Are you looking for beautiful, minimalist decor for your space? First, working with raw, industrial textures is highly rewarding. However, buying high-end concrete pieces from boutique design stores is often very expensive. Therefore, we designed these stunning DIY cement crafts specifically for you. Because we use fine white cement and aesthetic molds, the results look incredibly luxurious. Plus, each project is easy to intermediate, requiring only simple, accessible materials. As a result, you can transform your living room quickly without breaking the bank. Indeed, your home will feel like a modern artisan studio. Also, if you love working with raw materials, check our DIY marine animal crafts post for more aesthetic inspiration!
The Ultimate Masterclass: How to Cast Perfect Cement Crafts
Do you want to achieve professional results every time? Here, we explain the foundational “double-mold” technique. Because this method creates perfect walls and hollow centers (like bowls or trays), it is the secret to high-end DIY cement crafts.
Step 1: Mix the Cement. First, mix fine white cement with water in a bowl. Next, stir it until it reaches a smooth, pancake-batter consistency. Important: Ensure there are no dry lumps left in the mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Molds. You will need a larger outer mold and a slightly smaller inner container (to create the hollow cavity). Then, lightly oil the inside of the outer mold and the outside of the inner container so the cement does not stick.
Step 3: Pour the Base. Slowly pour the wet cement mixture into the large outer mold, filling it about halfway. Consequently, gently tap the mold on the table to release trapped air bubbles.
Step 4: Create the Wall Structure. Carefully press your smaller oiled container directly into the center of the wet cement. Because it will want to float, place heavy stones inside this inner container to weigh it down. Thus, the cement is forced up the sides, creating perfect walls.
Step 5: Cure Completely. Leave the mold undisturbed on a flat surface. Important: Do not touch or move the molds for at least 24 hours to prevent cracking.
Step 6: Demold and Finish. Once dry, gently remove the inner weighted container first, then peel away the outer silicone mold. Finally, use fine sandpaper to smooth the top edges and remove any manufacturing burrs. Indeed, your flawless base is ready for your aesthetic DIY cement crafts!
12 Aesthetic Ideas for DIY Cement Crafts
Additionally, these projects offer a sustainable, brutalist, yet elegant look. Here, we have twelve unique coastal ideas complete with specific supply lists and step-by-step masterclass instructions.
1. Minimalist Concrete Coasters: DIY Cement Crafts
Protect your coffee table with a modern, industrial touch. First, these coasters are perfect DIY cement crafts because they are incredibly durable and fit any minimalist aesthetic seamlessly.
- What You Need: Fine white cement powder, water, a round silicone coaster mold, a mixing bowl, fine sandpaper, and matte stone sealer.
- How to Make It: First, mix the white cement and water until it reaches a smooth, pancake-batter consistency. Next, pour the mixture slowly into the round silicone mold. Then, tap the mold gently on the table to release any trapped air bubbles. Consequently, let it cure completely for 24 hours. Finally, demold it, sand the edges smoothly, and apply a coat of matte sealer to prevent coffee stains.
2. Geometric Marble Jewelry Dish
Organize your dresser beautifully. Because we use an inner form technique, you get a perfect professional well for your rings.
- What You Need: Fine white cement, a large hexagon silicone mold, a smaller geometric or round plastic container (to act as the inner form), black cement pigment, a heavy smooth stone, and matte sealer.
- How to Make It: First, prepare your white cement mixture. Next, drop a tiny amount of black pigment into the wet mixture and use a toothpick to swirl it gently, creating a subtle marble effect. Then, pour the marbled mixture into the large hexagon mold. Crucially, while the cement is wet, gently press the smaller plastic container into the exact center to create the inner well. Place the heavy stone inside this small container to weigh it down so it does not float. As a result, after 24 hours of curing, you can remove the weighted inner container, demold the outer tray, and seal your flawless marble-effect dish.
3. Concrete and Wood Bookends: DIY Cement Crafts
Add weight and modern character to your bookshelves. Indeed, mixing cold concrete with warm wood is a brilliant design choice.
- What You Need: Standard grey cement, a square silicone mold, raw oak wood blocks (cut to match the mold’s width), and strong construction adhesive.
- How to Make It: First, mix and pour the grey cement to fill exactly half of your square mold. Next, let it cure fully for 24 hours and remove the concrete cube from the mold. Then, apply a strong layer of construction adhesive to the top of the concrete. Consequently, press the raw oak wood block firmly onto it. Thus, you create a stunning, heavy two-tone bookend.
4. Air Plant Cube Planters
Bring minimalist greenery to your desk. Because air plants do not need soil, they pair perfectly with clean concrete.
- What You Need: White cement powder, small cube silicone molds, a plastic test tube (for creating the hole), and a small tillandsia (air plant).
- How to Make It: First, pour the mixed white cement into the small cube mold. Next, press the plastic test tube lightly into the center of the wet cement to create a resting cavity. Then, secure the tube with tape so it does not float up as the cement sets. Therefore, once the cement dries, remove the tube and the mold. Finally, place your beautiful air plant inside the clean hole.
5. Brass Wire Photo Holders: DIY Cement Crafts
Display your favorite memories elegantly. Plus, the raw brass adds a sophisticated metallic contrast to the matte base.
- What You Need: Fine white cement, small cylinder molds, raw brass wire, and jewelry pliers.
