Jessie Taylor
DIY cement candle holders are a fun and creative project that can add a unique and decorative touch to your home. With just a few simple supplies, such as cement mix, water, moulds, and containers, you can create beautiful and affordable candle holders in a variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for a cosy fall decoration or a satisfying weekend craft, making your own cement candle holders is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can be tailored to your personal style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Jam jars, bowls, glasses, plastic containers, cardboard boxes, silicone moulds, bread tins, plastic wrap, plastic cups, paper cups, coke bottles |
| Additives | Coconut oil, vaseline, essential oils, colourant, sand and/or gravel |
| Ratios | 2:1 cement to water, 4:1 cement powder to water |
| Time | 24-36 hours of curing, 4-5 hours in water |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a mould: plastic containers, cardboard boxes, silicone moulds, and more
- Preparing the mould: smearing with oil or Vaseline, lining with plastic wrap, and taping ends
- Mixing cement: achieving the right consistency, adding colourants or essential oils, and mixing with water
- Filling the mould: filling halfway, adding cups or candles, and smoothing the cement
- Finalising the candle holder: curing, removing the mould, sanding, and painting
Choosing a mould: plastic containers, cardboard boxes, silicone moulds, and more
When making DIY cement candle holders, the mould you choose will depend on the shape and style of candle holder you want to create. Here are some options to consider:
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are a popular choice for creating cement candle holders. You can use plastic bottles, cups, or other containers to form the mould. Plastic containers are easy to work with and can be cut away from the dried cement, leaving a shiny sheen on the surface. You can also use plastic wrap to line a mould if you want to create a long, rectangular candle holder.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can also be used as moulds for cement candle holders. However, one downside is that the cement may stick to the cardboard, making it more difficult to remove. It is recommended to wet the box and scrape off the cement, which can take some time. Cardboard moulds may be better suited for those who want a more rustic, rough look for their candle holders.
Silicone Moulds
Silicone moulds are another option for creating cement candle holders. You can find silicone moulds in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to create unique and detailed designs. Follow the directions on your concrete package, and mix it to a pancake batter consistency before pouring it into your silicone mould.
Other Options
Other containers such as glass jars, bowls, or jam jars can also be used as moulds. You can also get creative and use chip containers, oatmeal containers, or fluorescent light boxes as moulds for unique shapes. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment with different containers to create your desired candle holder shape and style.
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Preparing the mould: smearing with oil or Vaseline, lining with plastic wrap, and taping ends
Preparing the mould for a DIY cement candle holder is a straightforward process. First, you can use a plastic container as your mould, such as a plastic cup, bottle, or box. If using a plastic box, you can line it with plastic wrap, taping the ends with packing tape to patch any holes. If you're using a plastic cup or bottle, you can cut the plastic away after the cement has dried.
Next, you'll want to smear the inside of your mould with a thin coat of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or another type of oil. This will make it easier to remove the container from the cement later. You can also use Vaseline for this step, which will act as a mould release.
After applying the oil or Vaseline, you're ready to pour your cement mixture into the mould. Be sure not to fill the mould entirely, leaving at least 1 cm of space at the top. This will prevent the cement from overflowing when you place your inner container or candle in the centre.
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Mixing cement: achieving the right consistency, adding colourants or essential oils, and mixing with water
When mixing cement for your DIY candle holders, it's important to achieve the right consistency. The ideal consistency is similar to that of pancake batter. Typically, you'll want to mix cement with water in a 4:1 ratio, but this may vary depending on the type of cement mix you're using. It's best to follow the directions on your concrete package for the most accurate measurements. Work in small batches as they tend to dry quickly.
If you want to add colour to your candle holders, you can use concrete pigments or colourants. Mix the colour into the concrete while you're mixing it with water. You can create beautiful rainbow-coloured candle holders or experiment with different colours to achieve your desired look.
To add a pleasant fragrance to your candle holders, include a few drops of essential oils. Geranium oil can give your living room a fresh scent during Diwali. For a wintery aroma, consider switching to pine-needle, apple-cinnamon, or aged oak and tobacco. You can even blend essential oils to create a Christmas-themed fragrance, such as pine-needle, sweet orange, and cinnamon.
Remember to prepare your candle holder moulds before mixing the cement. Plastic containers or water bottles are good options, as they provide a smooth surface and are easy to cut to the desired size. You can also use silicone moulds, which are flexible and allow for easy demoulding.
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Filling the mould: filling halfway, adding cups or candles, and smoothing the cement
Filling the mould is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to ensure your cement candle holder sets correctly. First, fill your mould halfway with cement. If you are using a cardboard mould, be aware that the cement will push against the shape of the cardboard, so you may want to prop up the box with boards to maintain straight lines.
Next, add your cups or candles. Plastic cups will be easier to remove from the dried cement, but paper cups work too. If you are using cups, press them down gently into the cement—ensure you don't press all the way down to the bottom of the mould, as you want there to be a layer of cement underneath the cup to hold the shape together. If you are using candles, wait about 10 minutes after pouring the cement before gently pressing them down. If you are using paper cups, you may need to weigh them down to keep them in place.
Finally, fill the mould with more cement, smoothing it around the cups or candles to make it even with the top edge of the mould. Allow the cement to dry, and then remove the mould. If you are using a plastic mould, you can cut the plastic away. If you are using cardboard, you may need to wet the box and scrape the cement off.
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Finalising the candle holder: curing, removing the mould, sanding, and painting
Finalising the candle holder
Curing
After pouring the cement mixture into your mould, leave it to cure for 24 to 36 hours. After this time, place the mould in water for 4 to 5 hours to strengthen the candle holder. The concrete will be fully cured after 48 hours.
Removing the mould
Before removing the mould, ensure that it has completely cooled down. You can speed up this process by placing the mould in the refrigerator, flipping it every 30 minutes to ensure even cooling. Once cool, remove any mould sealers, such as putty or magnetic sealers, by peeling or snapping them off. Flip the mould upside down and lightly tap on the bottom to shake the candle holder loose. If tapping doesn't work, gently tug on the wick. Finally, remove the inner container from the cement candle holder.
Sanding
Use a sanding block or a belt sander to smooth out any rough surfaces on the candle holder. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can skip this step and leave the bubble holes in the concrete.
Painting
You can paint your cement candle holder to add a personalised touch or to match your home decor. Chalk paint is a popular choice for painting concrete, as it gives it a handmade yet industrial feel. You can also use stencils and gilding to create unique designs. For a more natural look, you can apply a stain with a brush and then wipe it off with a rag.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cement mix, water, moulds, small plastic or paper cups, tape, plastic bags, and spray paint.
You can use any type of container, such as plastic containers, jam jars, bowls, glasses, cardboard boxes, or silicone moulds.
First, mix the cement with water according to the package directions. Then, fill your moulds halfway with the cement mixture. Next, add cups or containers to make a place for the candle, and fill the moulds the rest of the way with cement. Allow the cement to cure for 24-36 hours, then soak the mould in water for 4-5 hours to strengthen it. Finally, remove the mould and any inner containers, and sand the surface to smooth it out.
Yes, you can add colourant to the cement mixture while mixing. You can also add essential oils to the cement to make your candle holders fragrant.
