Concrete Geometric Polyhedron Container and pattern
Who can really resist the allure of a diamond?… Er, I mean a diamond shape?! This unique concrete geometric polyhedron container (and pattern) can sit at multiple angles since it isn’t symmetrical and resembles a faceted diamond. I’ve designed my own original mold pattern and it is made of a unique material that only costs pennies. Go, download my pattern and ‘shine bright like a diamond’…
Geometric shapes are contemporary and provide a fresh feel to decor, not to mention the cool mathematical calculations needed to create polyhedrons. Planes catch the light and dazzle the senses.
The Geometric Polyhedron Form:
When designing this form I wanted it NOT to be symmetrical, but still based on the diamond. My brain just about exploded trying to figure out the various facets and planes. This is actually right up my alley as I am constantly drawing forms.
After a few drafts of ‘cereal box cardboard’ the polyhedron worked! Hallelujah!
I had been wracking my brain for quite a while to figure out a good material to use to make the pattern. I hate the ones made of cardboard. Always being practical and wanting to be able to use it multiple times, and be inexpensive is important. Peel-and-stick floor tiles are great for this as they are super cheap (2 for $1) and cut easily. They are smooth and shiny which is great for concrete.
The Pattern:
You can down load my free PDF pattern (that I really really slaved over)
Print both pages, cut out and use it to trace around onto the back of the floor tile. Both should fit on one square foot. Note the centre line shows where to ‘mirror’ the shape. You could print 2 and tape them together.
Cut around the shapes on the outside. I cut from the back with a good xacto knife and metal ruler.
Snap it and then cut through to detach the pieces. The sticky back paper is still attached.
Once you have the major shape cut you can then partially cut through at the interior score lines. DO NOT CUT THROUGH completely. You want it to be able to bend it to provide the corners of the polyhedron.
Take the stick back paper off.
Use some packing tape to bring the bottom of the shape together. It will remain together during casting.
This vinyl tile is great. It has a subtle stone-like texture. The surface is strong and works great to bend and give a crisp corner and since it has a sticky back the tape holds really well.
Tape it together in preparation for the pouring. Aren’t you impressed?!
Print the second page of the pattern and repeat with the interior shape. I suppose of you are lazy you could just use a cup or something. But it won’t match the shape.
Gee, it fits inside nicely… thanks to my geometric brain!
Tape it well from the outside.
Concrete Pouring:
I have been loving RapidSet Cementall lately as I have had to resort to pouring in my basement. Do wear a good dust mask. This mix is very strong and cures ridiculously fast. It is almost too fast, so be ready! It has about a 10 minute working time and is ready to unmold in 1 hour. Crafters are very impatient people!
Add water slowly as it absorbs really well into this mix. It usually gets too thin and I have to add more mix since it has a plasticity to it. You will want it to have quite a flow, like a watery pudding. It is made to be used in various consistencies.
Push the middle piece down into the mix and centre it. Add some rocks or marbles to weigh it down or taping can also work.
All set, propped up to make it level.
All ‘Set’:
Go have a break. An hour later and you can feel the heat from the setting stage. Cut the corners and wiggle it until it lets go. The centre mold can pull out as well, if stuck slide in a tongue depressor to help detach it. The mold is so shiny that it does not need a release agent. The top edges will need some smoothing by sanding with a course emery cloth. Do not wash any concrete down the drain, just let it harden in the container and knock into the garbage when cleaning up.
I am quite proud of this mold! Such great crisp corners and I like the texture as well! More possibilities have been floating in my head. Tiles only cost 5o cents!
These bowls can sit multiple ways so they look like a different shape. Use as planters, jars, pencil holders… whatever suits your fancy.
Alright lets add some bling to this polyhedron! My favourite right now is gold leaf. Tape off some sections and apply the adhesive according to the brand. This leafing comes on carriers sheets. and just needs some pressing on after glue is tacky. Use a stiffer brush to get rid of extra leafing pieces.
This turns out so contemporary and chic. Paint it as you like or just admire the concrete.
Turn and flip to other sides. Size it up or down if you like by printing the pattern larger or smaller. I’d love to see it! Impress someone, I won’t tell…
“Gee, it fits inside nicely… thanks to my geometric brain!” — Your geometric brain is brilliant, Barb! Love your polyhedron container and your vinyl tile mold idea.
Fun to see you working/playing with cement again :-).
Another great project made by Barb!
Thank you! I don’t completely understand why concrete is so intriguing for me! But I constantly have more ideas in my head. Problem; getting them tested and documented. Enjoy!
I think this is really awesome …. I love to try this. It seems a little difficult.
