We’re excited to welcome Linda from Q is for Quandie to the blog today! Known for her timeless style and creative flair, Linda is sharing a charming project that’s perfect for spring and beyond—painting French flower buckets with Dixie Belle Paint. Whether you’re decorating your porch, garden, or tabletop, this quick and easy makeover adds the perfect touch of vintage-inspired charm to any space. 

Supplies Needed

(The following is an excerpt from Q is for Quandie.  Read the full article here.) 

I have a definite fondness for French flower buckets. 

A white painted flower bucket with French print on it holding a variety of flowers sitting on a front porch next to a white painted wicker chair

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. 

A white painted flower bucket with French printed on it holding purple flowers sitting on a wooden table with 3 books setting on the table to the left of the bucket; in front of a window. A white painted flower bucket with French printed on it holding pine branches and pinecones sitting on a wooden table with 2 books setting on the table to the left of the bucket; in front of a window.

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. 

A white painted flower bucket with French printed on it holding purple flowers sitting on a wooden table with 4 books setting on the table to the left of the bucket; in front of a window.

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

A white painted flower bucket with French printed on it holding paint brushes sitting on a wooden table with 2 books, a fan and a ruler setting on the table to the left of the bucket; in front of a window.

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

2 galvanized steel buckets sitting on a wooden table in front of a window

Bucket #1

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.  Dixie Belle’s White Lightning works well for this also.  Then I applied two coats of the Drop Cloth Chalk Mineral Paint.  Once dry, I sanded to distress it. 

A white painted flower bucket with French printed on it holding purple flowers sitting on a wooden table in front of a window. Closeup of white painted flower bucket with French writing on it

Bucket #2

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 Chalk Mineral Paint. 

Apricot painted flower bucket with pink rose transfer applied to it sitting on a wooden table

So pretty!  Perfect for spring. 

White painted and apricot painted flower buckets holding flowers and greenery sitting on a wooden table in front of a window.

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

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

We’re smitten with how Linda turned these simple buckets into elegant French-inspired decor. With just a little paint and creativity, even the most basic pieces can bloom with personality. Be sure to follow Q is for Quandie for more gorgeous DIY inspiration—and don’t forget to tag us when you try this project using Dixie Belle Paint! For another Spring project by Q is for Quandie, check out our blog Rusty Pot Refresh.

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Guest Author, Home Decor, How To, Seasonal Projects

About the Author

Q is for Quandie

Linda is the creator of Q is for Quandie. She loves finding a beat up old piece of furniture and transforming it into something fabulous. There is just something supremely satisfying about taking a banged up, vintage item and turning it into something that someone out there is going to totally love.

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