Hemstitched Bucket from Old Christmas Cards $0

 

 

 

I glued Christmas cards back-to-back and then created a template that would make a 6-sided bucket. I tapered the ends a little so it would open like a popcorn bucket. To make the bottom piece I just measured the base of the tall piece and created a hexagon with that same length on each side. Once you have six wall pieces and a base hexagon punch holes all along the perimeter. I have a little hand punch that I used that makes a hole 1/8" wide.

After all the holes are punched you hemstitch them. Hemstitching is like mini-crochet. I learned at a class at church, but I'm sure you can google it. Just pretend the Christmas cards are flannel and that you are edging a little burp cloth. All I did was two single crochets in each hole with an extra chain to help me reach the next hole. Super easy. And I know there are great tutorials online for single crochet. You just use hemstitching yarn (it's skinnier than regular yarn) and the tiniest crochet hook (a #1 hook).

Once you have crocheted every piece whipstitch the pieces together with the same yarn. I only attached the base on one side so that the bucket could fold flat for storage.

I just like making things with junk while I watch TV. I put our napkins in this bucket on the kitchen table for the month of December. Once I put shiny bulbs in it. Pinecones would be neat. Or candy.