I have a serious thing for concrete planters. Their smooth texture with rough edges feels extra modern, yet accessible, and I just can't seem to get enough. Although their price tags aren't totally overwhelming in the land of retail, they seem astronomical in comparison to making them yourself. Check out this simple method that uses empty packaging to create your own.
Megan (from the aptly named Rad Megan blog) has been busy making containers for her favorite plants. It's a simple idea that takes a basic cement mix and turns it into something special with the leftover trash from your kitchen.
After mixing per the package's directions (with perlite and water), Megan filled individual packaging containers, and then inserted a second to create a void. After letting the containers sit overnight, she then carefully removed the inner container and smoothed out any marks or scuffs while adding drain holes, thanks to a handy screw driver. It's an easy tutorial that will have you making planters for you and your friends in massive quantities this summer!
• Read More: Molded Concrete Planters from Rad Megan In Words and Pictures
(Image: Rad Megan in Words and Pictures)
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That is such a great idea. Especially because it is IMPOSSIBLE to find concrete or other attractive planters with a drainage hole, you at least have the choice of adding one yourself.
Very cool. Looks like a minimum amount of effort. I'm curious, how much do the pre-made kind usually cost?
Anyone have thoughts on what to use for a mold for larger planters? I'd love to make a hypertufa bowl about three feet in diameter, but I'm stumped as to how to shape it.
Love this idea.
Didn't AT just post this article like two weeks ago?
Still love the idea tho.
I saw this over at Lifehacker,posted some extra tips over there and thought they may be useful here:
As someone who makes concrete stuff I thought I might be able to add a couple quick tips:
-Whatever you can do while the concrete is still in "liquid" form will be much easier. Molding a weep hole in, with a dowel or with a straw filled with sand (when cured, letting the sand out would make the straw easy to remove) will be more pleasant than trying to drill with a screwdriver.
-Also, a coating of cooking spray like PAM will make mold removal easier.
-Don't overdo it on the water, less water=stronger concrete.
-If you have a palm sander, holding it up to the sides of your molds after the concrete is in will vibrate the air bubbles up and out, if you want a smoother look to the sides. It will also settle the tops down pretty flat.
-You can replace some water with latex paint for coloring. (less is more)
-If it is especially hot and dry out, you may want to cover the tops with plastic while they cure to avoid cracking.
-Not a huge deal, but remember that silica and portland cement (elements of concrete) are not fantastic for you to breathe or have all over you, so gloves and good ventilation/dust mask while mixing are a good idea, especially for kids or people with sensitive skin.