When many people think of concrete, they first think of grey, dreary blocks. On this page we will convince you that the material can even enrich your garden. The advantage of our ideas for creative decoration is that you can easily build the works of art yourself. Curious? Then choose your favorite motif and mix the concrete.
How can I make concrete garden decorations myself?
Making garden decorations out of concrete yourself is easy: prepare the workplace, choose shapes, mix concrete, fill it into shapes, let it dry, remove it from the shape, finely sand it and paint or decorate it. Popular ideas include planters, concrete hands, rubber boots or leaf prints.
Instructions: How to make garden decorations out of concrete
Material
Concrete is easy to shape and process, but it also risks breaking quickly if you don't exercise patience long enough. To ensure that your sculptures are ultimately robust and dimensionally stable, the concrete must be thoroughly dry. Even coarse stones can later cause cracks. In addition, different types of concrete are recommended for different purposes:
- Poured concrete from the craft store (alternatively sifted dry concrete) for small works
- Dry concrete from the hardware store for large sculptures
It is also advisable that you wear protective gloves while working. Concrete has a slightly corrosive effect. Eyes should also be protected, especially if children help.
Design
There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to homemade garden decorations, not just when it comes to design. You also have the choice of whether you let your figure appear natural or paint it. Weather-resistant acrylic paint (€10.00 on Amazon) is suitable for the latter. But even when natural, concrete decorations create an attractive charm. By mixing some earth into the concrete you can increase this impression.
Demands on the workplace
- Protection from direct sunlight
- Protection from precipitation
- no high-value items that shouldn't get dirty nearby
- sufficient space
- best to lay out with tarpaulins
Step-by-step instructions
- Preparing the workplace
- Prepare molds
- Mix concrete (only small quantities)
- Fill concrete into the forms
- Let the concrete dry and harden (check regularly)
- Removing the concrete from the mold
- fine touches
- Decorating and painting
Ideas and Inspirations
Planters
Plant pots in different sizes are very easy to make and are therefore ideal for familiarizing yourself with the subject.
- Fill a bucket with concrete.
- Push a smaller bucket into the mixture.
- Let the molds dry.
Hands
By filling a rubber glove with concrete, you create a hand that you can later use as a bird feeder or place cut flowers and lanterns in it.
Rubber boots
Make rubber boots in the same way. These are also ideal as an alternative flower pot.
leaves
Use large leaves with prominent veins as a template. The prints are suitable as table decorations or can be placed in large numbers in beds or on the lawn.
Balls
Even simple concrete balls look great in the garden. Place these in different sizes between your perennials. It looks even more beautiful if you decorate the balls with mosaic stones or shells.
