Concrete Planters

It's going to be sixty degrees today! What-what! Looks like yard work weather is upon us. I went to the garden center this weekend to pick up some flower beds and a few new planters for the balcony (this is finally happening!).

I found a few big boxwoods on sale and some pretty flowers for planting around the playhouse. And I wasn't sure if I had gone crazy when I was tempted by these flamingos.  #notAprilfoolsing

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There were some really beautiful concrete planters at Lowes that I loved, but they were pretty pricey. So I bought a bag of concrete instead thinking I could come up with a DIY. When I got home I found this easy tutorial from BHG. It's just too good not to copy. :)

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The basic idea is to use an interesting container for the outside shape with something basic and smaller inside.

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Aren't these pretty? I'm really loving the sort of corrugated edged ones especially.

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Have you ever done any concrete work? I've not done much yet, but I have at least three big projects using concrete planned for this year so I have a feeling I'm going to get a lot more comfortable with this stuff before long. :)
on

41 comments:

  1. Hook, Line and Sink HerApril 1, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Those planters look amazing! I am now very tempted to give it a go myself :)Did you coat the plastic moulds you used with anything to remove them when the concrete had set?

    xx

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  2. Handbags*and*PigtailsApril 1, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    I love those shapes! And I'm sorry but it looks like a ton of other shoppers beat you to the punch with those flamingos...the box they're in looks almost empty! Why????! :)

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  3. UnknownApril 1, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    I love the look of these! We have a leftover bag of concrete mix, and now I know just what to do with it.

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  4. Little FIeApril 1, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    I love the shapes of each container. I have used concrete before and it will be easy, if you can bake bread you can mix concrete.

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  5. AnonymousApril 1, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    I tried this last summer and it really is as easy as it looks! The only thing I found difficult was drilling drainage holes, no fun, so I'd really recommend using a cork or foam in the bottom as they recommend at the end of the instructions.
    Best of luck in your outdoor projects!

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  6. MelissaApril 1, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    My partner has been at me for weeks to get those flamingoes! I'm very close to giving in...

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  7. Crystal @ 29 Rue HouseApril 1, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    You have to go back and get some flamingos! Those would be adorable with the playhouse. I've actually been eyeing some flamingo wallpaper for my girl's room.

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  8. FagsworthApril 1, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    Qwikcrete makes a concrete for countertops that weighs a whole lot less. I'd return the concrete and get the countertop mix. 'jus sayin, Oh the frost date is May 15.

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  9. FagsworthApril 1, 2013 at 9:32 AM

    Qwikcrete makes a concrete for countertops that weighs a whole lot less. I'd return the concrete and get the countertop mix. 'jus sayin, Oh the frost date is May 15.

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  10. kad445April 1, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    Hey Jenny,

    You can buy the little plastic containers with corrugated sides from The Container Store for like $3. I have one from there. I wanted to try this project but never got around to it.

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  11. Mrs. GarlicApril 1, 2013 at 10:23 AM

    my mom did a similar project - not planters per se. but she used hosta leaves to create little bird feeders. they are so perfect and look great. it was definitely worth the work vs. buying something made!

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  12. MeganApril 1, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    Everything sets quickly so make sure you're project is all set up ahead of time before you mix. You can also dye the concrete or add stuff for a different look- shells, twigs, dried moss, rocks. And make sure you think about clean up. Anything spilled or dripped sets too. And of course don't go near a drain indoors or out.

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  13. blair @ the fox and sheApril 1, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    I haven't used concrete, but I'm thinking I might have to tackle this DIY too! They're so rustic and simple and beautiful. can't wait to see how they turn out!

    blair
    www.design-that-inspires.com

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  14. UnknownApril 1, 2013 at 11:06 AM

    I love this! Something I am definitely going to try!

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  15. www.mysoulfulhome.comApril 1, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Who can't love a girl who just "picks up a bag of concrete" mix & then goes home & uses it right away! The planters turned out great!! I want a big planter...wonder if I could use an old plastic garbage can as a mould...what do u think?

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  16. Katja | Shift Ctrl Art April 1, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    Absolutely terrific planters. What a great line-up of planters. Looks so good. I could see a bunch of those around my new patio!

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  17. Elisa of Fancy Free MeApril 1, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    These are brilliant! I can't believe you are making these!! I love all the shapes. Such a good idea.

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  18. ErinApril 1, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    Terrific idea - can't wait to see how they turn out!

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  19. Amy K @ Chestnut Tree LaneApril 1, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    I love this idea. Thanks for the reminder!
    I did use regular concrete a few years ago in pie pans just to make stepping stones with the kiddo. So easy! I can't wait to see how it turns out for you.

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  20. AnonymousApril 1, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    I love the flamingos - you should definitely get some! My mom used to lead a craft at summer camp that was using bits of broken pottery and colored glass to make concrete stepping stones. You lay down the pattern (in reverse) in like a pie pan I think, then poured the concrete over. It was always fun to see how the designs turned out. I'm sure you could do something similar with planters (even along the top edge once the concrete has set up enough to hold them up?

