DIY Concrete Planters

This instructable will show you how to make these concrete planters in few easy steps. The planters look rustic and adding a little golden design helps to get rid of the ordinary look.

Step 1: Materials Needed

To make this geometric vase you'll need:

1. Concrete or cement (and sand),
2. Primary and secondary containers- paperboard cartons,
3. Rubber gloves,
4. Bucket or anything to mix concrete/cement,
5. A stick to mix the concrete/cement.
6. Scissor, anti-cutter
7. Glue,
8. Brown scotch tape.

Step 2: Preparing the Containers

I used paperboard containers (such as, milk cartons, medicine syrup cartons) as the primary and secondary containers,

Paperboard containers are easy to find and I'm quite sure all of us have 2 or 3 paperboard containers in stock,

Use a big carton for the primary container and a relatively smaller carton for the secondary container, I used 4 X 4 inches carton for the primary container and 3 X 3 inches carton for the secondary container,

Cut off the top of the cartons using a scissor or x-acto knife. The secondary container should be longer than the primary container.

Wrap the bottom of the containers with brown tape.

Step 3: Drainage Holes

You can drill the drainage hole after the concrete or cement dries but you can also use the technique used, to form the drainage holes while the making the vase or pot.

Take a small strip of cardboard (0.5 inch X 2.5 inches),

Roll the cardboard strip and glue the sides (I used clear tape).

Apply glue on any one sides of the rolled cardboard,

Place it on the bottom of the primary container and allow the glue to dry.

Step 4: Mixing Concrete or Cement

Wear rubber gloves before mixing the concrete.

Mixing concrete:

Simply mix the concrete with water.

Make sure not to add too much water and try keeping the mixture thick.

Less water means more strength and less time to dry.

Mixing cement:

Measure 2 part cement and 3 parts sand.

Mix them very well,

Pour a small amount of water into the sand and cement mixture and mix them well with the water,

Pour more water if the cement mixture is too thick.

Make sure the mixture isn't too thick nor too thin.

Step 5: Filling the Containers

After mixing the cement/concrete you can fill the primary containers with them.

Do not fill the entire primary container with cement or concrete mixture, I filled 2/3 of the primary container.

After filling the 2/3 of the primary container, put the secondary container right in the middle of it and push it in gently. Make sure that the secondary container touches the rolled cardboard.

Place something heavy on top of it or else the secondary container will be pressed up.

Now allow the cement/concrete to dry, it's better to wait 24 hours for the cement/concrete to dry.

Step 6: The Concrete Vase or Pot

After the concrete dries carefully remove the containers. The container can be removed easily.

By carefully removing the rolled cardboard the vase will get a drainage hole.

Step 7: Designing the Vase

You can keep the planters as it is if you like the rustic look, but I wanted to add a little design.

I used fabric paint (gold) and painted simple geometric designs on the planters

After designing the planter with fabric paint allow the paint to dry for a while.

You can keep the planter empty or add small plants. It's better to keep plants that require less water.