concrete star...

DIY

In today's post I will, as promised, show you another way to DIY some stars into your advent decorations... This time in concrete...my favorite material!! Well actually, this ones a bit of a cheat....and I'm not using concrete, but cement...but all the same : The effect is stunningly rough! Just the way I like it!!
So when I say that this is a bit of a cheat, it's because in this project, there is no need to make a mould to cast in, as we will be using sponge/foam cut to shape to soak up the cement...
Here's how:

You will need:

A 5 point star pattern, see my post 3D folk art stars , where I show you how to make one easily.

Rapid setting cement (I got mine from Wickes)

foam sheet (I got mine from Dunelm Mill, and found it was cheaper to buy a seating pad than a whole sheet)

retractable scalpel (Or a very sharp long bladed knife)

pen

grease proof baking paper

Large container (Large enough to hold the size of your star)

Bucket/bowl (for mixing the cement in)

Step 1:

Make your 5 point star pattern (See my instructions here) in the size you want.

Step 2:

Trace the star pattern onto the foam

Step 3:

Using your retractable blade, carefully cut out the foam star. Take care to make the edges as neat and straight as you can!

Step 4:

Place your foam star in a suitably sized container.

Step 5:

Mix up the cement. Aim for a runny consistency, like double cream.

Step 6:

Pour over the foam star, then squeeze the foam to load it up with the cement mix, turn over and repeat...leave in to soak up the cement for 5 minutes...

Step 7:

Place some grease proof baking paper on the table (or on an old baking tray), then carefully lift the cement soaked foam star on top..

Step 8:

Use the leftover cement mix to smooth over the foam star to cover the sponge texture....as the cement starts to thicken this will be easier...

Leave to set.

Step 9:

When the cement is starting to harden, use a pencil or a knife to score away any excess along the bottom..

You're done!

All you got to do now is leave them , laying flat, in a warm place and wait for the cement to fully cure! This will probably take up to 48 hours!

I am so pleased with how they turned out....and they were so easy to make!!

What do you think?