I’m obsessed with using cement in crafts, and these DIY concrete projects are the perfect way to fulfill my need! I love how modern these ideas are.
My husband doesn’t read blogs, nor does he use social media, or Pinterest. So I had to laugh when he first told me he wanted to try a concrete DIY project as if he had invented that idea. But hey, for him, it was new!
The day he brought it up, he mentioned doing some projects using plaster of paris when he was young. And he wanted to do something along those same lines (but a little updated).
I showed him a bunch of concrete crafts to inspire him, and we decided to pick a few concrete DIYs to try (you can see one of those – the bottle candle holders – below).
Since that time, a lot has changed. Steve loves crafting anything with cement, and I feel that it’s his go-to supply for making outdoor decor . . . even when it doesn’t really make sense :0
But hey, he loves it!
Tips for Working with Cement
I don’t know about you, but I was a little intimidated by working with concrete when I started. I mean, concrete is used for driveways and sidewalks. I’ve seen how they lay driveways and sidewalks, and they are smooth. I just didn’t trust myself to get any sort of decent results.
Despite my fears, I still jumped in. I started doing crafts with cement and now I’m a fan just like Steve. I’d love to share my tips with you – five things I’ve learned since I started my journey. I hope these help you too:
Use Quikrete 5000! It’s perfect for most projects you could imagine doing. It seems to dry stronger and cure faster than other mixes. The color is also lovely.
Don’t rinse any concrete down your home drains. Let it dry and crack it off or throw away (use plastic containers).
Wear a dust mask. You really don’t want to get that stuff in your lungs.
Let your container cure on a level surface. Even if it looks level, check it to be sure. Your concrete will not dry straight if the surface isn’t level.
Finish with multi-surface paint or clear sealer – especially if it’s going outside.
Now that you’re armed with my tips, are you ready to jump into these concrete home decor ideas? Check them out below!
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artsyprettyplants.com
DIY Magnetic Cement Planters
These mini magnetic planters are adorable! Plastic bouncy balls were used for the mold and they would look cute on a refrigerator, or on your file cabinet at work.
Standard cement votives are made a little more home décor pretty using lace. These are perfect for summer nights spent outdoors (the best way to spend summer evenings!).
Using a similar process as the concrete stool earlier in this post, you can make a concrete side table that can also work as a plant stand. I love the hairpin legs.
Can you believe Tasha redid her fireplace in concrete and it was less than $100? This budget-friendly DIY concrete fireplace update is simple and beautiful. You will love the before and after!
Can you believe these were made using pantyhose? So creative! You won’t believe how quick and easy these DIY concrete pumpkins are to make; they’re the perfect fall home decor, and each one turns out unique and different.
These concrete vessels can be used so many different ways: as tealight holders, mini planters, change or paperclip holders, or just as a decorative bowl!
When Diane saw a concrete fire column at Restoration Hardware she knew she could recreate it for less. These candle columns are a great knockoff project!
You can revamp an entire bathroom vanity with concrete – and it’s not as hard as it looks Transform your outdated countertop with cement for less than $50.
You might want to head to the thrift store for this project! Use broken pieces of leftover dishes along with cement to make stepping stones. If you like concrete projects this is a perfect beginner idea.
You can use any plastic bottle to make a concrete pendant lamp, depending on what shape you like. Concrete is affordable, modern, and you can make more than 15 lamps from a single $6 bag!
These little moss covered cuties would look great in your garden! They were made using a soap mold and are small enough to fit in the pot of your indoor plants.
Okay, this is the last planter on the list—and the last project on the list! For this planter, Emily used plastic cups as the molds. They are a good size for a small bouquet from your garden.
Use Quikcrete, paper mache houses, acrylic paint, and a few other supplies to create concrete ghosts and a spooky village for Halloween! Kids will love to participate too.
Which of these DIY concrete projects is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! Want to see some of our favorite DIY home decor projects? Click on the links below for some great ideas:
Please advise where one can get the DIY concrete cement in South Africa or in Johannesburg?
Amy
Saturday 13th of May 2023
I wish I could tell you! Do you have home improvement stores there? What is the most similar to the Home Depot?
Stephanie Smith
Thursday 18th of June 2015
I like these ideas, especially the painted concrete planter. It would be really easy to mold it, and after it's set and dried there's a lot of creativity you can use to paint or decorate it however you want. I've got some mix left over from a project so I'll be trying this tonight. Thanks!
Sibongile
Friday 12th of May 2023
Good day
Please advise where one can get the DIY concrete cement in South Africa or in Johannesburg?
Amy
Saturday 13th of May 2023
I wish I could tell you! Do you have home improvement stores there? What is the most similar to the Home Depot?
Stephanie Smith
Thursday 18th of June 2015
I like these ideas, especially the painted concrete planter. It would be really easy to mold it, and after it's set and dried there's a lot of creativity you can use to paint or decorate it however you want. I've got some mix left over from a project so I'll be trying this tonight. Thanks!