DIY concrete planter



I've finally discovered the reason tupperware was created.. concrete planters! ok I jest, but seriously those little plastic containers seem to be multiplying in my cupboards...

I made this planter a month ago, popped it into the cupboard to dry (away from the curious paws of my cat) and low and behold I completely forgot about it- duh! when I was hunting for a step ladder I unearthed it once again (much to my delight!) 



before I started this project I spoke to my pops (the authority on all things concrete) for a few tips. I'm sure you can make this with just a simple old bag of cement mix and water but my dad said I may as well do it properly... and this meant adding sand! 

to make up my mix I used a ratio of 2 parts dry cement mix to 3 parts sand (and water of course.) as a general rule of thumb the more cement mix you add the paler the end result will be. if you want a very light grey finish just add 3 parts each. 

to make my planter I filled a plastic mixing bowl with the wet concrete mix and gave it a good tap to bring any air bubbles to the surface. then I took a small round tupperware container and plunged it into the wet mix. I placed mine off centre (as shown above) as I though it would make for a more interesting finish. you'll find that the smaller container wants to float up so you'll need to weigh it down, I balanced a book across mine to keep it in place as it dried.




the concrete will take a good 3-4 days to become solid, after this you should be able to remove it from the containers easily. concrete expands with heat so if you're having trouble heat the container with a hair dryer and give it a good thump to loosen. 

if like me you leave it to dry out for weeks you'll find it naturally lightens up and becomes paler.




give any rough edges a light sand with sandpaper and plant your succulents! I didn't add any draining holes in mine as I never add much water to these plants.



I'm a little besotted with mine, I love how clean and industrial it looks. after my trip to stockholm I'm determined to de-clutter and add some more minimal influences into my home! 

I also made some concrete candles (that were also stashed in my cupboard) that I'll share with you soon. 

are you a fan of concrete home accessories too?

back soon

caroline x






27 comments

  1. This looks so cool! The industrial style of these goes so well with the green plants! :) xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks conny! so pleased you like it : xx

      Delete
  2. They look awesome! Really unique and clean cut~

    LIVE.IN.LOVE

    ~

    ReplyDelete
  3. This too cute and such a fun DIY.

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale | bloglovin' |

    ReplyDelete
  4. aw love these! will have to attempt to make one when I'm next home with my dad!

    Rose and Weston x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh love these! I think I may need to make one for some cacti I have without pots!

    Honey Go-Lightly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh that would look ace! thanks sam :) xx

      Delete
  6. This is so cute!

    tonixox.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Caroline this is so bloody cool. I am loving all of your DIY's of late x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. that's made my day - thanks rascal :) xx

      Delete
  8. This is really cool, thanks for sharing!

    Maria xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks for reading! hope you're well angel :) xx

      Delete
  9. Very pretty, I do like this

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the way it looks. I definitely will try it.

    xx, Renaud | renaudew.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. whoop! tag me if you do- would love to see :) xx

      Delete
  11. I have to do this! Amazing! I love the form.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ah thanks very much lady!! you should they're really fun : xx

      Delete
  12. Just found this blog and LOVE it! Could I ask where you got the plant pot in the background (white with the pink rim around the top)? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Awesome finally i think to make one.

    ReplyDelete
  14. What kind of cement did you use?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Does this damage the tupperware or can it just be washed and re-used? :)

    Becky | accoohtrements life, travel + design blog

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi! About how much concrete mix did you use? I was looking at buying a ten pound bag of concrete mix off of amazon but not sure if that would be enough. Love this!

    ReplyDelete

Instagram

Caroline Burke | Burkatron. Theme by STS.