- How to Make It: First, use the pliers to bend one end of the raw brass wire into a tight double loop (to hold the photo). Next, pour your wet cement mixture into the cylinder mold. Then, carefully insert the straight bottom end of the brass wire deep into the center of the wet concrete. Consequently, prop it upright until it dries completely. Also, if you want to display beautiful paper art in these holders, check out our guide on how to make paper hibiscus flowers!
6. Fluted Soap Dish
Instantly upgrade your bathroom aesthetic. Because of the fluted texture, your soap will dry perfectly between uses.
- What You Need: Grey cement, a fluted/ridged silicone soap dish mold, fine sandpaper, and waterproof concrete sealer.
- How to Make It: First, mix the grey cement thoroughly to avoid lumps. Next, pour it slowly into the fluted mold, making sure the ridges are completely filled. Then, tap the mold firmly against your table to release all air bubbles that could ruin the texture. Therefore, after a full 24-hour cure, demold it gently. Finally, apply two coats of waterproof sealer so the water does not degrade the cement over time.
7. Gold-Dipped Ring Cones: DIY Cement Crafts
Keep your rings safe on a beautiful sculptural piece. Indeed, this makes a fantastic handmade gift.
- What You Need: White cement powder, a silicone cone mold, liquid gold leaf paint, a fine brush, and masking tape.
- How to Make It: First, cast your cement cone using the silicone mold and let it dry completely. Next, apply a strip of masking tape diagonally across the middle of the solid white cone. Then, use your fine brush to paint the top half of the cone with liquid gold leaf paint. As a result, when you remove the tape, you will have a stunning, sharp line separating the raw matte white and the brilliant metallic gold.
8. Textured Wall Art Panel
Add depth to your empty walls with these aesthetic DIY cement crafts. Because this piece uses fabric, the concrete takes on an incredibly organic, wabi-sabi texture.
- What You Need: Grey cement, a shallow square baking pan (lined with plastic), and a piece of heavily textured burlap or jute fabric.
- How to Make It: First, pour a one-inch layer of grey cement into the lined shallow pan. Next, before the cement hardens, press the piece of textured burlap firmly onto the top wet surface. Then, place a heavy book over the fabric to keep it pressed down. Consequently, once dry, peel off the fabric to reveal a beautiful, fossilized textile texture on a modern wall panel.
9. Minimalist Incense Burners: DIY Cement Crafts
Complete your meditation corner. Plus, the heavy concrete base prevents any ash from blowing away.
- What You Need: Fine white cement, a long boat-shaped or rectangular silicone mold, and a wooden skewer.
- How to Make It: First, pour the white cement mixture into the long mold. Next, tap out the air bubbles completely. Then, while the cement is still wet, press the tip of the wooden skewer into one end at a 45-degree angle. Therefore, leave the skewer in place for about an hour, then twist and gently pull it out before the cement fully hardens. Thus, you get a perfect hole for your incense sticks.
10. Terrazzo Effect Mini Bowl
Embrace the beauty of Italian design. Indeed, you can customize this project with any colors you like.
- What You Need: White cement, colorful broken shell pieces or glass chips, a mini bowl silicone mold, and heavy-grit to fine-grit sandpaper.
- How to Make It: First, mix the colorful chips directly into your wet white cement batter. Next, pour the mixture into the bowl mold and let it cure. Then, the magic happens: use heavy-grit sandpaper to aggressively sand the surface of the dry bowl. As a result, the hidden colorful chips are revealed. Finally, finish with fine sandpaper for a smooth, high-end polished terrazzo look.
11. Concrete Candle Vessels: DIY Cement Crafts
Create your own luxury candle brand at home. Because concrete is heat resistant, it is the perfect vessel for hot wax.
- What You Need: Grey cement, a thick cylindrical silicone mold, a cotton wick, natural soy wax, and concrete sealer.
- How to Make It: First, cast your concrete cylinder and let it cure completely. Next, it is highly crucial to seal the inside of the concrete vessel twice, so the hot wax does not seep through the pores. Then, secure a cotton wick to the bottom and pour in your melted soy wax. Plus, if you want to pair this aesthetic candle with another artisan accessory, explore our 15 brilliant scrap leather projects to make a matching leather matchbox sleeve!
12. Succulent Centerpiece Bowl
Design a breathtaking focal point for your summer dining table. Therefore, your outdoor gatherings will feel incredibly chic.
- What You Need: White cement, one large plastic mixing bowl, one medium plastic bowl (for the inner form), heavy rocks, and succulent soil.
- How to Make It: First, pour cement into the large plastic bowl. Next, press the medium plastic bowl directly into the center of the wet cement to create the hollow cavity. Then, weigh the inner bowl down with heavy rocks so it doesn’t float upward. Consequently, after curing for 24 hours, remove both plastic bowls. Indeed, if you want to create an entire aesthetic tablescape, pair this beautiful heavy planter with our stunning layered resin art ideas!
Final Thoughts on Cement Crafts
Producing raw, modern objects for your home is highly satisfying. Therefore, try one of these DIY cement crafts this weekend. Also, this calming process will greatly nourish your creativity. So, which piece of modern concrete will you cast first? Please, leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Important Crafting Safety Note:
Creating artisan objects with cement is extremely enjoyable. However, you must always be careful when working with powdered materials. Therefore, always wear a dust mask when mixing cement to avoid inhaling the fine particles. Because wet cement can severely dry out your skin, wearing protective gloves during the process is highly essential. Finally, keep liquid concrete away from children and pets!
