Introduction: Little Cast Concrete Flower Pot
What inspired me?
Well, I love obscure, weird and impractical materials such as concrete while incorporating the material into a project where its features, properties and function isn't required. I love concrete as its such an industrial material and has a very smooth finish.
What will you need?
- Cement and sand
- or Concrete Mix
- Some acetate or thin bendy plastic
- A ruler
- A pen or pencil
- A box/utility/Stanley knife
- Hot glue and hot glue sticks
Step 1: Making the Mould
Step one - Making the mould
Using the scissors cut a piece of acetate that is about 10cm by 10. When this is done, in the centre, draw a square that is 12cm by 12cm.
When this is done, draw another square in the centre that us 4cm by 4cm. This will act as the base of your pot.
Take 3cm of each end. For example, the top right hand corner of the larger square, follow right and draw a mark 3 cm away. And then 3cm down. Mark this. Complete this for all four corners. You should have eight marks. When this is done, On the first mark, draw a line from this to the top left of the smaller square. And do the same all the way around. Look at the diagram if not sure.
When this is done, begin to cut the main structure out. Look at the diagram if you arnt sure what needs to be cut and what needs to be folded.
The red lines represent the lines that need to be folded, and the green lines represent the lines that need to be cut.
You also need another piece for the mould. This piece is a 2cm^3 cube. Look at the pictures and find the diagram. Make sure you follow it and remember to glue the tabs around the back.
Step 2: Mixing the Concrete
Step two - Mixing the concrete
Before you mix in the sand with the cement and water, it's best to mix the cement and the water. First, place the cement mix in the container. Add about 20ml of the water in small intervals, this will allow you to ensure you dont make any errors.
Its now time to add the sand. Never put in all of the water in one go. You will need to add about 100g then stir. Complete this step until the mix becomes like cookie dough. If you add too much or too little you will end up with a weak mix.
Step 3: Pouring the Concrete
Step three - Pouring the concrete
Place some of the concrete bit by bit until 1/4 of the mould is full. Tap gently just to release a few bubbles caught in the bottom. This also helps the concrete spread. Place more of the concrete mix into the mould until it is half full. Place the second mould inside and use coins or a mass to weigh the mould down. If there are still gaps, tap the mould on a desk. The concrete needs vibrating before setting as it ensures the mould if definitely covered.
Step 4: Waiting...
Step four - Waiting...
Now its the boring part. Why not have a look at a few of my other projects while yours waiting. Or maybe try one of my 5 minute projects.
When the concrete is set, (it takes 28 days to cure fully), its time to take of the mould, take of the middle mould first, just take off the tabs and pull out. Then take off the big mould.
Step 5: Finished!