Looking for a fun and affordable way to add spooky charm to your Halloween decor? In this Trash to Treasure DIY tutorial, I’ll show you how to transform a mini trash can—found at Goodwill—into an adorable ghost decoration!

Using simple tools, paints, and supplies from my shop, you’ll be able to create a unique, upcycled Fall piece that’s perfect for any home.

This project is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to repurpose thrifted items into festive decor. Let’s dive into this creative DIY ghost tutorial that will have your home ready for Halloween in no time!

In this blog, I am sharing a Trash To Treasure for How To Create DIY Ghost Decorations!

Below is a list of the items you will need to recreate this project:

White Mini Trash Can
Old Bucket Handle
STAALMEESTER Pointed Sash Brush*
Cordless Drill
Jigsaw
Plastic Jigsaw Cutter
Sand Paper
Fusion Mineral Paint – Raw Silk*
Dixie Belle Sea Spray*
STAALMEESTER Artist One Brush*
Fusion Mineral Paint – Cast Iron*
Dixie Belle Van Dyke Brown Glaze*
(2) Eyelet Hooks

*Product can be purchased directly through my website [www.juliesdesignsandsigns.com]

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I was immediately drawn to the scalloped edges of this trash can and knew it had potential for a unique upcycle project! The shape gave me the inspiration to transform it into something fun and decorative for fall. Here’s how I turned this simple trash can into a charming ghost bucket.

To begin, I needed to remove the bottom of the trash can. I started by drilling a small hole in the center using my cordless drill. This hole gave me the opening I needed to easily insert the blade of my jigsaw.

DIY Ghost Decorations Using A Mini Trash Can

With a plastic blade attached, I carefully cut out the entire bottom of the can.

Surprisingly, this process was simple and quick! After the cutting was done, I smoothed out the rough edges using sandpaper to ensure a clean, finished look.

Next, it was time to give the trash can a fresh new look with paint! I chose Fusion Mineral Paint in the shade “Raw Silk” and mixed it with Dixie Belle Sea Spray, a texture additive, to create a beautifully textured finish.

I typically mix 1 part paint with 1 part Sea Spray. However, if you want it more textured – add more of the Sea Spray!

Using a STAALMEESTER Pointed Sash Brush, I applied one even coat of this paint mixture to the entire exterior of the trash can. The texture really helped enhance the ghostly appearance I was going for.

Once the paint dried, it was time to bring my ghost to life! I used black paint and a STAALMEESTER Artist One Brush to carefully paint the eyes onto the ghost. If you’re not comfortable with a brush, a paint pen or sharpie would work just as well for this step.

To give the ghost a more aged, distressed look, I applied Dixie Belle Van Dyke Brown Glaze into the ridges of the scalloped edges.

I lightly brushed the glaze back and forth over the ridges to darken them, which combined with the textured paint, created a perfectly weathered effect.

Once it dries, this is how you can expect it to look!

For the finishing touch, I wanted to turn my ghost into a functional bucket. I had an old, rustic handle on hand that was perfect for this project.

To attach it, I drilled small holes on either side of the trash can and used two metal eyelets to secure the handle in place.

I am obsessed with how this project turned out!

My ghost bucket adds such a fun, seasonal touch to my home. I styled it in my entryway with some fall florals, but it could also be used as a candy bucket or part of a festive Halloween display.

This blog is all about How To DIY Ghost Decorations Using A Mini Trash Can!

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