Customized Ash Bucket for the Fireplace

Do you burn wood in your fireplace? If you do, it is important to have an ash bucket to clean out your ashes. Hot coals and embers can linger for many days in the fireplace. You may not know they are in there, but they are. They will continue to smolder until they are put out. All they need is a little fuel and air they can ignite and create a fire once again.

We found this out the hard way one night. About six hours after the fire had gone out, we gathered the ashes and dumped out by our fence. We heard a loud knocking at our door at about 1:00 am in the morning. After we got over being terrified someone was trying to break in our house, a new terror came over us as we rushed outside to see our fence on fire. We got the water hose and dowsed the flames and the fence.

We have now learned to place the ashes in a bucket. Then we place the bucket outside for a day or dowse with water before we dump them out. Part of our fence had to be replaced. This happened a few years ago, so I don’t have any pictures. Lesson learned the hard way.

We purchased an ash bucket, but it was just too plain for me. I decided to kick it up a notch and place some vinyl on the front to decorate it. I would use caution placing hot ashes in this bucket. I don’t think the vinyl would do well if too hot. After placing the ashes it, dowse the bucket with water to keep the vinyl from melting. This ash bucket is perfect for cleaning the fireplace after the ashes are cooled.

Customized Ash Bucket

 

Materials Needed for Customized Ash Bucket

Cricut Explore Air™ (affiliate link)
1 piece vinyl any color (affiliate link)
Transfer Tape (affiliate link)
Ash Bucket (affiliate link)
Green Cricut cutting mat (affiliate link)
Cricut Mustache Cut File

How to make a Personalized Ash Bucket

1. Gather the materials you will need for this craft. I think this takes the longest time for this project.

2. For this project I used Cricut Design Space™. I purchased the year subscription to have access to their vast library of designs. Search up mustache to find the one you want for your project. Then use the fonts provided for the words. Just use my Mustache Cut File.

3. After it is designed. Load the vinyl of your choice on the mat into the machine. Hit go to cut the project.

4. After it is cut, you must weed (pull the non used part of the vinyl off.) Careful to make sure the images cut stay put.

5. Next apply the transfer tape to the project. Press firmly to make sure it sticks well. Then peel off the back of the vinyl. You should have the vinyl on the transfer tape. Clean the surface of the bucket with some homemade counter cleaner. Allow to dry completely before applying vinyl.

6. Apply to the project. I did my best to find the middle of the bucket and applied the vinyl with the transfer tape. Press on the images and words so they will stick to the bucket well.

7. Peel back the transfer tape. I have found it is best to peel directly back on itself. The vinyl will stick better. Once the transfer tape is off. Rub your fingers over the entire project to make ensure it is adhered well.

I am in love with this customized ash bucket. It turned out so cute. We have this sitting right by our fireplace. This bucket would make a cute house warming gift or Christmas gift idea. It only takes a few minutes to make. You can even place a monogram on it.

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