If you’ve ever wanted oversized planters or sculptural patio pieces without paying boutique garden-store prices, this is one of those projects that feels almost too simple to work. You drape cement-soaked terrycloth towels over an everyday form, let everything cure, and end up with heavy, stone-like containers that look surprisingly dramatic on a porch or patio.
I love projects like this because they give you a big visual payoff with very few materials, which is exactly my speed on a busy weeknight or a Saturday when I want to make something impressive without turning it into a whole production. This one is great for anyone who likes budget-friendly outdoor décor, upcycling, or easy concrete crafts that still look high-end when they’re finished.
Materials
Instructions
1. Set up your work area outdoors or in a well-ventilated garage, and cover the surface with a plastic drop cloth. Turn the two buckets or planters upside down and lightly coat the outsides with cooking spray.
2. Pour the cement mix into your mixing tub and add water a little at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stop when the mixture is smooth, thick, and fully wet with no dry pockets.
3. Dip the first terrycloth towel into the wet cement and press it down so every part of the fabric gets saturated. Lift and turn it a few times, making sure the corners and thicker edges are thoroughly coated.
4. Pull the towel out and let the excess cement drip back into the tub for a few seconds. Drape it evenly over one upside-down bucket, arranging the folds so the sides fall naturally and the bottom opening stays wide enough for a planter shape.
5. Repeat the soaking and draping process with the second towel on the second bucket. Compare both pieces and gently tug or smooth the folds so they look balanced and stable.
6. Leave the draped forms completely undisturbed to cure for 24 to 48 hours, depending on humidity and temperature. If the weather is very hot and dry, lightly mist them once or twice during the first day to help prevent cracking.
7. Once fully hardened, lift each towel form off its bucket and stand it upright. Brush away loose grit and check that the base sits level; if needed, sand a rough edge lightly after it finishes curing.
Variations & Tips
Use different forms: Buckets give you a classic tapered planter look, but mixing bowls, sturdy nursery pots, or square plastic containers can create totally different silhouettes.
Adjust the drape: If you want deeper folds, let the towel hold a little more cement before draping. For a slightly cleaner shape, smooth the towel more firmly over the form before it starts setting up.
Add drainage: If you plan to use these as real planters, set a small plastic nursery pot inside or drill a drainage hole carefully after the cement has fully cured.
Paint or seal later: I like the raw concrete look, but you can dry-brush these with outdoor paint or add a masonry sealer after several days of curing for extra weather resistance.
Choose thick towels: Terrycloth bath towels work best because they hold plenty of cement and create that dramatic, heavy texture. Thin towels or flat-weave fabric usually don’t give the same sculptural result.
Make it weekend-friendly: When I’m trying to squeeze in a project between errands and meal prep, I mix and drape everything on day one, then just pop outside the next day to unmold them. It’s one of those low-effort projects that looks much more complicated than it really is.