How to make a concrete planter

Concrete planters provide a trendy and stylish look but can be very pricey to buy. Making a planter at home allows you to customize all aspects of the piece, such as the size and the color, as well as saving money.

This planter offers a unique look as it incorporates charcoal, which gives the planter a color that is richer and darker than regular concrete. Paired with metallic gold paint and some succulents, this piece is sure to add a touch of glam to any room where you display it.

Materials
- Plastic gloves
- Plastic container
- Measuring cup
- Concrete mix
- Charcoal
- Scissors
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic putty knife
- Water
- Plastic mold 
- Clamps
- Pruning shears
- Precision knife
- Sanding block
- Tea towel
- Metallic gold acrylic paint
- Paintbrush

Instructions
1. Put on the plastic gloves to protect your hands and fill the plastic container with 20 tablespoons of concrete mix.

2. Cut open the packet of charcoal and add 1 teaspoon of charcoal to the concrete mix. Stir together with the putty knife.

3. Add 2 more teaspoons of charcoal to the concrete mix and stir together with the putty knife.

4. Add 1 more teaspoon of charcoal to the concrete mix and stir together with the putty knife.

5. Add 5 tablespoons of water to the concrete mixture. Stir together with the putty knife. If the mixture is still too dry after adding the water, add more in small amounts. If too much water is added, mix in 1 or 2 more teaspoons of concrete mix.

6. Pour the concrete mixture into the plastic mold. Press the top part of the mold into the concrete until it is in place.

7. Clamp the two sections of the mold together. Allow the concrete to harden completely.

8. Remove the clamps and the top portion of the mold from the concrete. Cut the bottom portion of the mold with pruning shears and a precision knife to release the concrete.

9. Sand the edges of the concrete planter until smooth. Wipe away any residue with a tea towel.

10. Paint the bottom of the planter using metallic gold paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any soil or plants to the planter.