cement planters

Lately Jeff has been on a cement planter creating kick. He gets really excited everytime he sees a plastic bucket/container that he can invision turning into a cool modern planter for our front yard. After a few failed attempts, Jeff has mastered his cement planter technique and has become a machine.

Here is version #2, making our front porch a little more presentable (more pics to come):



Wanna make your own?
What you need:
2 plastic buckets or containers (One should fit inside the other).
Quickcrete or other cement
water
shovel and basin
patience :)

1. Start by mixing your cement following the directions on the cement you choose. Quick tip: Add the water gradulally so it does not become too runny. Jeff mixed it to the consistancy of thick oatmeal.

2. Fill the bottom of your larger bucket up about a couple inches. how much you put in the bottom will depend on the height of your smaller bucket, but you want at least a good two inches to give it a strong base.

3. Set your smaller bucket or container on top of the layer of cement in your large bucket and continue to fill the large bucket up with cement being careful to keep your smaller container centered. Or if you like, having it off center can make it look kinda cool. Just keep it steady.

4. Store your work in progress in a dry place for at leat 24 hours.

5. Now for the tricky part...After your creation has dried completely, remove your buckets using the pull and twist method. You know, twisting and pulling until it loosens. Jeff has had difficulty removing the inner containers and they usually end up cracked or broken, but thats the price you pay for an almost free beautiful cement planter that you made yourself.

Good luck and have fun!