printable version here


  materials: 
    -60 lb cement mix (Quikrete or      Sand Mix)
    -various sized plastic
     pots/bowls for your form/mold
    -non-stick cooking spray
    -large bucket to mix cement in
    -rubber gloves
    -trowel to handmix or a paddle
     stirrer for your drill
    -sanding blocks/files/rasps
    -concrete colorants - stains,
     paints, inks (experiment!)
    -concrete sealer (clear) if
     leaving natural; primer if
     painting
    -non-yellowing polyurethane or      acrylic varnish
    -your imagination
 



 

                       
tip:  start with smaller ones to get the feel of the process
and then move on to larger sized containers, if desired
 You’ll need a large and slightly smaller sized container for each planter.
Spray the inside of the larger one, and the outside of the
smaller one with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix your cement mix with enough water to create the consistency of cookie dough batter.
Start forming the base of your planter by pressing the mix into the bottom of your larger container.
Place smaller bowl on top and start filling in around it with more cement mix. Press and compact to avoid pockets.
Once filled, remove smaller bowl and smooth out the center walls (damp sponge helps smooth), filling in where needed.

 

   


No need to put smaller bowl back in form, this is just to help you mold the shape of your container. Let set up overnight and then turn upside down and release from form. Use a sanding block or files to smooth any rough edges.  Finish off with desired patina. Don’t be afraid to experiment with inks and other mediums, too! To stain, follow instructions on concrete stain products. To paint, first prime inside and outside of your planter to seal.  Paint with artist acrylics, or latex house paints.  Finish with polyurethane or acrylic varnish. To leave natural, simply seal inside and outside of your planter with concrete sealer. I’ve also used polyurethane as my sealer, it will just wear differently. Use as planters, small fountains, or decorative indoor/outdoor containers.

one $4.00 bag of cement mix can reap 6 or 7
one-of-a-kind garden planters/containers!
incredible value!  take this idea and make
it your own, my friends!