Do you love camping and exploring the great outdoors? Have you ever wondered what to do with all the stickers you collect from campgrounds, RV trips, and other adventures? Here’s a fun and lasting project: a Vintage Cooler Sticker Bomb.
The idea is simple. Collect stickers from your travels and use them to decorate a metal cooler. Metal coolers work best because stickers stick well to them, and they last a long time. You can find metal coolers at garage sales or buy new ones online. For example, the Hard-Sided 80-Can Cooler from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia, available at Target, is a great option.
Steps to Create Your Vintage Cooler Sticker Bomb
- Collect Your Stickers: Gather stickers from campgrounds, RV trips, and other adventures. Start with a base layer of cheaper camping stickers if you like.
- Find a Metal Cooler: Look for a metal cooler at garage sales or buy one online. The Hard-Sided 80-Can Cooler from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia is a great choice.
- Apply Stickers: Begin sticking your stickers on the cooler. Overlap them for a layered look or place them precisely if you prefer.
- Protect Your Stickers: Once the lid is covered, mix and apply a two-part resin over the stickers. Use a brush to spread it evenly. Let it dry for 48 hours.
- Continue Decorating: Move on to the body of the cooler, adding stickers as you find them. Decide later if you want to protect it with resin or a clear coat.
In the end, you’ll have a unique cooler that’s perfect for camping trips and a great conversation piece. Every sticker tells a story, and your cooler becomes a collection of memories from all your adventures.
