How to Make Free Form Concrete Sculptures

You can add an artistic and very durable addition to the garden with a concrete sculpture you design yourself. Some of the most attractive modern sculptures take their inspiration from nature. For example, a bird in flight could inspire a freeform sculpture that conveys the movement of the bird without attention to the bird's individual features. By creating a reusable mold to make your sculpture, a series of your concrete sculptures could be scattered through the garden.

2 lbs. air dry clay

4-qt. plastic bucket

Latex mold formula found at craft stores

Serrated knife

Large plastic bowl

Wooden spoon

2 lbs. quick set cement

Create the freeform sculpture with the air dry clay in the design of your choice. Let the clay dry for 24 hours.

Place the clay sculpture in the plastic bucket.

Mix the latex mold formula according to the manufacturer's directions. Pour the formula over the clay sculpture, covering it completely. Let the latex formula set for one hour.

Pull the set latex from the plastic bucket. Cut the mold in half and remove the clay sculpture.

Mix the cement with water, adding 1/2 cup water at a time in the plastic bowl, and stir with the wooden spoon until the mixture resembles oatmeal.

Fill the recesses of the mold with the wet cement. Press the mold halves back together and insert the entire mold back into the plastic bucket.

Let the cement dry for 24 hours. Pull the mold from the bucket, pull apart the halves and remove the completed freeform concrete sculpture.