theconnectionsnj.com SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS PAGE 42 CREATIVECORNER Cement Outdoor Decor By Carolyn Hanson Here is the process I am using: Steps: 1. Lay down plastic sheeting and inflate the ball. [Note: If using a yoga ball, cover it in plastic wrap that can be removed later.] 2. In the bucket, mix cement with water and sand according to package instructions. 3. Unfurl the rope. 4. With gloved hands, dip the rope into the cement, coating it thoroughly. 5. With the rope, tie a secure knot around the ball. Begin wrapping the rope around the ball in all directions, crisscrossing often and covering large spaces. Note: It should look like a ball of string. 6. Add more cement and rope as needed. 7. Optional: When complete, before washing out the bucket, shape the remaining cement into several large balls 4” or 5” in diameter. Allow them to dry for a few hours. While still damp, you can use a knife to carve designs into the surface. Then allow them to dry completely. [Note: If needed, spray with a spray bottle of water to keep the surface wet while working.] 8. Wash out the bucket of unused cement. Place a garbage bag over the open bucket and place the wrapped cement ball on top to dry overnight. 9. The next day, make a slurry, and, using a paintbrush, give it a thorough second coat. 10. Repeat Step 7. 11. Deflate the ball and remove it to reuse. Remove excess cement. 12. Give the ball 2 coats of spray paint or use a sealant. To make a small, solid cement ball or ornament, fill a glass globe or any glass vase with cement. Let it dry for a few days. Then, while wearing safety goggles and gloves, place the globe inside a box or bucket and break the glass with a hammer. Safely dispose of the glass. Ornaments may be painted with watered-down acrylic paint. Over time, they will gather moss and look rustic and amazing. For more DIY outdoor ornaments, search YouTube for Casa Refined by Jorge. everal years ago, I built a labyrinth in an unused area of the yard. I walk it each day at the conclusion of my regular walk through the neighborhood. It’s my outdoor sanctuary. I try to add a little something each year, usually deer-resistant perennials. Yet it lacks an attractive centerpiece. For years, I’ve been searching for a creative solution like a raised planter, a sculpture, or a bench. Finally, I have settled on a cement ball ornament… a giant yarn ball! Yes! This decorative cement ornament is a DIY (do-it-yourself) project that can be completed in a weekend. First, gather the following supplies: Cement 1 (2) 30 yds. clothesline/nylon cord Sand Beach ball (small) or yoga ball (large) Water Rubber gloves/disposable gloves Utensil for mixing Plastic garbage bag 5-gallon bucket Plastic sheet to cover surface Paint Brush Spray paint or sealant Knife Several years ago, I built a lab Sports card store offering baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pokemon cards, memorabilia, hobby wax, single cards, retail and supplies. 257 N. Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 908-842-2400 Open Monday-Saturday (11am-6pm) Receive 10% off when you spend $50 Visit Our NEW Location:
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