DIY Concrete Urn

A striking basket weave-decorated concrete urn can be made at home with a few supplies found at the hardware store. An old basket is used as a mold for the urn, and will be destroyed during the mold release process. Used baskets are often available for just a few dollars at thrift shops. A lightweight cement mixture known a hypertufa, first developed by European gardeners to mimic volcanic tufa rock, will make this urn a great choice for a container planter.

Things You'll Need

• 5 lbs. Portland cement
• 5 lbs. Vermiculite
• 5 lbs. Peat moss
• Wheelbarrow
• Trowel
• Rubber gloves
• Wicker basket
• Wire clippers

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mix the Portland cement, vermiculite and peat moss together in the wheelbarrow with the trowel. Add water, one cup at a time, until the mixture is the consistency of oatmeal.

   • 2

     Move the damp mixture into the wicker basket with the trowel, pressing the mixture to the basket edges to create 2-inch thick walls and a 2-inch thick bottom.

   • 3

     Press your finger into the bottom of the urn to create a drainage hole. Let the urn dry for 48 hours.

   • 4

     Remove the wicker basket with the wire clippers to reveal the completed concrete urn.