Introduction: 5 Gallon Flower Pot

Thus instructable and came about as a result of boredom & necessity. At the urging of a friend, I made it my 1st Instructable posted.
I have a growing aloe plant in need of a larger pot. Since I didn't have one already, I started looking for a decent size one at the usual home stores. Nothing really stood out and since I like to diy & upcycle/recle, I came up with something easy, portable, & free.
Thanks for looking it over

Step 1: Materials

1- 5 gal. bucket
I chose the 5 gallon because the handle lays higher on the bucket and gives a deeper planter after the cut-away.

1- drill w/bit
drill bit size determines the drainage holes size.

1- jigsaw
it's much easier than a hack saw or utility knife.

-measuring tape
-sandpaper
-paint(s)
-stencils (optional)
-painter's tape (masking or duct work also but painter's comes off easier)

Step 2: Measuring & Marking

First things first...
Find where your handle lays on the bucket, measure up about 1 1/2 in. above it and that should be as far down as your cut-out goes. Any higher begins to reduce the view of the plants and just looks like a cut up bucket. Any lower reduces you plant bed.

Simply measure from the bottom up to the point above your resting handle and put a mark there. Do that around the rest of the bucket for your level line. Then tape it off all the way around using the marks to ensure a straight line. Draw out the design on the bucket with a sharpie (after scuffing & painting, it'll never be seen).

From this point you can scallop your cut lines for decor (I didn't bother). the strips going up to the handles can be straight, angled, wavy, etc. I did a slight angle for extra support.

Step 3: Cutting & Sanding

This is where the jigsaw is your friend.
cut in from the top and just follow your lines. If in doubt, cut a little wide then you can go back with another pass with the jigsaw or sandpaper.

Some might go at a slower saw speed so they can move slower, trust me... the faster the trigger speed, the easier the cut.

You've done your cut-aways with the jigsaw & used the sandpaper to smooth the edges. Next, do a light sanding and scuff along the outside, up the arms, and inside the edges & arms. It's not hard at all, it doesn't have to be sanded clean. this allows the primer/paint to stick.

Step 4: Painting & Finishing

Whatever color(s) you decide to go with, I'd suggest primer first, it'll help the paint adhere better. Because I'm using a white bucket, I did a black primer coat first, then went over it with a dark green which gave me a nice mottled look I wanted. I let it dry & did a couple matte clear coats over it to help it last outside.

I didn't paint the bottom, who's going to see it?
Don't forget to drill your drain holes in the bottom, the larger the bit, the more the drainage.

Step 5: Finished Product

Now my Aloe has growing room and I added some vine to soften it up a little more.
Also, you can use brighter colors or stencils for leaves, ivy, etc. for a better looking pot. Since I have no stencils readily available, I opted for something basic to blend with the plants. The white handle will be done by wrapping electrical or colored/pattern vinyl tape around it.

The whole project cost $0.00 and took up a little boring time between laundry loads & housework (about 1 1/2 total).