DIY Concrete Candle Holders From Pringle and Coffee Cans

For my blog post this week I raided my recycling bin (and bins of a friend or two) and found some Pringles cans and a coffee can to make some concrete candle holders for my holiday decorating. This project was really fun and it was also cheap-free for me because I had all of the supplies on hand. But I am sure that these candle holders probably cost less than 1 dollar each to make in supplies. Here is a quick look at how I did it.

Get your supplies together. You will need:

1. A concrete mix or recipe (A good "recipe" for this project: 1 part portland cement/3 parts sand/

1/2 part water-I use a cottage cheese container as measurement )

2. Good quality mask

3. Gloves

4. Bucket or tub to mix in

5. Empty Pringles cans and/or coffee cans

6. Mold release spray-I use cooking spray.

To start this project you need to spray the molds with the mold release and then wipe it off. You do not want a heavy coating of it-it will cause excess air holes if excess is not wiped out.

Next you need to mix your dry ingredients in your tub or bucket-if you are using a mix just pour it in (don't forget your mask and gloves!). After your dry ingredients are mixed start adding water. Start with half of the amount then add more slowly as you mix to get the consistency you want. It should be almost like peanut butter.

After you have it mixed it needs to sit for about 10 minutes to hydrate. Don't worry-you have plenty of time before it hardens:-))

After 10 minutes you can begin filling your molds-don't fill it all the way.

After you have it filled tap on the sides to release air bubbles.

After you have tapped it fill the interior mold with some sand or rocks (for weight) then set it in the center and press it down into the concrete. Do not push it all the way-leave it sticking up a little so you have something to grab when you pull it out.

Let them sit for at least 24 hours to set before you unmold them. Trust me on this:-))

When the concrete is set pull the interior molds out (it is easier when the rocks or sand are dumped out). Here I used a pair of pliers:

Now take a pair of scissors and snip the top of the mold. Then take your hands and start pulling the paper off.

For a smooth finish on top you need to sand it. I just use a sheet of snadpaper and rub it until it is smooth.

Rinse the concrete off-try to get rid of the sand from rubbing it with sandpaper. Your next step is an important one. It is the "cure". In order for concrete to cure properly it needs to stay wet and the temperature should stay above 55 degrees. I always try to water cure my items-it is the easiest and best way to accomplish a good cure for smaller items. This will take a week. I just fill a plastic tub with water and place the items in changing the water daily.

After a week pull them out of the water, rinse them off and let them dry.

When they are completely dry you can paint decorate them if you would like. I spray painted mine with gold spray paint.

I then coated them with a concrete sealer and let them dry.

I really love the way they look-perfect for holiday decorating or for a nice handmade gift. You can paint or decorate them any color you would like.

If you are concerned about them scratching your furniture you can cut a piece of felt or cork and glue them to the bottom or you can use the lids from the cans.

I hope you give this project a try! As with all of my projects you can tailor them to suit your taste and style. For more information or pictures of this project stop by my blog.