I’ve done the hard part of figuring out the pattern for the ‘mold’. Since it’s a vinyl tile it can me reused many times. I hated seeing those shabby ones cast in cardboard! Or maybe start with a simple project like the coasters, no mold or fuss. Good luck!
Hi don’t be tired. Excellent workmanship. Can I help you figure out how to mold? Thanks for the help.
Sounds great. Love to try this one day.
Fancy! Love how you figured out the asymmetric idea … because you can use the same pattern to make a few and depending how they sit, they won’t look the exactly the same … but eerily similar.
Good one!
Yes, thanks. It really is a planar study isn’t it?! Throw-back to the old 3D courses I taught. ‘Could be an entirely new direction…
Hi Barb, thank you so much for this awesome work. Can you fix the download link please? Best!
Just tested, it’s working. You can also get to the download under the download menu.
Hi Barb,
I just discovered your site this afternoon – and am hooked! SO excited to try some of your projects!
I definitely am going to try this beauty. Would you still recommend the Rapidset Cementall for the more rustic, heavily textured pieces you do – those that look like natural rock? Or would you use the Quickcrete for those and the Rapidset for the ones you want to be smooth?
Thanks!
I’m glad you are excited! The rapidset is definitely different than the Quikcrete. For larger pieces like bowls the quikcrete is fine and does have more texture. If casting pieces that feet or tails the Rapidset is stronger. If the mold has a shiny surface, the rapidset will come out of the mold shiny. I suppose it depends on your preference.
I DO just love not having to wait 24 hours though! The rapidset is also quite expensive, if comparing, but still yields a lot out of one big bag. Just get those muscles for trying to carry it!
Good luck, I’d love to see what you come up with…
It is -24C here in Ottawa and sitting here in my Jammie’s with coffee in hand pouring over all your amazing projects. Thanks so much for your generosity for sharing and taking the time to explain in such clear detail how to do them – your creative energy emanates from your words … I am inspired to get into old clothes and break open that bag of Portland cement I have in the basement and try to make a little bowl! Thank you so much for the creative inspiration Barb!
Thanks! Oh I feel that cold here too! ‘Glad you found me! This time of year makes me think mittens and blankets
I can’t wait til I can ‘concrete’ outdoors! But for now I can see the strength of it as the faces are quite snow covered
Hi! This seems lovely, I would love to do it, but it seems like the file is corrupt I can download it but I can opened it whit any program. I hope you can update the link or something. Thank you!
all sent
Hi! I just found your blog and I’m loving all the projects. I hope I can try this one soon!
Thank you for sharing the pattern.
It’s super unique, Enjoy! And since it uses the tile it can be reused many times.
If you were using this mix for planters would you soak the pot to draw out the chemicals?
Yes, you can. If you add a bit of vinegar to the bucket of water it will help neutralize the alkalinity of the concrete. Enjoy!
Hi, I want to thank you and tell you that I believe that artists like you are very rare. Normally I do not write posts but I felt really that I have to thank you. Many artists wont tell you a word of advice without you pay them!!! I understand that they want to make money but they go so far, stepping on any meaning of help and kindness!!! Some can really shock you. Again, THANKS for your kindness and support.
I heard a joke the other day saying that people don’t like ‘Bloggers’, and I was wondering why!? Yes, it’s a common issue as I really do not want to do so much work for free. It may be my mistake. A lot of time is involved in making a good instructional post. I do offer donations and I hope to have more eBooks as well. I guess it’s the fact I am an artist and teacher foremost! Spread the word so I can have more followers… Thanks
Vinyl Floor Tiles!!! Why didn’t I think of that?
I am busy making cutting patterns for various geometric pots but have been wondering how to make the forms. I have plenty of cardboard but waterproofing it would be tedious. I can print out the templates (slooooowwwly) with the Pen Tool on my paper cutting machine. I can print out ones with small parts on my large format printer, but it is restricted to about 9 inches in diameter for any part. I like making BIG pots for small trees.
I usually mix my own concrete – hypertufa formula, but I am happy to experiment with fast setting stuff as well. I can hardly wait until it stops raining so that I can start these projects again. I have zero spare room in my garage but have a nice bench around the side of my house with a shower-proof tarp over the top. It is not storm proof but is fine during the summer months.
Yes! The vinyl tiles are great! It’s sometimes hard to find some without a pattern on them. I hate those cardboard molds; so sloppy. I am sure there is other material as well but harder to source. Sheets of polystyrene would work (wonderful stuff – just score and snap). I have a bench behind my shed which is my concreting station, not fussy to keep clean and shaded is best. I have many innovative designs of concrete Yup, waiting for ice to melt…
very nice and well made creations