How to Make Molds for Cement Bird Baths

Birds look for a few basic needs when choosing a yard to visit. The area must have a food source, an adequate place to set up shelter and a water source for drinking and bathing. For a water source, you can purchase a premade birdbath from your local garden supply store, or you can make your own. Making your own is an inexpensive alternative to a commercially-made birdbath and requires little more than playground sand and some concrete to make a mold.

2 plastic tarps
20 lbs. playground sand
Plastic wrap
1-lb. bag of concrete mix
Rubber gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Place a large plastic tarp onto the ground. This will be your work space. Using a tarp makes it easy to clean up when you are done. Empty a 20-lb. bag of playground sand into the center of the tarp. Add water to the sand until the sand is damp and easily molded.
- 2
  Mold the sand into your desired shape, using your hands. You can make it a bowl shape, a heart shape or any other shape you desire. If necessary, use a ring mold to help define the shape. Cover the sand shape with plastic wrap.
- 3
  Prepare a 1-lb. bag of concrete mix following the instructions on the bag. Do not make it too runny. You want it thick enough to stay put when mounded. Wear rubber gloves and use your hands to place the concrete on top of the plastic wrap covered sand mold. Mound the concrete in the center of the shape so that it is a minimum of 2 inches in the center and 1/4 inch on the edges.
- 4
  Cover the concrete shape with a second plastic tarp. This will protect it from the elements while it sets. Leave it for a minimum of three days, undisturbed. On the third day, remove the tarp and carefully turn the mold upside down. Place the upturned mold in an out-of-the-way location and allow it to harden for another three days. Place the finished birdbath in your garden.

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