Want to garden comfortably? This padded bucket seat serves double duty as tool storage and a seat for gardening. We used materials we had on hand, with the exception of the bucket and lid. A combination of hot glue and adhesive gives instant hold with longevity and strength.
SUPPLIES
5-gallon plastic bucket with lid
2 pieces of foam, each about 14 inches square
20-inch square of vinyl; we used an old tablecloth
Hot glue sticks
Industrial strength adhesive
Twine, rope or ribbon (optional)
TOOLS
Marker
Scissors
Popsicle stick
Glue gun
DIRECTIONS
1. Use marker to trace lid shape on foam. We used two layers of foam to fill in the lid indentation and make the seat more comfortable. Cut foam with scissors along trace lines.
2. Add adhesive and hot glue to top of the bucket lid. Center foam piece on lid and press down. Let dry for 30 seconds. Repeat with second piece of foam on top of the first piece.
3. Lay vinyl face down on a flat surface. Place lid foamside down in center of vinyl.
4. Add a line of adhesive then hot glue to a section of lid side as shown in Figure A. Fold vinyl up and press into glue. To prevent burns, use a popsicle stick to press vinyl onto hot glue and adhesive for about 30 seconds.
5. Repeat Step 4 on opposite side. Go around the entire lid, alterating until vinyl completely covers lid.
6. Use scissors to cut off excess vinyl close to lid edge.
7. If desired, trim edge of lid with twine, rope, or ribbon. Follow same method of alternating adhesive and hot glue around lid until desired look is achieved.
8. Place lid on bucket and get out in the garden!Christine Green is the managing editor of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal. Cathy Monrad is the graphic designer for Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2025 issue of Upstate Gardeners’ Journal.
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