How to make easy Draped Concrete Bowls

Designing with concrete has such possibilities! Create unique & amazing shapes with this simple technique; How to make easy draped concrete bowls, not to mention some ‘bling’!

Such Elegant texture, organic shapes, and a touch of modern minimalism—make this a great way to create design for your space.

If you love the look of concrete but want to try something sculptural and simple, draped concrete bowls are a beautiful place to start. With just a few supplies and some patience, you can create unique decor pieces that look high-end but are surprisingly easy to make with these instructions.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Quick-set concrete or cement mix (look for a fine, smooth blend that has no aggregate)
• Water
• Mixing container and spoon or spatula
• Fabric to absorb the concrete mix (consider something that has texture)
• Blow up ball
• rubber gloves & dust mask
• Sandpaper (optional, for finishing)
• Paint for finishing (Acrylic & Metallic paints)

What is Draped Concrete?

Can you believe that fabric can be dipped into wet concrete mix?! Yes, I have been working with this technique for quite a few years now, from cool characters to other vessels, mushrooms and even waterfalls! Above all else I love to design for my home.

The resent trend of texture in simple form has spurred this design. Gold and brass has also been very popular so I could not resist adding a gold finish to these.

Step #1: Prepare

This may be messy so protect your work area and wear proper PPE. Decide what shape you would like to use as a form. I love the simplicity of a spherical shape as it can also be used on it’s side. Inexpensive children’s balls work well and can be deflated for reuse, much better than balloons! Most smooth plastics do not need a mold release but cooking spray can be used if concerned.

The Work space should be protected and efforts to contain the dust is vital. Gloves and dust mask for concrete is needed. I have some tips for working with concrete so clean up is easy and safe. (no concrete in the sink!) My tip; have a bucket of water that can be used to dip hands or tools for clean-up, then when needed pour off top water and let sediment settle for disposal.

Step #2; Cut the fabric

The shape of the fabric could be whatever you like… Since the round form will create some wrinkles consider how the fabric will cover the form and drape to make the final shape. I cut the fabric of choice (soft medium fleece) with some rounded scallops so the top edges will have a cohesive design to the form. Dry fit on the forms to test the shapes…

Step #3; Mix & Dip

These bowls are a little different than the ones that dipped in Portland cement. This mix is a very fast setting and has some fine sand in it. It will require more mixing and dipping to disperse all the slurry into the fabric. That is why I choose the thicker nubbly fleece (old fleece sheet). Squeeze and work the thin concrete mix into the fabric well.

Place the dipped fabric piece over the form and manipulate as best as possible since this fabric has some stretch. Adjust the wrinkles as you like and brush on extra mix if needed.

As you see these have more sandy texture than the portland cement dips. Some of the sand tends to stay behind so I like to brush it on. Work quickly though…

Step #4; Remove the form

Let the concrete cure. (cover if too dry and warm) Use the pump tip to deflate the ball.

If any spots are too soft you can add (brush on) more mix after dampening the set concrete. The bowls will be quite stiff even though quite thin, that is what I like about this specific concrete mix and the fast curing time.

Step #5; Finish the Bowls

Yes, these could be left naked if you like but I wanted to make sure they would not lose any of the sandy texture. I also have a theme of many whites in my decor so I opted for white & brass gold. The primer is a thick white base.

Paint the outsides of the bowls white, making sure to get into the textures.

An alternate way is to only use a dry-brush technique to only accent the concrete grey. Why opt for a ‘plastic-look’ look if its concrete?!

Step #6; The Gold Finish:

Brass & gold are very trendy in home decor right now! There are many gold acrylic paints on the market, but this one is my favourite. Feel free to experiment to find your ‘gold’ as they are all a bit different.

The inside of the bowls are painted with this thick paint.

For some accents the gold is wrapped loosely around the outer edge. It’s easy and keeps a simple aesthetic. The best part is no fancy painting skills needed!

Tada! I love how big these are and the strong design statement they make. Fill them with greenery or flowers or even leave them as a modern statement.

Perhaps you would like to add a bit of more shiny gold by adding some gold leaf. (see video) I love the rough unique texture!

Yes, they do not have a flat bottom, so that they have the versatility to be used on any position. Imagine some moss and greener spilling out as a centerpiece… Or, maybe some orbs.

My huge bowls sit on the dining room table and pair great with the Upcycled Concrete Lamp. These cement bowls could be planters. Little ones could hold small items, jewelry, even candle holders or vessels. The simplicity and texture pair well with the eclectic boho style I am confident with. I refuse to make my place look like a furniture store so I am keeping my heirloom pieces.

I hope I’ve given you the inspiration try this easy cement mixture diy project & tutorial…