• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

My Vintage Porch

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • DIY
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Shop
    • Shop My Instagram
    • My Etsy Shop
    • IG Links

My Vintage Porch

Interior Design, DIY, and Refurbishing

DIY Concrete Planters

Filed Under: Crafts & Projects, DIY Tagged With: antique, better homes and gardens, cement, chalk paint, concrete, concrete planter, cottage style, diy, diy home, diy planter, farmhouse, gathered style, how to mix concrete, make concrete, painted furniture, planter, project, rustic decor, upcycle, vintage, vintage style

Well, let me just start off by saying that this was a challenge of a project for me. It probably had something to do with me being a fly by the seat of my donkey kind of person and just winging things. I skimmed a few tutorials on Pinterest, and then decided I was ready to start my own, without doing much research.

I started out with a metal bowl, and I sprayed it with cooking spray before adding the cement. I wanted smooth looking concrete planters, so I used straight Portland cement instead of cement with additives such as stones and other gritty materials. If you saw my story on Instagram, you will know how using metal for the planter ended, it was a sad sad day for that planter. Maybe if I hadn’t used a hammer to get it out, that might have improved the outcome. Needless to say, this one would not come out of its mold and ended up in a million pieces. At least it taught me that the next time, I was not going to try it with a metal bowl.

I used Portland cement as stated above…you can see the one I used in the photo above. I mixed it in this plastic bucket with a trowel. I was a little nervous about this process because I thought it was going to be really hard to mix. I have never worked with the cement before. It was actually so super easy and encouraged me to do a lot more of these types projects with cement. I just used water from my hose outdoors, making for less mess inside.

I chose many different bowls to use for the second time around, one being our “barf” bucket. I had full faith that the barf bucket would not disappoint. I sprayed the bottom bowl with olive oil cooking spray (I’m sure any cooking spray would work, that’s just what I had on hand). I then filled the bowl about half (or a little more than half) full and then pressed the blue bowl down into it, after I sprayed the bottom of the blue bowl with the cooking spray as well. I decided this time that I was going to try to remove the inside bowl before it was completely dry.

When the cement had set up enough, I removed the blue bowl, shown here. The cement was set up good enough that it didn’t cave-in and it allowed me to remove the bowl a lot easier. I let the cement set up the rest of the way and dry overnight before I removed the larger bowl underneath…also known as the reincarnated food bucket. Having the stones in the bowl allowed for the top bowl to be heavier and sit lower inside the cement to make the indentation for the planter.

I had many different plastic bowls and also a couple glass containers. From my experience, the plastic bowls are the way to go. It was tougher for me to remove the concrete from the glass. I had one glass bowl where it popped right out, but the rest I had to break the glass to get the concrete out. For the vase, I knew I was going to break the glass on that one anyways. I used a cheap vase that I had on hand and added a small vase in the top to make the indentation. If I was to do it again, I would go to the dollar tree and buy some plastic containers to use so they could be cut apart if needed.

Before I made these, I planned to use them for faux plants and other things in my home. If I was making a concrete planter for an actual plant, I may do it a little bit differently, as water can seep through the concrete. I would probably also use the hypertufa method that a lot of you suggested to make it more breathable for plants. There are lots of tutorials out there on the hypertufa method as well if you search for that.

I know there are so many ways this can be done, but I just wanted to share what worked the best for me. I really love the way they turned out! It’s such an easy and budget friendly way to make cute planters. I think my bag of cement was under $12 for that ginormous bag. I barely even used a quarter of it for this project. Below are a few of the ways I plan on using my concrete planters. I would love for you to tag me @vintageporch on Instagram if you decide to make some of your own and I would love to hear in the comments below what you think of my concrete planters.

  • TWITTER
  • FACEBOOK
  • PINTEREST

View More Related Posts

  • DIY Hypertufa PlanterDIY Hypertufa Planter
  • Zoodles Veggie BowlZoodles Veggie Bowl
  • Grain-free Blueberry PancakesGrain-free Blueberry Pancakes

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debbie Chandler says

    April 4, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    These are perfect and look great the way you have styled them! Love it and thanks for the tutorial – I loved your stories too!🤩

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Sweet! Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad I figured out something to do with the small cracked one 🙌🏼

  2. Cathy Naquin says

    April 4, 2019 at 7:15 pm

    I love how each one came out. And I love the way you styled them all! Now I am going to give it a try! Thanks for the tutorial and the great IG stories!

  3. Toni says

    April 4, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    Oh my gosh!! These turned out fantastic!! Can’t wait to try it! You are so funny!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:17 am

      Yay! I hope you try it too!

