DIY Project: Rough-and-Ready Concrete Storage
See how to make concrete cones and a tray for rings, watches and bracelets
Concrete is one of my favourite materials to work with, so when I realised that we needed some new storage for the bathroom, the choice of material was obvious. In the bathroom, cosmetics, toiletries and jewellery seem to multiply and then take over whatever free space is available. Using concrete to create storage space is a fun way to give these things a stylish place of their own.
Materials
- DIY cone moulds (sturdy paper, cardboard, box bottom, milk cartons)
- Masking tape
- Craft concrete mix (available online and at hobby supply shops)
- Beverage glasses
- Spoon, putty knife, craft stick or other smoothing tool
- Coarse and fine sandpaper
Instructions
Step 1: Cut a circle of sturdy paper or flexible cardboard with a diameter of about 20 centimetres. Form it into a cone shape. Test to see if you have the right size by slipping your rings, watches and bracelets over the cone. They should rest somewhere in the middle.
Step 1: Cut a circle of sturdy paper or flexible cardboard with a diameter of about 20 centimetres. Form it into a cone shape. Test to see if you have the right size by slipping your rings, watches and bracelets over the cone. They should rest somewhere in the middle.
For a smaller cone, start with the same 20-centimetre-diameter circle but bend it tighter for a narrower shape. Reinforce the paper cones with masking tape to help them withstand the pressure of the concrete that will be poured in them.
Step 2: To create a tray, you will need a two-piece mould. The bottom of a box can work for the outside of the mould, or you can make one out of cardboard. I taped together two paper milk cartons for the inside of the mould, but you can use almost anything sturdy.
Step 3: I made sure that the outside mould was about 2 centimetres wider and longer than the milk cartons so that the tray edge would be about a 1 centimetre thick all the way around. Tape the edges and corners to prevent the concrete from leaking out of the mold.
Step 4: Time to mix the concrete! I normally mix 1¼ cups of concrete powder with two-fifths cup of water. You can adjust those measurements and add more water to get the texture you want. The runnier the concrete, the smoother the end result.
To create the cones, place the paper moulds upside down in a glass and fill them with concrete. Stop when the concrete is about 1 centimetre from the top.
To create the cones, place the paper moulds upside down in a glass and fill them with concrete. Stop when the concrete is about 1 centimetre from the top.
Step 5: For the tray, first fill the bottom of the outside mould with concrete. I made a layer about 1 centimetre thick. This will be the bottom of your tray. Shake and tap the filled mould to help the concrete settle and get rid of any air bubbles.
Step 6: Put the milk cartons on the concrete, leaving at least 1 centimetre on all sides. Press gently to secure it to the bottom layer. Add more concrete until it is all the way to the top of the outside mould. Smooth the concrete using a spoon, putty knife, craft stick or another similar tool.
Step 7: Let the concrete dry for at least two days before removing the moulds. The edges of the dried concrete will most likely be rough, so sand them using two kinds of sandpaper; start with coarse sandpaper and finish with a fine grade.
Done! All the little items in the bathroom now have their own place.
TELL US
How would you like to have these handy storage pieces in your home? Give the DIYs a try and upload photos in the Comments below.
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TELL US
How would you like to have these handy storage pieces in your home? Give the DIYs a try and upload photos in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more fun DIY projects