Concrete decoration has been on everyone’s lips for several years. It looks modern and minimalist, and also has a neutral gray color that can be seamlessly integrated into almost any interior style. At the same time, concrete is incredibly strong and lasts a long time, even when exposed to external influences. But other decorative materials also have similar qualities, but are still not as popular as concrete. One of its most important properties is that it can be mixed very easily and quickly, even at home. Depending on the consistency, you can then make pretty concrete figures yourself and proudly display them both indoors and outdoors. Have we aroused your interest? Then just keep reading! Here you will find plenty of creative ideas to inspire your own projects, as well as practical tips to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Make creative, decorative and practical DIY figures out of concrete yourself
Make pretty candle holders easily at home
Make wonderful concrete figures yourself
We mentioned above that the consistency of the concrete mix is very important for the end results. The ingredients are also important. If you want to pour concrete into a silicone mold, the consistency should be similar to that of yogurt. On the other hand, if you want to model with the concrete and use it in a similar way to air-drying clay, then the consistency should be more like bread dough. Here we show you how to prepare both mixtures correctly.
Danger: Always wear appropriate protection when working with concrete and best mix outdoors. Old clothes or special protective clothing, work gloves, respirator and safety goggles are a must! Cement is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns and irritation to the eyes, respiratory tract and skin on contact. These craft projects are not good for kids!
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Such modern decoration fits into any garden design
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Mix and use concrete properly for pouring
Premixed concrete, available at most hardware stores, often contains pebbles and doesn’t lend itself well to pouring or modeling. Special cast concrete or handicraft concrete, on the other hand, is often very expensive. It is therefore much better to make your own mix at home. All you need is a sack of universal cement and a sack of fine quartz sand.
The mixing ratio for making concrete figures yourself is usually 2 parts sand to 1 part cement. Now put them in a bucket and mix them together thoroughly.
You can now add different colors to your dry mix if you wish. Cement paints usually come in powder form and are available at most home improvement or craft stores. However, sometimes they need to be added to the water instead of the dry mix, so read the product directions.
Now water is added, but only gradually and in small quantities. Stir well every so often until the perfect yoghurt consistency is achieved.
Cast concrete must be neither too liquid nor too pasty
This is what this project could end up looking like
Concrete paints save you painting later
Now take the desired casting molds and grease them properly with release spray or ordinary cooking oil. Pour in the concrete and shake vigorously so that it is evenly distributed and the air bubbles escape.
If you want to make a candle holder, a bowl or a flower pot, then stick the appropriate counter mold, which has also been greased, into the wet cement and weigh it down with a few pebbles. Cover the whole thing with cling film and leave to harden for 48 hours. For large projects, it may take more time.
Now all that remains is to remove the concrete from the mold. Silicone molds can be easily peeled off as they are very flexible. However, if you used a different shape, it may take a little more effort. Turn the mold over, place an old cloth under and over it, then lightly tap the underside with a hammer (a rubber mallet is best) until the concrete figure pops out.
If you wish, you can now also paint your finished figure with acrylic paints or even gild it with gold leaf. You can then use a top coat to protect your masterpieces from scratches, oxidation and other damage.
Use painter’s tape to mark the areas you want to gild
As soon as the put-on milk dries up, you can peel off the crepe
Mix concrete for modelling
Modeling clay, or modeling clay, is another product available at most hardware and craft stores. Again, the price is unnecessarily high, especially when you can mix it up so easily at home. After adding water, this type of concrete is very similar to air-drying clay or polymer clay. It holds its shape well and can be molded into a variety of shapes with your hands. However, protective gloves must also be worn when working with this concrete.
Here, too, the concrete is first mixed with a mixing ratio of 2 parts sand to 1 part cement. Now add a little wood glue to the dry mixture and only then the water. You only need very small amounts of water for the kneadable concrete, so add it carefully. Knead the concrete mass with your hands after each shot to check if more liquid is needed. As soon as the modeling clay has reached the right consistency, you can start tinkering with it.
You can make a lot of different figures out of concrete yourself. You can easily model, stamp and cut this concrete with your hands. If you have a very specific sculpture in mind, you can use a wire or styrofoam base. Styrofoam heads, for example, are available at most major craft stores. You can cover them completely with the kneaded concrete and create an extraordinary garden decoration.
Once you are happy with your figures, you should also let them harden for about two days. After that you can decorate and paint them further. Concrete figurines are very durable and sturdy when done well, so you can display your masterpieces both in the living room and in the garden. Smaller designs are suitable as paperweights, bookends and also as loving gift ideas.
Modeling clay is just as easy to work with as clay
Moss gives these sculptures the final touch
Kneaded concrete can be modeled in many different ways
Making concrete figures yourself is a wonderful activity for creative people. Cement and sand are very cheap and at the same time provide large amounts of material for crafting. Decorate your indoor and outdoor areas with wonderful DIY figures or make friends and relatives very happy.
Don’t you have a lot of experience working with kneaded concrete? Try simpler shapes!
Many things in the household can serve as a mold
Let your creativity take over your mind and body!
Perfect DIY decoration for children’s birthday parties and not only
Blown-out eggs, construction wire, and pourable concrete is all you need for these cute Easter bunnies
