DIY: How to Make a Garden Sculpture

Garden sculptures can be made from any material that will withstand the elements. Treated wood screwed together and painted becomes an abstract, angular sculpture, while stacked rocks and boulders create an organic, natural piece. One of the most widely-used materials for garden sculptures is concrete. From decorative benches and birdbaths to concrete grottoes and Buddhas, the versatility and strength of concrete will allow you to create any imaginable sculpture that will hold up under the elements and last a lifetime. The idea of creating your own concrete sculpture may seem intimidating, but once you dig in and do it, you'll realize how simple it really is.

5-gallon bucket
Utility knife
Duct tape
Petroleum jelly
Pedestal
Concrete mix
Wheelbarrow or mortar box
Sturdy mixing tool
Shovel
Screwdriver
Chisel
Hammer
Tarp
Gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Draw your design in 3-D on paper. If this is your first time working with concrete, make a simple sculpture with more curves than angles. Once you get the hang of carving, you can create more complex sculptures with finer details.
- 2
  Cut the 5-gallon bucket in half the long way to make a quick-release mold. Use a sturdy utility knife and start at the top of the bucket. Cut downward until you reach the bottom of the bucket. Turn the bucket over and cut straight across the bottom. Cut downward along the other side of the bucket, directly opposite the first cut.
- 3
  Tape the bucket back together. Wrap duct tape twice around the top, middle and bottom of the bucket.
- 4
  Coat the inside of the bucket with a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
- 5
  Mix the concrete with the amount of water specified in the manufacturer's directions. Pour the dry mix concrete into the wheelbarrow or mortar box. Add the water in increments and mix well with a shovel or hoe. The consistency should be that of thick oatmeal; to test the consistency, make a mound of concrete in the wheelbarrow. It should hold its shape.
- 6
  Spoon the concrete into the mold using a shovel. Kick the sides of the bucket gently after each shovelful to remove air bubbles and ensure the concrete reaches the edges of the mold. Smooth the top with a straight piece of wood.
- 7
  Allow the concrete to set for five to 10 hours.
- 8
  Remove the duct tape from the mold. Pull the mold carefully away from the concrete.
  The time it takes your concrete to set enough to carve depends on the temperature and humidity. If the concrete is too crumbly to carve, allow it to cure for another two to three hours and try again. Once you begin carving, you have five to 10 hours before the concrete gets too hard to work with.
- 9
  Carve the concrete, using your drawing as a reference. Use a screwdriver, chisel and hammer. Begin by carving away small pieces of concrete to create the general shape of your sculpture and get the hang of the method that works best for you.
- 10
  Allow the sculpture to cure for a week. Keep it covered with a plastic tarp to keep it from curing too fast, which will weaken the concrete.
- 11
  Affix your sculpture to the pedestal using construction adhesive, available at any home improvement store.

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