Crafty Concrete

WORDS BY FAITH LEWIS

PHOTOS BY WITH GARDEN FLAIR

Make a modern statement with this age-old material.

Concrete has been relegated to sidewalks and pool decks for far too long. As a surprisingly versatile medium for indoor décor and DIY projects, it’s time to change the way you think about concrete. “I personally love decorating indoors with cement decor because of the clean, modern feel it has,” says Amanda Denton of Boxwood Finch. “Cement can be modern without being cold.”

Want to get the look in your home? Search out concrete accents like orbs or other geometric shapes to rest on a bookshelf. Then, balance the room with lots of colors or textures or play up the association of concrete and the outdoors by opting for a concrete pot for your houseplant.

“It has enough of a natural feel to it to really ground a space and it looks stunning with live plants in it to bring some nature in as well,” Amanda adds.

Concrete décor is trending right now, so you won’t have any trouble finding a new piece at local boutiques like Boxwood Finch.

Concrete alternatives such as fiberstone (a mixture of fiberglass and crushed stone made to look like concrete) are also available—check out With Garden Flair for some pieces—making it possible to achieve this style without the weight.

Concrete also offers the perfect opportunity to get crafty. It’s relatively low stakes and hard to mess up, so roll up your DIY sleeves, throw on your smock, and don’t be afraid to break the mold.

DIY DECORATIVE CONCRETE

• Plastic containers or other sturdy molds of varying sizes and at least one large and one small container to make your decorative dish. (Finally give that old, mismatched Tupperware some use!) Expert tip: Try to use molds that are narrower at the bottom and wider at the top. It will make it easier to remove the concrete once dried.

• Baking spray or other lubricant spray

•A five-gallon bucket (for mixing)

•Painter’s stir stick

•Water

• Fine concrete mix

• Course sandpaper

• Protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses

• Sand or small stones

STEP 1:

Thoroughly grease your molds (the inside of the larger mold and the outside of the smaller mold) to ensure you are able to remove them once the concrete has set.

STEP 2:

Mix the concrete according to the package instructions; your mixture shouldn’t be overly watery. Pour it into the larger mold.

STEP 3:

Place the smaller mold inside the wet concrete and weigh it down with sand or rocks. Be sure that the bottom and sides are approximately the same thickness.

STEP 4:

Tap the sides of the outer mold to remove any air bubbles and smooth the exposed edges. Let rest on a flat surface until dry.

STEP 5:

Remove the molds and use the sandpaper to smooth any burs or rough spots. Expert tip: If you plan to display your concrete creations indoors, it’s a good idea to add felt to the bottom to prevent scratching hardwood floors, tables, or bookshelves where you place the items.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of these concrete crafts, try experimenting with different textures by using lace or even leaves as stamps. Just remember, whatever you use should be sturdy enough that you don’t struggle to remove it once the concretehas set.