DIY Concrete Smiling Stones
No, I have definitely not ‘lost my marbles’! This craziness sparked from some recent funny things in my life. And nope, I still have my teeth! But a rainy family weekend away meant playing some games. ‘Speak-Out‘ is so hilariously side-splitting funny; I have not laughed that hard in ages!
I’m not sure how, but that crazy artist brain of mine somehow came up with this DIY Concrete Smiling Stone adaptation when I remembered a mold I had kicking around…
You will need:
- Denture Shape silicone ice mold
- RapidSet Cementall concrete or similar
- Tin foil
- Hot Glue Gun & glue sticks
- Duct Tape
- Acrylic paint (white, black, yellow, blue & red)
- Clear acrylic Gloss medium optional
- Acrylic Pearlizing Medium
- brushes, water
- metal zippers (longer can be cut) & scissors
- Palette knife or similar
Step #1: Make the teeth
Mix a small amount of the concrete mix. This RapidSet Cementall sets very quickly; in only a few minutes and does not require as much water. It is recommended to add the water first and then add the dry mix. I’m a bit of a rule breaker so I had been doing it backwards for a while. Then I always needed to add more mix because it was too wet… figures.
The ‘teeth’ parts tends to get bubbles so make sure to tap it very firmly to rid of the bubbles.
The impatient part of me loves that it can pulled out of the mold in one hour. No need for a mold release either as silicone works great with concrete. I am so impressed with this mold, as it is quite realistic.
You could leave it as is or give it some realism by painting it.
To mix a flesh tone mix some white and red acrylic paint, add some yellow, and then a tiny bit of blue. Compare it to the colour of your hands, but a bit more pink.
You can be fussy or not. The inside won’t be seen, nor the back.
I added a bit of gloss medium to make it ‘saliva-shiny’. Even a bit of acrylic pearlizing medium makes the teeth shine. You can’t help but chuckle through this…
To set the upper and lower teeth I separated them a bit and glued with hot glue at the molars. This won’t be seen so be sure it holds well by filling well.
To prevent anything getting in the mouth opening I taped the back closed with duct tape.
Step #2: Making the form & Zipper
Any length of zipper can be used as long as it is enough for the smile. The excess can be cut off. Use some old zippers from discarded clothes, as the colour does not matter. The 2 open ends of the zipper need some gluing together. You can adjust the smile as you like.
Glue the top and bottom at the centre point. I leave the sides loose to build up with some concrete ‘cheeks’.
From my sculpting days I learnt to use tin foil as a bulking agent. It is great since it can be formed easily and is quite stiff. Make the shape you prefer and glue to the teeth. Add more if needed. You can now imagine how it will look. Be creative, as stones come in all sizes and shapes.
I tuck a bit of the foil around the zipper to keep everything snug before I start with the concrete.
Step #3: The concrete
Using the same concrete, this time mix it to a thicker consistency. I find that it will slightly stiffen in about 30 seconds and be quite moldable and able to hold it’s shape. I do really love this stuff…
It’s not a mystery what to do next. Cover the form with the concrete and work your way around. It can be a round type of stone or more angular. Poke it, put dents & holes. The more rough the better and realistic it will look. It will start to get firm after a couple of minutes or so.
At that point I will start to get fussier and finish the ‘lip’ edges. I like to use a painter’s palette knife as it’s thin and flexible. ‘Smear’ the mix up carefully to where the zipper teeth are. You can also brush any concrete off with a brush and water if need be. Try to keep the zipper pull clean.
Trust me, it’s not that hard at all…
Step #4: Finishing the Colour
Yup, I am always in a hurry. I figure if the paint is added earlier it can sink into the concrete even better. I mix a bit of black acrylic paint with a tiny bit of concrete and brush it on very loosely.
Let it run and be mottled. The mix tends to be a very light colour if no staining is done.
Laugh out loud! These guys make me chuckle.
So, now what? You can put them in the garden, add them discreetly between the rockery and make someone jump.
I could not resist seeing them frolic on the beach with their other rock friends…
I would like to plant up a bowl with some succulents and beach stones. Perfect for the orthodontics/dentist office!
And Halloween is fast approaching. Perhaps you just add a few under the house plants to give you a smile every day.
I may be a bit silly… bit we keep using emojis everywhere but these are real ‘stone’. We all deserve a hearty laugh now and then.
I just can’t help myself… A bit of fun before I have to head back to teaching!
Love it, love it, love it!! A bit ‘twisted , but hilarious. Thanks so much.
Oh yes! I’m going to have the oddest garden… So much fun.
These are amazingly fun Barb. You are a DIY genius!
Yes! And I had much fun with these! My silly outlet!
So create veg and creepy too🤪
Wondering where u found the teeth mould? Such a cute idea.😊
Thanks! There is a link to buying the mold in the post. It’s for ice cubes and get it here Have fun!
These are just hilarious….love them.
Thanks, anything that makes someone smile is worth it…
So creative and creepy too🤪
I just bought the mold on Amazon. This looks like way too much fun!
Oh for sure! I was thinking… Maybe there is a way to open the mouth even wider and make a succulent planter.
Love the idea for the succulent planter!!!! These are darling, if you can call them that.
Plant in the mouth? Maybe, better hidden in the garden
This is so silly, and you’re right, it does make one smile! You are soooo creative and I’m glad you share it with us. I have been playing in cement and I find it to be quite addicting! I would like to know if you need to treat the dried project so it is safe for plants?
Thanks much.
‘Glad to inspire! Yes, concrete is addicting! Are you worried that the concrete will leach out some alkali? I would think that would not be a problem in the garden since it is such a small amount and would travel downwards. If you putting it in a small planter you could soak it in water for a while. The zipper may rust though, which would not be that horrible as I like the look of rust. Or you could give it a coat of clear acrylic mat medium (patio paint) So little is invested that you could just try it… Happy concreting!
That is absolutely awesome and I absolutely love it. You are a very clever lady and I am so going to try my hand at one! X
I am going to ‘plant’ some into my garden and wait for reactions as people pass by… Should be quite fun! Find some strategic places for yours!
Love love this quirky garden treasure…. I am going to be making so many of these…… Thank you for sharing…
Oh, I’m glad! Concrete gets to be an addiction, you’ve been warned… Have fun
So Talented, I have a rock Garden, this will Be So Fun for Halloween.
I am also going to place a few in my rock garden at the sidewalk, should be fun to see when I sit on the front porch…
Creepy in the best way! Love these. Happened on your site through Hometalk and I’m so glad I did😊
I am so glad you have come for a visit! Stay a while, and enjoy! More unique projects in the works!
OMG! I’m cracking up! I too, just saw your post from HomeTalk with the pop cans first and then came across your other projects with concrete. These are hilarious! I absolutely LOVE THIS! My daughter and I are doing a craft show for the first time in Sept. and Nov. Do you think these would be a good seller? I think so, if not, at least a laugh out loud moment! I’ve never seen anything like this and I think people would get a kick out of them! Thanks for sharing. You’re so ingenius!
As an artist I felt a bit odd, but I’m glad it’s got people smiling! Happy making!
Wonderful! I saw your tin can firms on home talk & read through the comments where I saw the monster eggs; one thing leading to another, here I am & am thrilled! Can’t wait to get time to run through all of your projects!! I love these smiling stones ( I love quirky 🙃) thanks so much for sharing your talent!
Yes, I crashed the servers with that HomeTalk post! Many concrete projects and a new post for making concreting easy and clean. Have fun!