Gift Idea: Decorative Concrete Ideas
These decorative concrete ideas are super easy to make and would be great gifts for family and friends.
02/12/2018
Super easy to make, this concrete flower pot by 5-minute crafts is ideal for the home, or as a gift when potted up with a small houseplant. The flower pot is made using cement and an old face cloth or dish cloth.
This decorative concrete bowl uses leaves to add texture to the outside of the bowl. You can also use this method to craft bowls and plant pots.
Decorative Concrete Flower Pot
YOU WILL NEED:
Grey or white cement
Glass or steel mixing bowl
Old face cloth or dish cloth
Water to mix
Paper, polystyrene or plastic cup
Spoon for mixing
Gloves
HERE'S HOW:
1. Mix cement and water to a sloppy consistency. Not too runny - about the consistency of thick cream.
2. Take the face cloth and place in the cement mixture, pushing deeply into the mixture.
3. Use your hands to make sure the cloth is completely covered with cement mixture. Once it's completely covered you can take out.
4. Arrange the cloth over your paper, polystyrene or plastic cup and leave to dry for a couple of days.
5. Gently twist the cup to remove from the cloth form.
Finishing
You can leave the concrete flower pot as is, as shown in this project, or paint the outside in your choice of colour. It's also a good idea to drill a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage when adding a houseplant.
Choose a houseplant that only requires minimal watering to extend the life of the concrete flower pot.
Decorative Concrete Bowl
YOU WILL NEED:
Grey or white cement
Large leaves
Bowl, large or to size of finished bowl required
Bowl to fit in centre
Bucket for mixing
Water to mix
Spoon for mixing
Gloves
HERE'S HOW:
1. Arrange the leaves around the inside of the bowl used to create the shape. You can use any large leaves, but leaves with large veins and strong pattern will give a far better effect.
2. Mix the cement to a thick paste and pour this inside the bowl - over the top of the leaves.
GOOD TO KNOW: Only fill to about two-thirds to allow for the smaller bowl to be placed at the top.
3. Push the smaller bowl into the cement mixture, pressing down until the top of the bowl is level with the mix.
4. Weigh down the bowl with a few heavy pebbles or stones and leave to cure for 5 to 7 days.
5. After 5 to 7 days, check that the cement has fully cured. It should be light grey in colour. Turn upside down to remove the small bowl and the form bowl.
6. Gently peel off the leaves from the outside of the concrete.
Finishing
Remove all the bits of leaf and your bowl is now ready for use. You can leave as is, apply concrete stain, or apply a polyurethane sealer to protect and enhance the finish.
