6 minutes
Cement crafts are ideal for decorating your spaces with a low budget and a lot of style. Discover 7 innovative ideas.
In each decoration house, bazaars and other stores dedicated to selling design items we can find objects made with concrete for crafts. For some time they have been setting trends because they are decorative elements that adapt to any style and space.
If you want to venture into the world of crafts, objects made of concrete can be an excellent alternative. They are very easy to do.
Concrete for crafts: generalities
Concrete is nothing more than the cement used in construction, only in that case it is mixed with sand, in addition to water. This is how masonry concrete is formed.
For crafts we will only use cement and water. Although there is no exact proportion, the idea is that when you mix them, there is a paste that allows you to place it in the containers that you are going to use to fill.
You can find different types of cement. The classic gray color and a white one that is used for crafts, because it is easier to paint later. Both presentations offer a smooth and soft touch finish.
As for the materials, they vary depending on the type of craft you want. In this case, we will give you 7 ideas about decorative objects that you can make at home. But once you have acquired the technique, you will be able to do things of greater size.
The molds can be from disposable cups to some that you buy in DIY stores. Plus, you’ll need cooking oil to put in them so you don’t have a problem unmolding.
Tips for working with concrete in crafts
We believe that these 5 tips will help you better handle this material and avoid some problems:
- When you have poured the mixture into the moulds, tap it gently to get rid of any air bubbles that may have remained.
- When it’s time to clean up the work area, do not pour water with concrete down the drains. Better wait for it to dry and then scrape the remains with a spatula. To do this, try to cover the area where you work with plastic.
- Wear a special mask that covers your nostrils and mouth. Cement dust is very harmful.
- Try to make the edges even so that the drying is also even throughout the surface.
- In the event that you make elements that are going to be outdoors, cover them with a sealer to extend their life.
Ideas to make cement objects
Let’s see, then, 7 ideas to use the craft concrete. Some will surprise you.
1. Pots of any kind
We start with a classic because, in addition to being very easy, it lets your imagination run wild. This is the secret: the more curious the mold, the more original the final result will be. You can use disposable cups, milk cartons, plastic bottles and even fabric cutouts to give a textured effect.
You will need the following:
- Cooking oil.
- 2 molds of different sizes.
- Cement, water and a container to mix them.
First brush the molds with oil on the parts that will be in contact with the cement. Then mix the cement with the water and place it in the largest container.
In the center of this place the smallest with water and a stone inside to give it weight. For the water drainage hole for the plants, you can use a straw and insert it when the cement is still fresh, or once it is dry, make a hole with a drill. When unmolding, place soil and the plant in the center.
2. Decorative mobiles
To make decorative mobiles, which could well be garlands, you will need the following:
- Shape molds for chocolates or soaps. They are usually silicone or plastic.
- Kitchen oil for spreading the molds.
- Paints to decorate the forms.
- strings to hang them
- Cement and water.
The procedure is the same as for the pots and don’t forget to hit the mold a few times to remove air bubbles. When the cement is cool, insert a stick so that the hole is made where the cord or thread will pass later.
Finally, you can paint them the color you like. If you put a magnet on one of their sides, they will serve to hold notes on the fridge.
3. Hot pot holder
This idea seemed very practical and easy to do. It is a base to support hot containers and not damage tablecloths and other surfaces.
You have to get molds in the form of thin cylinders to be able to fill them with the cement. Remember to make the holes and then pass a leather rope or sisal thread and join them.
4. Paper clip
On this occasion you could opt for a thicker cylindrical mold, fill it with the mixture and place a wire with a clamp at the top inside the mold. You will be left with a desk accessory to hold photos or important messages.
5. Ring holder
To make a very chic you need a small conical mold. After the oil, place the mixture, give it a few taps and that’s it.
Once dry, you can decorate it and place your rings there. It is an excellent gift option for a jewelry lover.
6. Decorative letters
To make cement letters you will have to buy the molds to fill. They are ideal for events and parties where the initials of the guests can be placed.
7. Vases
Cement vases or vases will give a very special touch to your environments. You could use plastic bottles of different sizes as molds. Once unmoulded, fill them with dried or fresh flowers, branches or bamboo canes.
Concrete for crafts, homemade crafts
As we have already reviewed, there are many objects that can be made with cement and many of them have a great utility that goes beyond the decorative.
Furthermore, you could even think about a possible job opportunity like to make a difference of monthly money.
We hope you can get down to work and create fun objects with your personal stamp.
You might be interested…