incense holder

Ok, so I really love cement crafts. Cement has an industrial feel that’s very modern, and is super versatile. There are so many great ideas on Pinterest for using cement- from planters to coasters to tables and more. So, after purchasing a bag at cement at our local home improvement retail store, I decided I’ll start experimenting.

Let’s talk first about making the cement paste. Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

1. Cement. I like working with grey cement, but there’s also white cement readily available in most stores.
2. Water.
3. Pair of disposable gloves.
4. Respiratory mask.
5. Protective goggles
6. Plastic or metal spatula for mixing the concrete mix.
7. Optional- disposable spoon (also for mixing)

First, I spread large plastic bags on the floor/table to keep my workspace clean. Anything that comes in contact with the cement (including wipes, rags, etc.) needs to be thrown out in garbage bags. Don’t try and rinse anything you use when making cement crafts in your sink- the cement will solidify and clog it! It’s very important you use gloves, eye goggles and a respiratory mask when working with cement, as you’re exposed to dust containing small cement particles, which you don’t want to accumulate in your eyes and lungs.

To make the cement mix, you need to follow the instruction on the cement bag. I like adding water gradually to create a pudding like consistency.

I don’t usually add sand for small household items I make (I haven’t found it necessary), but again it all depends on the manufacture’s recommendations. If you add too much water and the cement turns to liquid, just re-add more cement until you reach the correct consistency.

When the mix is ready, try to work quickly as it tends to solidify (although complete solidification will take 24-48 hours).

Ok, thing you got the hang of things?

Here is the first project I’d like to share with you:

DIY Cement Incense Holder

You will need:

1. Brass pipe adaptor- I bought one for a couple of dollars at the local hardware store.
2. Cement.
3. Round plastic container- any container will do. Be creative! You can choose any shape or size you like.
4. Oil or petroleum jelly- for oiling the plastic container.
5. Glue gun+ one glue stick.
6. Sandpaper.
7. Optional – blue tack.

If you’re not sure what a brass pipe adaptor looks like, here’s an example-

First, prepare the cement (instruction at the beginning of the post).

Using a hot glue gun, glue closed the narrower side of the pipe adaptor- so that it’s sealed and won’t allow cement to leak through.

Next, spread either oil (any cooking oil will do) or petroleum jelly in the plastic container of your choice, and add cement paste to the container until a 1-2 cm/0.5 inch layer is created. Place the pipe adaptor in the cement filled container with the glued part downwards – either position it on the side or in the center of the container.

24 to 48 hours later, remove the cement holder you created from the plastic container (it should slip out easily).

Take a small piece of sandpaper and sand the cement, careful not to sand the brass (as it may scratch it).

To make sure your holder doesn’t scratch or damage household furniture, you can glue some cork (cut from a cork sheet, found at local craft stores/dollar stores) or stick a few floor protecters on the bottom side of the holder.

And that’s it! If you’d like better control of the direction of the incense sticks, just add a bit of blu tack at the bottom of the pipe adaptor (where the hot glue was placed originally).

Have a go and let me know how it went…(: