter the bucket in any way except shape and making it slightly softer.

    Added note; you can use a pop bottle or any other plastic jug or container you can cut and poke holes through to add handles and if it's around the house then it's free....FREE!!! Who doesn't like free?