In minimalist designs, concrete has taken center stage as the clean, utilitarian material of choice. Interior designers have shown off their concrete prowess with countertops, fireplaces, bathtubs, and flooring. Using concrete in one of these focal points is a bold statement that will direct your home’s aesthetic more towards the industrial side. If you’d rather incorporate concrete in more subtle ways, consider making your own concrete decor pieces. These DIY concrete flower vases are simple to make and are eye-catching pieces for your home’s decor.

Materials

  • Concrete Mix: Worldwide, concrete is used more than any other manmade material, but you do not have to be a construction worker to get your hands on it. Go to your local home improvement store to purchase a commercial grade concrete mix.
  • Recycled Bottles: Grab the empty plastic or glass bottles out of your recycling bin and use them to cast your vases. Make sure to keep the caps as well for your vase project.
  • Pens, Candles, or Test Tubes: These skinny objects will keep an opening in your vase for the plants it will contain.

Tools

  • Cordless Drill
  • Diagonal Pliers
  • Box Cutter
  • Hammer

Instructions

  1. Cut An Opening
    The recycled bottles will be easiest to fill when they have a large hole. For plastic bottles, cut off the bottom. For glass bottles, just ensure that the mouth is wide enough to be filled from the top.
  2. Drill A Small Hole
    In the center of the bottle cap, drill a hole. This will be the hole for the pen, candle, or test tube. If you’re using a plastic bottle that you fill from the bottom, insert the pen, candle or test tube into the cap’s hole.
  3. Mix And Pour The Concrete
    Before you fill the bottle, make sure it is completely clean. Place it in a stationary position so that it will not fall over as you fill it. Mix the concrete, and then spoon it into the bottle, pushing the concrete into the bottom of the bottle. Once the bottle is full, tap it to bring air bubbles to the surface. If you’re using a glass bottle, put the cap on and insert the pen, candle, or test tube before the concrete hardens.
  4. Remove The Bottle
    With plastic bottles, allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours, then gently cut away the plastic with a box cutter and pair of diagonal pliers. The vase will still be a bit fragile, allowing you to scrape the bottom flat if needed. With glass bottles, let the vase cure for four to five days, then lightly tap the bottle with a hammer to break the glass off.
  5. Remove The Inner Part
    When removing a plastic pen or candle from the mold, apply a small amount of heat to get it out. For test tubes, use the diagonal pliers to crush it into fragments and pour them out.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a smooth concrete vase. Make multiple vases cast from different bottles to get a fun collection of varying vases. You can also use two different concrete mixes to get different shades of gray in one vase or paint the vases after they are cast. Have fun with them, and you’ll have a unique piece for your table’s centerpiece!