DIY Concrete Lamp

I found this technique very playful. With some cement in hand and some Christmas leftover balloons I created this tabletop lamp.

VIDEO -

https://fb.watch/3vkFq701sw/

Supplies

Foamboard (6" x 15") x 3pcs

Small balloons 30 pcs

Concrete

Lamp holder

200 watt bulb

Plywood piece of 6" x 6"

Ground clearance buffers 8pcs

Tape

1" Styrofoam (3" x 18") x 4pcs

Step 1: Making the Mold Structure

I drew lots of different circles on the foamboard and made the cutouts. Combined them from both ends and made a hollow rectangular structure.

Made a similar thermocol(styrofoam) rectangular structure, slightly bigger than the outer body for the walls.

Stuck the balloons from outside using sellotape. Make sure the balloons touch the inner styrofoam wall.

Step 2: Insert Concrete

Insert concrete from the side. Make sure the consistency of the concrete is on the runny side.
I made a 4:1:1 consistency where 3 part was concrete, 1 part of sand and water.

Let the construction dry for at least 48 hours before opening.

Step 3: Opening the Mold and Cleaning It

After 48 hours I removed all the balloons from the sides and opened the mold.

Cleaned it, polished the rough edges and drilled some holes which didn't form in the casting.

Step 4: Assembling

I took some old plywood and made it the size of the concrete base. Screwed the buffers from both the sides.

Attached the bulb holder and bulb on the center.

VIDEO -
https://fb.watch/3vkFq701sw/

Comments

[ForgotRafe]

Awesome lamp. Not seen the balloon technique before.

[Rustickraft]

You may watch the video now https://fb.watch/3vkFq701sw/

[guerroloco]

Nice! Simple design and clever technique with a really cool result.

You can get pigments to mix into concrete for different colors. Also, I don't know how sturdy the concrete shell is, but it might look nice to grind and polish the outside, then apply a topical or penetrating sealer.

[Rustickraft]

Thanks for the complement, the shell turned out very sturdy and after the thing has fully dried its texture turned out to be very beautiful. (fyi the thing was semi wet while I was making the video.)
Video - https://fb.watch/3vkFq701sw/

[jessyratfink]

The way you made the mold is so clever!