Use Lace and Concrete to Make Bookends, Planters, and Votives

Supplies:
– 3 boxes of Cement All

– lace trim

– paper cups

– disposable mixing bucket

– disposable stir stick

– spray paint (black and purple)

– 4 pieces of acetate (window section of home depot)

– milk or juice cartons rinsed and dried

– cacti

– tapered candles

Tools:
– scissors

– needle nose pliers

– sandpaper

– mask and gloves

– drop cloth

– apron

This project can get pretty messy, so we definitely recommend heading to your backyard, garage, or your neighbor’s driveway ;) Using a drop cloth and apron are essential for keeping you and your work area tidy.

We’ll show you the process for creating our lace planter bookends. The rest of the processes are pretty much the same, though you’ll use different molds and what not.

Start by cutting the top off of 2 cartons. Make sure they are both the same height and cut even and straight. Then use 2 paper cups to press into the cement that will become hole for your plant.

Mix one part water to 4 parts cement – we suggest using disposable paper cups to measure this out. Stir until well mixed. Add more water or cement if needed until it becomes the consistency of cake batter.

Pour the cement into the carton until it’s almost full, then press in your paper cup until it and the top of the carton are perfectly flush. Wipe away any excess cement. Tap the carton to get the cement to settle. You can also try squeezing the carton sides as it firms up if it starts to bow out from the weight of the cement and lose its square shape.

Then place a piece of acrylic or acetate on top and flip the whole thing upside down. Let it dry for at least an hour.

Once dry, peel off the carton and remove the cup, using scissors and needle nose pliers if neccesary. Then wrap lace around each bookend, securing with tape.

If desired, sand any rough or even edges. Then spray one light coat of paint. If you spray too much paint, you won’t be able to see the little intricate detailing of the lace. Wait a few minutes for the paint to dry, and then remove the lace. Use a paper towel or thick gloves to place your cactus in the planter and you’re done!

Now don’t all those books look so neat and tidy?

To make the vases use the same process as described above with the bookend, except cut your cartons to be shorter. You don’t have to flip yours upside down while drying, but it is the only way to get the perfectly flat and smooth look.

We’re loving the contrast of almost neon daisies with the dark black vases.

To make the candle holders, cut down paper cups to half size, and fill with cement. As the cement starts to harden, gently press and lift out a tapered candle. Let dry, then wrap with lace and paint. This time we decided to use some spunky purple!

We can’t get enough of this lace and concrete combo!!

Which of our concrete lace creations do you like best? Talk to us in the comments below.