Look what they made! How Readers Used MadeByBarb.com to Create Their Own Concrete Projects

One of the greatest joys of running MadeByBarb.com is seeing how the ideas I share spark creativity in others. When I taught at the art college I could see the sparkle in the students eyes first hand, but now I can’t see across the world… until now! I’m so blessed to be able to share what you all shared with me! I’m quite excited!

‘Let me shake your hand! When I first started experimenting with concrete, I never imagined how many people would join me in this journey. Readers from all over the world now follow along, try the tutorials, and adapt them to fit their own homes, gardens, and styles.

A Community of Makers

Concrete is such a versatile medium—it’s strong, sculptural, and surprisingly forgiving. Over the years, readers have taken the tutorials and tips I’ve shared and used them to create projects that are as unique as they are inspiring.

Take a look at what has been sent to me. ‘Photos of stepping stones cast in sand, lighted sculptures glowing in their yards, and draped planters overflowing with greenery. Each piece carries their personal touch, but it’s rooted in the simple how-to guides they found here.

Learning Through Play

Concrete can feel intimidating at first, but the step-by-step guides on the site give readers the confidence to jump in. They discover that it doesn’t take fancy tools or professional skills—just a bag of mix, a few everyday objects, and a willingness to try.

The best part? Mistakes often turn into happy accidents. Many readers tell me they started with a simple project, like an orb or stepping stone and soon found themselves experimenting with large bowls, textured panels, or even concrete mold making. Look at the lovely Cyanotype fabric!

From Inspiration to Creation

Here’s how readers typically use the site:

1. Browse for Inspiration: They scroll through the project gallery or seasonal tutorials.
2. Follow a Tutorial: They gather materials, print the step-by-step instructions, and get started.
3. Add Their Own Twist: Maybe they use driftwood instead of rope for handles, or add crystal glass into a casting to make geodes.
4. Share the Results: Many send me photos or tag MadeByBarb on social media—nothing makes me happier!

Why It Matters

It’s not just about making concrete projects—it’s about reclaiming creativity. Readers often tell me they never thought they were “crafty” or “artistic,” but by following a tutorial, they surprised themselves. They made something real, solid, and lasting.

That sense of accomplishment is powerful, and it spreads. Families make stepping stones together, friends host DIY garden craft days, and individuals discover a new passion they didn’t know they had.

Join the Movement

If you’ve been visiting MadeByBarb.com and thinking about trying a project—this is your invitation. Start with something simple, like a draped concrete bowl or a Leaf cast vessel.

The tutorials are here to guide you, and the community of readers proves that you can do it.

My issue of theft was not about making your own fellow, but using my images to sell imitations. So many have made their own version of the Step Spook and friends.

If you would have asked me decades ago if I was going to be on such a venture I would have laughed! ‘I did not even have a computer through MY college years, so this is quite the distance I have come!

No two Spooks are ever the same, great jobs you’ve all done!

I bet if you could ask these ‘makers’ they would tell you that sometimes you just figure it out as you go…

Halloween is such huge fun for so many… We all know how much we need some of those joys right now!

It is also great when you all get the confidence to try new things! I liken it to playing in the sandbox as a child, ‘make a mess, try & try again’…

You know I will almost dip anything in cement… and so do some readers! Awesome! I suspect the baby sleeper became the ‘baby spook’!

Your home and garden can be filled with pieces you’ve created yourself—beautiful, sturdy, and personal. That’s the magic of concrete (but not limited to), and the heart of MadeByBarb.com.

I almost forgot about the Tied Concrete Bag Planter! Great job!

There’s no limit to creativity! Thanks so much for sharing with me and the WORLD!