How to upcycle this?

I always plant a variety of flowers in mine with geraniums as the centerpiece.

You could add a round wooden top and make it into a small table. You could set plants on top of the wood rather than plant inside this copper. I would hesitate to plant things in this because it's copper. I don't think putting plants in it and watering them would do any favors to the copper over time.

Use it as a planter or make it into a fountain. Here's a link with how to do it:

https://www.cedarbrooksauna.com/recirculating-backyard-fountain.html

Martha: it would make the perfect planter!!! ...or, you could get a top and use it as a beautiful table in your patio area.

I forgot to say that I definitely do not have a green thumb so plants are not an option. Would it work making it into an ottoman?

Punch a design into it, using a nail, then place several LED candles inside, and add a plexiglass top, for tour patio. Alternatively, you could punch a Holiday motif into it, for your front porch.

There are ideas for galvanized tubs but some would work for this treasure if you wan to peek. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2016/07/creative-ideas-for-galvanized-tubs.html

Add your street address number (paint or stick on) and a plant and put on front porch. Flip it over and add a round cushion and use as a foot stool.

paintit

Hello Martha,

Soak it in Pop overnight or use Metal cleaning polish to bring it up like new. Alternatively Wash it down with washing up liquid and water. Use it as a Planter inside or out. A Mini Water feature, or keep it as storage but add a top to make a table or a seat.

Enjoy the ride.

I would paint it and keep a rolled up hose in it. You could keep a variety of garden equipment inside (like nozzles, small hand shears, lawn sprinklers, etc.).

I would make a small water feature out of it - not much to do here is some info for you and it is a beauty piece!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcKWw4oIPqs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKyEHC6vmXA

you could also use it to store firewood or in the bottom put in cut up pool noodles then add rocks or mulch and add pots of flowers inside to give you a beautiful planter

Water fountain is my first thought. You can buy the ones that are solar and just float on the surface.

Thanks, everyone, for your help and suggestions. I’m using Cheryl A’s idea above and creating a back yard water fountain/bird bath. Can’t wait to post pictures of the completed project!

You could paint it and fill it with dirt for flowers.

Hi Martha, you can clean it up "If you have a large copper item and you want to clean it quickly, you can boil three cups of water, add a cup of vinegar and one tablespoon or more of salt," Next, you would stir until the salt is dissolved and then place the copper item in the water. "The tarnish will come right off.

Here are some uses,

Plant some flowers in it, make it burst with color

Turn it into a fountain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE40_vdcnD0

Use it to store garden tools, like your small spades, rakes, etc.

Use it for garden hose storage

Shine it up pretty and use it as a cooler (see picture)

Use it to make a coffee table (see Picture)

What a gorgeous pot! Have you tired cleaning it? https://www.marthastewart.com/270759/polishing-copper#:~:text=%22If%20you%20have%20a%20large,tarnish%20will%20come%20right%20off.%22 I bet it will be gorgeous!

Here's a roundup of tub ideas. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2016/07/creative-ideas-for-galvanized-tubs.html