Oh, how I love working with concrete! Once you really start to look around there are so many ways you can make concrete things! This project can’t be much simpler; it’s probably easier than making pancakes! Soda and beer cans are everywhere, and can make cool shapes when wrinkled. (lightbulb-over-head-moment) Why not use them as a disposable mold?!

Ta-da! Anyone can do this! Ok, I’ll soon have to join ‘concreters-anonymous'

By the way, on garbage day I give everything a second look as potential mold material.

Step 1: Find Your Tin Cans

Now here's a reason to have a beer! Well, yes, soda cans work well too. They are quite thin so they cut quite easily after poking a hole with the scissors

Cut around the top just under the narrowed collar ( be careful of sharp edges)

Step 2: Adjust the Bottom Shape

The way cans are made is quite ingenious. The shape of the bottom is formed so that it is strong even though the material is thin. For this reason the bottom needs to forced out, bulged to make it easier to remove later. (the bottom has a concave shape that was impossible to pull out without bulging it out first)

Use a broom handle end (or other strong wood piece) to push out the bottom as much as possible without losing the flat edge to sit on.

Step 3: Crumple the Can

Using both hands crumple the can to your liking. I find its easier to have one hand inside and one outside to shape the folds. Large ones or many small ones is your choice.

Squeeze and shape wrinkles on surface

Step 4: Readying the Concrete

Materials Needed:

RapidSet CementAll Concrete Mix (very quick setting ultra strong concrete mix)
Water
Mixing container
Mixing Spoon
Gloves & Dust Mask
Crumpled Can

DO be aware that this uses a particular concrete mix. I have not found another mix that performs like this one yet. It is unmoldable in just over an hour and is cured in a day.

Put on gloves and dust mask
Mix a small amount of the Rapidset Cementall (it uses less than usual concrete so it is suggested to start with water and add concrete)
The consistency should be still flowing but not as thin as a cream. It should be thick but still self level (be aware that it will start to set in minutes)
The crumpled can does not need a mold release (this concrete will not stick to the shiny surface)

If you are new to concrete and nervous you may want to see my page for some tricks and tips for concrete crafting.

Step 5: Pouring the Mix

The mix will start to set fairly quickly.

Pour about 3 tablespoons of mix into the crumpled can (it's easy to do a few at once pouring excess into next one)
Rotate the can slowly to coat all the sides and be careful not to have it leak out. Round and round... Also let it coat the top edge quite well.
The concrete will start to set and you will see it stop flowing
Let it sit for at least an hour

Step 6: Wait...

Note that the mixing container is still dirty. DO NOT wash it in the sink!

Leave the mixing container and spoon to set as well

There are ways to keep working with concrete mess free. I have less mess than when making a cake!

Step 7: Unwrapping

Time for fun! I suggest that you put some gloves for this step. (do as I say, not as I do!)

Use small rips in the top edge to peel down strips to the bottom (similar to rolling back a sardine can)
Be gentle with the amount of force.
Try to rip strips across bottom of can as it is the most stubborn part to pull off)
Chip off edges at top to even out or sand off any rough edges

Amazing how much detail is picked up by this concrete. I love the rustic edges that give it the concrete character. It's also so smooth and shiny!

Step 8: Finish

You can call it finished now or apply some colour or metallics. The metallics accentuate the forms so well!

Options:

Dry-brush with metallic paint (my favourite)
Easy gold leafing

Step 9: Gold Leafing Option

To apply gold leafing the adhesive needs to be applied to the parts where you would like the gold to stick. I aim for more at the top and very broken shapes.

The gold leaf is on sheets that just get pressed onto the surface and stick where there is tackiness. Brush off any excess.

Step 10: Enjoy!

That was too easy wasn't it?! Multiples look great. Dress them up or make pencil holders. Imagine a line of them down the dining table, or even wedding centre pieces.

The branches were dipped in the gold paint to look like some 'gold' blossoms growing, plain and simple (and free)

Industrial concrete chic! Probably costs pennies each to make...

If you want to see more super unique concrete projects (and become a conrete-o-holic) see my site:

Before you know it you too will be saving all kinds of stuff to pour concrete into or onto!

Enjoy and dazzle your friends!