Candy-Wrapper Buckets

Martha Stewart Living, October 1997

Tin paint buckets become something else entirely when they're decoupaged with Halloween-candy wrappers, especially some of the older, prettier ones -- like Mary Janes, which have a vintage charm. Colorfully patterned, these buckets can be used to hold anything from crayons to loose change, or use them on Halloween night to pass out treats. Simply apply matte medium (a kind of glue) to the bucket with an inexpensive paintbrush, smooth on wrappers, and then coat the outside with more matte medium. You can buy bags of candy before Halloween just for the wrappers. Or, if you prefer, you and your children can use the wrappers from the candy they collect to make buckets for next Halloween.

Reviews (6)

  • marylsmith
    2 Nov, 2009

    You can find the buckets - or some like them at any Ace Hardware Store. This is a precious idea.

  • ESTMom2Kids
    31 Oct, 2009

    I keep meaning to make one of these. I want to use Bazooka Bubble Gum wrappers. I want to use the majority of the logo side with random cartoons.

  • joannes
    31 Oct, 2009

    anyone know where you can get the buckets?

  • bytheseaglass
    31 Oct, 2009

    Wow- these would make great storage buckets in a child's room.

  • beaglesrule
    3 Sep, 2008

    I loved these when they first appeared years ago and I finally made one while I was off on Labor Day. I had the Mary Jane wrappers from TWO Halloweens ago (and yet they were still sticky!). The finished product is adorable.

  • semivirtual
    22 Nov, 2007

    These are fantastic and fun to leave out year-round