Comments on: diy project: shannon’s concrete garden spheres

By: Dianne

Dianne — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:47:29 +0000

Oh, I forgot to mention that you can mix hypertufa by adding perlite (without fertilizer) and peat moss to your concrete mix to lighten it up if that is a concern.

A book I have says that you can use non fertilizer potting soil in place of peat/perlite combo. I haven’t tried that, but thought I’d pass on the info.

Polypropylene fibers can be added for strength, but this is such a small project I don’t think I’d worry about that.

By: Dianne

Dianne — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:34:03 +0000

I have wanted some hose guides and I think some of these with a piece of rebar sticking out of the bottom would be perfect!

If you want to paint or color these it might just be best to use thinned dish soap (be careful to not get bubbles) for a release instead of anything oil based (cooking spray)

By: Shawna

Shawna — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:41:50 +0000

Check out the acid stain coloring techniques at http://www.directcolors.com/acidstain/. They even have gelled acid stain for this kind of project or stencils. Neat!

By: Susan A

Susan A — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:51:08 +0000

You could use plastic food containers with interesting shapes, like syrup bottles (Mrs. Butterworth’s), honey bottles shaped like bears, etc. There’s a store near me that sells huge containers of animal crackers in a teddy bear-shaped container.

As for the jello molds, you could make a bunch of hearts or whatever, and use them as a border for a flower bed. I saw a show on HGTV where a woman made balls using an old basketball as a mold. You could use children’s plastic toys as molds, including small balls for finials. How about using a sand castle mold to make a concrete sand castle .

You could use a latex glove with a bit of plastic tubing attached for a hand and arm mold. Several of these could hold up a small bowl or planter. Reinforce with some coat hanger wire for extra strength.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:05:08 +0000

I did this a couple of weekends back and really liked the result. However, I followed the instructions on the ratio of water to concrete, up to the maximum amount of water they suggested. It did not get to be like peanut butter but was quite a bit drier. I think i should have added more water but wasn’t sure if it would affect the stability of the concrete in the end. My final result had some areas that didn’t fill in. I think I will make sure to use more water next time I do it.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:33:03 +0000

This is a great project and will add new dimensions to my rock garden. I am not sure why everyone feels the need to colour something natural like a rock? All those plants in their garden look new. The lavender will eventually grow as big if not bigger than the ball so having something like grey beside green leaves and purple flowers looks pretty good. Isn’t that what a garden ornament should do make your garden stand out!

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:50:52 +0000

I am in love with these! I enjoy garden accents but don’t enjoy the price-this is great way to add a creative touch without a huge investment.

By: Marla

Marla — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:48:06 +0000

Fabulous project! I have made molded leaves with cement, and painted with metallic craft paints – Fred Meyer or Michaels – then sealed with cement sealer.

By: Terry

Terry — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 23:58:44 +0000

These would look great tinted a terra cota color-I just happen to have half a pallet of concrete in my garage-going to make some for my garden!

By: rebecca

rebecca — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:53:27 +0000

This is a great idea! you could also use old rubber boots or a giant elephant ear leaf as a mold. Just use plastic over the leaf. it makes a wonderful bird bath.