As the chill of winter fades and the vibrant colors of spring begin to peek through, many of us feel inspired to refresh our spaces and welcome a sense of warmth back into our homes. Spring crafting is the perfect way to embrace this seasonal renewal, and today, IOD Artisan Michelle Phippard has just the project to help you get started. She thrifts two galvanized sap buckets and upcycles them into lovely decor with layered illustrations from the Saint Ouen Transfer. This tutorial is not only a delightful way to welcome spring but also a fabulous crafting experience that combines creativity and upcycling.

Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist and follow along—this one is full of techniques you’ll reach for again and again. If you’re not sure where to find a stockist near you, use our store locator. 💕

• Saint Ouen Transfer
• Fronds Botanical Transfer 

• Galvanized SAP Buckets 
• Rubbing Alcohol 
• Clay Chalk Type Paint* 
• Water-Based Top Coat Sealer 

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

STEP ONE: PREPARING THE BUCKET 

Start by giving your metal bucket a really good clean. This is the step that makes your paint job go on smoothly and stick. Wipe it down thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove any oils or residue, then let it dry completely. 

STEP TWO: PAINT THE BUCKET 

Michelle uses a clay/chalk-style paint for the base and got great coverage with one coat, but if your paint is a little more sheer, you may want to add a second. Once the paint is fully dry, apply a topcoat to seal everything in and prep the surface for the next steps.

STEP THREE: PLAN YOUR COMPOSITION 

Next, start planning your layout with a favorite IOD Transfer from the 2026 Spring Collection. Michelle is using Saint Ouen, and the moment she saw it, she pictured a floral headdress, so that idea guided the whole design.

Quick tip: Lightly trace around the pieces you plan to use before cutting so you don’t waste the sheet, and feel free to blend patterns for a more custom look. If you’re working with a real sap bucket, those old attachment holes are actually perfect little guides—use them to help you find center and keep your placement nicely balanced.

STEP FOUR: APPLY YOUR TRANSFERS 

Start with one transfer piece at a time. Peel away the backing, place it on the bucket, and use your transfer tool to burnish it, working from the center outward to help prevent air bubbles. Then use the carrier sheet to gently rub over the design and press the edges down well, making sure every bit is fully adhered.

STEP FIVE: LAYERING TRANSFERS 

Now layer florals over your first design for a more dimensional look. Hold the pieces up to the bucket to check placement, trim as needed, and save any extra bits for another project. Add more greenery for balance, much like arranging a bouquet. Michelle used elements from the Fronds Botanical Transfer, cutting and placing them just so to fill out the composition. 

STEP SIX: APPLY A WATER-BASED SEALER 

To protect your work, finish with a water-based topcoat. Once it dries, you’ll see how beautifully the transfer settles in, almost like it was always meant to live on that bucket.

And voila, a humble sap bucket upcycled into the sweetest spring small decor. Our favorite thing about this project for springtime is that it brings a little of the outdoors in and makes a space feel instantly brighter. Take some inspiration from Michelle and let spring nudge you into making—play with the layers, trust your instincts, and see where it takes you. 🥰

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!