These stylish candleholders would be easily at home at any top end homewares store, but you can create your own for only a few dollars, using simple ingredients!
Using concrete for the first time can be a little tricky, (my first few goes at this DID NOT WORK and the concrete collapsed) but with some hints and tips it’s easy. Here’s how.
What You Need:
Fine cement
Builders mix or washed sand
Water
Silicone balloons
Tule or gauze
Rubber gloves
A mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Painters tape
A small bucket or jar to sit the balloon
Plenty of scrap paper to cover surfaces
Spray paint
First, prepare your cement mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Note that some cement will need sand or builders mix before they will start to bind, others are ready to pour. Try to go for quick dry cement in the smoothest mix possible if you can find it! Mix the concrete so it is about the consistency of cake mix – it shouldn’t be too runny or dry.
Blow up your balloon (silicone is best – the thicker the better! This will help the balloon’s shape hold up under the weight of the cement) and wrap a piece of tule around it. Secure with a tie.
Next, use your painters’ tape to secure the balloon firmly to the small bucket.
Now it’s time to apply your concrete. Start from the top, and carefully pat the mixture into the tule. When you need to add more cement, my tip is to keep adding it to the top of the balloon, and gently pressing the concrete down, until it starts to flow down the sides. Keep going until over half of the balloon is covered.
TIP: Always wear gloves when doing this step, and don’t forget to put down some paper to protect your surfaces, it will get very messy!
Leave to set for 24 hours, then when it feels dry and solid, cut the top of the balloon, and allow the air to leak out. Carefully peel away the tule and dust off any excess sand with a brush.
Use spray paint or acrylic paint to decorate your candle holders – gold, copper and champagne gold look fantastic on the inside!
First created for Create and Craft TV