Bring life to your garden, yard, or walkway with these super simple, one-of-a-kind cement projects!

There are two types of ready-made cement products:

1) Sand & rocks which creates a rougher finish
2) Sand only which creates a smoother finish

Planters

Materials & tools:

• Plastic bowls in two different sizes
• Vegetable oil and brush
• Ready-made cement (mixes with water)
• Mixing tools & container
• Rocks (weights)

Method:

Brush oil on insides of larger bowl.

Brush oil on outsides of smaller bowl.

Mix cement and water to oatmeal consistency.

Pour cement into base of larger bowl.

Position smaller bowl on cement base and fill around smaller bowl with cement.

Gently shift bowls back and forth on work table to level cement and smooth out top.

Place rocks (weights) inside bowl.

Allow cement to dry / cure for 24 hours.

Remove larger and smaller bowl.

Approximate cost: $10 

Garden stepping stones with toppings

Materials & tools:

• Cardboard or pre-made cardboard trays / shoe boxes
• Scissors or box cutters
• Duct tape
• Pliers and wire hangers
• Ready-made cement (mixes with water)
• Mixing tools & container
• Options – pennies, marbles, stones or pre-made bamboo trivet

Method:

Form cardboard into shape of stepping stone with base and sides.

Tape lower edges to ensure cement does not seep out or cardboard does not lose shape.

Cut wire hangers and intertwine to create a mesh (embedded wire will help reinforce cement).

Mix cement and water to oatmeal consistency.

Pour 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of cement into cardboard form and position wire over top of cement.

Continue pouring cement until the desired thickness (1.5 – 2 inches).

Gently shift form back and forth on work table to level cement and smooth out top.

Options – place pennies, marbles, stones or pre-made bamboo trivet over top – gently pushing topping material into cement.

Allow cement to dry/cure for 24 hours.

Remove cardboard form.

Approximate cost: $10 

Garden stepping stones with leaf impressions

Materials & tools:

• Cardboard or pre-made cardboard trays / shoe boxes
• Scissors or box cutters
• Duct tape
• Pliers and wire hangers
• Ready-made cement (mixes with water)
• Mixing tools & container
• Garden leaves with prominent veining

Method:

Form cardboard into shape of stepping stone with base and sides.

Tape lower edges to ensure cement does not seep out or cardboard does not lose shape.

Cut wire hangers and intertwine to create a mesh (embedded wire will help reinforce cement).

Mix cement and water to oatmeal consistency.

Position leaves facing down and veining facing up.

Pour 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of cement into cardboard form and position wire over top of cement.

Continue pouring cement until the desired thickness 1.5 – 2 inches.

Gently shift form back and forth on work table to level cement and smooth out top.

Allow cement to dry / cure for 24 hours.

Remove cardboard form and remove leaves.

Approximate cost: $10 

Courtesy Antonio Bellusci

www.antoniobellusci.com

@abellusci