  4. Amy says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:09 pm

    These look amazing!! And you are a joy to watch 😳☺❤

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:17 am

      Thank you so much sweet Amy!

  5. Rhonda says

    April 4, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    Everything you do looks awesome! I love your planters, they look perfect in your home❤️

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:17 am

      So sweet! Thank you, Rhonda!

  6. Adrianne Rabensburg says

    April 4, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    I loved your IG stories on how you created these! The barf bucket (😂) they tuned out amazing! And of course you styled and displayed them beautifully! 😍

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:18 am

      Thank you Adrianne!! One point for barf bucket😂🙌🏼

  7. Lis says

    April 4, 2019 at 10:40 pm

    They turned out so awesome!!! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing and inspiring all of your followers ❤️

    Lis

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:18 am

      Thank you so much, Lis! I hope you make some too!

  8. Tracey says

    April 5, 2019 at 3:29 am

    Always entertaining! And wow! they are great!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:19 am

      Sweet! Thank you Tracey!!

  9. linda of no.cal. says

    April 5, 2019 at 4:29 am

    HOW FUN!!! I really like the bowl idea… !! 🌸linda of no.cal. / le.gans

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:19 am

      Awesome! I hope you try it too 🙌🏼

  10. Sarah Sellers says

    April 5, 2019 at 5:22 am

    Can’t wait to try this!!! Thank you for sharing.. and for being so entertaining 😆👍🏼❤️

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:19 am

      You are so kind! Thank you, Sarah!

  11. Melanie says

    April 5, 2019 at 5:41 am

    I’ve been wanting to try this – bought cement last summer, but never got around to it! Your post inspires me to drag that bag outside and give it a go. The vase is beautiful and so worth smashing the glass to get that outcome! Thanks for the post.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:20 am

      I thought for sure that the vase was going to crack when I started smashing the glass with a hammer. 😂The thin glass is the way to go because it cracked so easily.

  12. Dee says

    April 5, 2019 at 5:45 am

    Wow who knew one could actually do
    this …. I salute you, they look amazing! Laughed out loud when I got to the barf bucket part- can’t we all relate there’s one somewhere hidden away?! Thanks for the chuckle, I really enjoy your writing!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:21 am

      What would we do without a barf bucket 😂 thank you so much, Dee!

  13. MICHELLE SWEARINGEN says

    April 5, 2019 at 6:13 am

    Can’t wait to try this!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:21 am

      Woo hoo! So fun!

  14. liz says

    April 5, 2019 at 6:30 am

    This one is definitely going on my “must try” list – they look great!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:21 am

      Oh awesome! They are so fun 🙌🏼

  15. Lisa B says

    April 5, 2019 at 6:53 am

    These are gorgeous. You’re amazing. Enough said. :o)

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 5, 2019 at 7:22 am

      Sweet, Lisa! Thank you for being you…always so kind 😘😘

  16. Cathy says

    April 5, 2019 at 7:31 am

    They turned out beautiful!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:44 pm

      Thank you so much, Cathy!

  17. Tammy says

    April 5, 2019 at 7:40 am

    These are amazing! You have inspired me to give these a try. Thank you!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      Awesome! I hope you do!

  18. Angie says

    April 5, 2019 at 8:18 am

    So cute Natalie!! I can’t wait to try this!

  19. Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says

    April 5, 2019 at 8:25 am

    These are pretty cool. Love how they turned out.
    Happy Friday and have a great weekend.
    Kris

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you, Kris! You too!

  20. Penny says

    April 5, 2019 at 9:08 am

    I love these! Your IG stories were as if I were attempting the project! I would have done it exactly the same. Tenacity is a great trait!!!

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      lol, it definitely was a journey

  21. Jonita says

    April 5, 2019 at 2:37 pm

    I the love them. I am going to make some of them. So keep your fingers crossed for me.😊love your Instagrams you make me smile and laugh. My husband and I went junking and I had to go so bad so he took me home. As I was sitting on the pot it sounded just like you and I just smile to my self as I thought ,l I went longer than you. 🤗

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm

      That is so funny! I love it! lol

  22. Connie says

    April 6, 2019 at 5:36 am

    I love the bowls you created with cement – they look awesome! I am just happy to see your post I have been checking in each day and was beginning to worry about you. I know “life” takes priority over posting and with three children, one husband and a dog life can be very busy. Thank you for sharing and for posting.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm

      Thank you Connie! Yes, it’s been so crazy around here!

  23. Chelsea says

    April 9, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Oh, how NEAT is this! Maybe I’ll give this a try someday. They turned out great! Imperfectly perfect! Thanks for sharing this with us! 😁

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      Sweet! So glad you love them!

