How to Mix Concrete for Crafts? 7 Ideas For How To Use It

Did you know that you can use concrete at home for crafts? We'll tell you how to mix concrete and how you can use it here.

Would you like to learn how to mix concrete so you can use it to make crafts at home? In every home improvement store, bazaar, and shop dedicated to selling design items, it’s possible to find objects made with concrete for handicrafts. For some time, these objects have been setting trends because they’re 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’re very easy to make. We’ll tell you how here!

Concrete for handicrafts: What you need to know

Concrete is nothing more than the cement used in construction, but in this case, it’s mixed with sand and water. This is how masonry concrete is formed.

For handicrafts, you will only use cement and water. Although there’s no exact proportion, the key is to mix them into a paste that allows you to place them in the containers you’re going to use for filling.

You can find different types of cement. There’s the classic gray one and a white one that is used to make handicrafts, because it’s easier to paint afterward. Both presentations offer a smooth finish and are soft to the touch.

As for the materials, they vary depending on the type of craft you want. In this case, we’re going to give you 7 ideas about some small and easy decorative objects that you can make at home. But once you have acquired the technique, you will be able to make bigger things!

The molds can be from disposable cups to some that you buy in DIY stores. In addition, you’ll need cooking oil to put in them so that it’s easy to take them out of the molds.

Tips for working with concrete in crafts

We believe that these 5 tips will help you to better handle this material and avoid some problems:

1. When you’ve placed the mixture in the molds, tap it gently to remove any air bubbles that may have been left.
2. When it’s time to clean the work area, don’t pour water with concrete down the drain. Instead, wait for it to dry and then scrape off any debris with a spatula. To do this, try to cover the area where you are working with plastic.
3. Wear a special mask that covers the nostrils and mouth. Cement dust is very harmful.
4. Try to make sure that the edges are even so that the drying process is also even over the entire surface.
5. In case you make elements that are going to be outdoors, cover them with a sealer to prolong their useful life.

How to mix concrete: Ideas for making objects using concrete

Let’s take a look at 7 ideas for using concrete as a craft. We think you’ll be surprised by some of them!

1. Pots of any kind

We’ll start with a classic because, besides being very easy, it lets your imagination run wild. This is the secret: the more interesting the mold, the more original the final result will be. You can use disposable cups, milk cartons, plastic bottles, and even fabric clippings to give a textured effect.

You will need the following:

• Cooking oil
• 2 molds of different sizes
• Cement, water, and a mixing bowl

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 larger container.

In the center of the larger container, place the smaller one with water and a stone inside to give it weight. For the water drainage hole of the plants, you can use a straw and introduce it when the cement is still fresh, or once dry you can drill a hole with a drill. When unmolding, place the soil and the plant in the center.

2. Decorative concrete mobiles

To make decorative mobiles, you will need the following:

• Molds of forms for chocolates or soaps (they’re usually made out of silicone or plastic)
• Cooking oil to grease the molds
• Paints to decorate the shapes
• Threads to hang them
• Cement and water

The procedure is the same as for the pots and don’t forget to give the mold a few blows to remove air bubbles. When the cement is cool, insert a stick to make the hole through which the cord or thread will pass.

Finally, you can paint them in the color of your choice. If you place a magnet on one side, you can use them to hold notes on the fridge.

3. A hot pot holder

We found this idea very practical and easy to make. This is a base to support hot pots and not damage tablecloths and other surfaces.

You have to get molds in the shape of thin cylinders to fill them with cement. Remember to make the holes to then pass a leather rope or sisal thread and join them together.

4. A paper holder

For this design, you can 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 fun desk accessory to hold photographs or important messages!

5. A ring holder

To make a very chic ring holder, all you need is a small conical mold. After the oil, place the mixture, tap it a few times and that’s it.

Once dry, you can decorate it and place your rings there. This is an excellent choice for a gift to a jewelry lover.

6. Decorative letters

To make cement letters you will have to buy the molds to fill. They’re ideal for events and parties where you can place the initials of the guests.

7. Vases

Cement vases or flower pots will give a very special touch to your rooms. You could use plastic bottles of different sizes as molds. Once unmolded, fill them with dried or fresh flowers, branches, or bamboo canes.

How to mix concrete for crafts at home

As we’ve already talked about in this article, there are countless options for objects that can be made with cement, and many of them have a great utility that goes beyond their decorative functions.

Moreover, you could even think of this as a possible job opportunity to make a little extra cash on the side.

Overall, we hope you can get down to work and create fun objects with your personal stamp!