How to Make Concrete Garden Decorations

Enjoy your garden even more by adding custom concrete decorations such as stepping stones, animal shapes and planters. They're fairly easy to make and you can make several different decorations or use a central theme throughout your garden. The main ingredients in making this type of garden decorations are sand, plaster and concrete. There are many ways of finishing your creations. Here are some ways of creating these garden decorations.

Things You'll Need

• Molds Concrete Water Buckets See package instructions for additional items

Instructions

1. Buy a mold kit with specific shapes (stepping stones, for example) at craft, hobby, plant nurseries or garden supply stores. Check the package for any additional ingredients you'll need. Most can be purchased at the same place you buy your kit. If you're making several of the same item or need these completed quickly, you may wish to purchase more than one kit for each decoration. Read the directions carefully before beginning your project. Choose a level place to work and do not move the mold once it's filled. Follow the package directions to create your first decoration. After it has set and you've removed it from the mold, use your imagination to decorate the finished product. Paint as well as sea shells and other ornaments may be used on the decoration. Place these into the mold about 30 to 45 minutes after you've filled the mold. Wash these types of mold with soap and water before storing and between uses.

2. Make your own mold by using a baking pan in the shape you want. This works well for round stepping stones. You'll need to choose a pan that is at least three inches high. Stepping stones need to be at least two inches thick to prevent cracking. Prepare a level place to work and cover with a couple of layers of butcher paper or plastic sheeting. Don't move the mold once it's filled so be sure the area you work on is a place where the mold can sit for a couple of days to set. Buy the concrete and check the instructions for the "recipe" you will use. You can also make the mixture in this manner. Try five parts of concrete mixture to one part water. Mix in a large pail. Mix well by using a paint stirring stick. Gradually add the water to the concrete, mixing so it's thick and of smooth consistency. You might need to add scant portions of water to achieve the best consistency. (You can divide/multiply these amounts for smaller and larger molds.) Spray your mold generously with non-stick cooking spray. Fill the mold slightly more than halfway and tap it gently to remove any air bubbles. Allow it to set for at least a day, preferably two to three, to make sure it's completely dry and ready to be finished. Remove from the mold and it's ready to be used or perhaps finished in some manner (painting, etc.)

3. After decorating your finished item, allow it to cure for at least a week before putting it outside in your garden. This will help prevent it from cracking or breaking. With stepping stones, don't step on them for at least seven days.

4. Using gloves will help to prevent any skin burns from the concrete. Be sure you don't wash any concrete mixture down your sink or toilet.

Tips & Warnings

• Place any directions inside a plastic sheet protector to keep them from getting ruined and unreadable.