  24. Janice says

    April 13, 2019 at 7:50 am

    Are the roses faux? Where did you get them? I love the way those fancy, formal-looking roses look in the rustic concrete containers.

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      Yes, I found those at Michaels for $5 a bunch!

  25. Micki says

    April 21, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    I just started a bowl/ planter and it’s still drying. My question is house did you clean up the edges? I loved your video & wanted to show to my hubby.
    LOVE u ! You always make me laugh & I learn so much from ya☺

    • My Vintage Porch says

      April 25, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      If you use some 100-150 grit sandpaper, that should work

Primary Sidebar

Search My Vintage Porch

meet natalie

Receive the latest posts from My Vintage Porch!

Sign up to receive an email with my home decor ideas, decorating tips and latest DIYs!

Footer

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Home Decor
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy

Receive the latest posts from My Vintage Porch via email!

Join me on Instagram
@vintageporch
Pot money? Rubber money? I’m giving some away in Pot money? Rubber money? I’m giving some away in stories 🙌🏼...see my rubber over there? I looooooooveeeeee it!!!!! I want you to have some happy plants and pots to create for your own too!...and by happy, I mean they bring much joy! I’m going back to get one more rubber on my way home tonight! And, this room is coming together just like I wanted...this is my thrifted hutch, if you missed it before. #antiquehutch #rustichomedecor #oldhutch #goldendoodlesofinstagram
I finished my pot and Hallie says that our hallway I finished my pot and Hallie says that our hallway is her favorite room in our house now!  #sponsored We changed out the lighting in our rental to make it more homey while we are here, but we are definitely taking it all with us when we leave, along with our Caséta by @lutronelectronics! Our Caséta by Lutron smart lighting control system has been one of the things that we would not want to go without after having it!...total peace of mind that we can control all of our lighting in our home from anywhere just by using the Lutron app on our phone! And, it’s nice that we can get to our bedroom every night now without falling down the stairs! 🤪 (see stories for more on that) I can’t say enough good things about this lighting and I can’t wait to put it in our whole house when we build! #CasétaSmarterLighting #hallway
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! ♥️ Cabinet done! (Swipe over GIVEAWAY ALERT!!! ♥️ Cabinet done! (Swipe over) Are you surprised that it’s a similar rustic color to my hutch or that we chopped the seashell off? The painting is not done, but I’d say my fave show “I Love Lucy” is pretty good for art! 😁 Did you catch my stories about my new/old @revival rug?  I’m in love with it!! @revival has offered to give $1000 in a gift card to one of you... and, check stories (or my profile) for a link and discount code too! I’m so excited for one of you to win $1000 to @revival !
.
Super easy to enter!
.
.
1.  Like this photo 
.
.
 2. Follow @revival and @vintageporch 
.
.
3. Comment what ideas you have for styling your @revival rug if you win 
.
.
That’s it! Good luck, my friends! #vintagerug #rusticfurniture
Did you have a fave hutch in stories? (Swipe over) Did you have a fave hutch in stories? (Swipe over) We couldn’t decide either so we just got both...said the wish monster. 🤪We don’t have room yet but I’m hoping for a nice big hutch like one of these to be part of our kitchen in our build. @antiquitieswarehouse has the best stuff!! Our kitchen to come may be a little outside the norm and I’m super pumped about it! Oh, and lots of you wondering the cost of this hutch...let’s just say if you could have a new car or a new hutch, which would you choose? I’ll take the hutch! 😃25K for this puppy #antiquehutch #antiquefurniture
Ahhhh! Can you believe that I got it all straight? Ahhhh! Can you believe that I got it all straight? #sponsor  I love love my new gallery wall!! I found so many fun things @samsclub today (see stories) along with all of the printer ink and supplies that helped me finish off my gallery wall! You can still do great things in a rental my friends, you can!🙌🏼 Sam’s Club sure has amazing deals! And, I can’t wait to try out that carpet cleaner...and blow up that pool for Chester, of course! Yay for fun projects and for just plain fun! 😁🐶 #samspartner #gallerywall #photowall
Mirror, done! What color was your guess? Were you Mirror, done! What color was your guess? Were you scared watching stories? No hot pink or turquoise ...I just wanted it warmer with more gold tones and I love it! It looks older and more realistic now...not so plasticity like before. I’ll show you some close ups in stories soon and will show how I got the old layered look...it’s even better in real life person! #standingmirror #rusticdecor
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: The account for needs to be reconnected.
Due to recent Instagram platform changes this Instagram account needs to be reconnected in order to continue updating. Reconnect on plugin Settings page

Copyright © 2021 | Exclusive member of Mediavine Home