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  21. AmandaApril 1, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    I've had all the supplies for these since last year...love them and if you mix buttermilk and moss in the blender you can grow a nice super old looking planter in no time! I have got to get on this.... http://www.33shadesofgreen.com/2010/07/making-hypertufa-pots.html?m=1

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  22. AApril 1, 2013 at 2:50 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  23. UnknownApril 1, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Hmmm... Are they any Home Goods in the city, or do you have to venture east for that? There's gotta be one in Nassau near Brooklyn, if nothing else. They have HUGE outdoor planters this time of year for a song. In fact, I'm fixing to head out to my Suffolk Cty Home Goods tomorrow for that exact reason! I imagine doing something super huge in concrete might be a bit unwieldy. If you want to go big, I can't recommend Home Goods enough for budget savvy planters.

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  24. Tobe | BIAApril 1, 2013 at 3:52 PM

    brilliant. totally giving this one a shot. i can't believe how pricey planters are!

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  25. BeckiApril 1, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    My girls were on errands with me one day a couple of years ago. The manager at one of the businesses said that they were getting rid of flamingos they had been using in their display and offered them to my children. The girls grabbed them all, put them in the back of the car, and we have had a flamingo flock migrating around our yard every summer since. They are cute, fun, and so kitschy.

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  26. BeckiApril 1, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    My girls were on errands with me one day a couple of years ago. The manager at one of the businesses said that they were getting rid of flamingos they had been using in their display and offered them to my children. The girls grabbed them all, put them in the back of the car, and we have had a flamingo flock migrating around our yard every summer since. They are cute, fun, and so kitschy.

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  27. katieApril 1, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    Hypertufa! Way lighter and pretty fun to make. I did some pots last year that were outside all winter and actually held up. The only drawback is there's a couple more things to buy, but they're not really pricey. Martha has some recipes: http://www.marthastewart.com/268091/pots-with-a-personal-touch-hypertufa

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  28. Mme FrayneApril 2, 2013 at 12:15 AM

    Love! I'm surprised at how easy that looks. I was a bit sceptical when I first saw the photos of the flamingoes...
    {lamourcheznous.wordpress.com}

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  29. AnonymousApril 2, 2013 at 1:29 AM

    Love the idea! What a creative idea to get interesting looking planters. I better get on my balcony garden now before we get too far into summer...

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  30. http://www.preciouslyme.com/April 2, 2013 at 4:37 AM

    LOVE those pink flamingos!!!!!

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  31. UnknownApril 2, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    Concrete Flamingos were apparently all the rage in the 40s: I have two in glorious pink thanks to my grandmother. Your post has me thinking it's time to dust them off & give 'em some respect :)

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  32. Carolyn Vaughn PhotographyApril 2, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Can u recommend where to buy the corrugated container and other fun ones? Thx! Can't wait to try this!

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  33. SarahApril 2, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Martha has a tutorial too...

    http://www.marthastewart.com/268962/hypertufa-pots

    I think her pots won't be quite as heavy. We had to stymie our dog from knocking her bowl over, so we filled the underside with quickcrete, and it was SUCH a chore to pick it up and dump it out. If you plan to move the planters or to make big ones, her tutorial might help lighten them up.

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  34. LisetteApril 2, 2013 at 11:44 AM

    I love your fearlessness to attempt new projects!

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  35. jamieApril 2, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    great post! love the concrete
    have a great day
    jamie herzlinger

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  36. JimmyApril 3, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    Concrete planters are definitely on my To-DIY list this spring. Got my seeds germinating (hopefully) in the windowsill for the last week or two. Going to need a home for them once they sprout. I love the economy of the DIY concrete planter - pound for pound the cheapest DIY out there I would guess.

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  37. AnonymousApril 3, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    What a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    Erin
    planning4paris.wordpress.com

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  38. heidiApril 5, 2013 at 2:24 PM

    These look fantastic-- I've been wanting to do this for awhile now-- Great job!

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  39. AnonymousApril 5, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    Love this! I guess I have to hunt down some containers with interesting shapes to use as molds.

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  40. CortneyApril 6, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    Hi Jenny - I think you did an amazing job with these - and I'd LOVE to include this in an upcoming DIY post to my blog this Tuesday. You are one talented gal - and I LOVE your page! Pls let me know if that's okay!

    I also tried to comment on the amazing dresser you scored "thrift" shopping, but couldn't for some reason. I wanted to let you know that I shared your gorgeous score on my fb page as well - it's truly a real beauty! Great eye! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Organically-Opulent/155838211246867

    Cortney @www.organicallyopulent.com

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  41. UnknownApril 21, 2013 at 12:49 PM

    Great project Jenny! This totally inspires me to think of all the cool things one can cast with concrete. Just posted a Houzz IdeaBook about concrete products: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9122547/list/Guest-Picks--Concrete-Ideas-for-Patios-and-Decks
    Lightweight fiber concrete allows for larger pieces that can be easily moved, so possibilities are infinite.
    May the creativity continue!
    Robin Horton | Urban Gardens

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)