Garden design should be subtle and accent the surroundings. It will be fairly protected inside and should not be sitting in water so it should hold up well. I did find some acrylic paint that is very ‘neon’ coloured and seems to glow by itself. As if it is ‘hot’ from falling to earth… (artists have visions in their heads…) My intention is to eventually add some lighting into these giant concrete garden orbs, soft subtle glowing light. The mesh that is visible can be cut with a mat knife or singed off with a mini torch or lighter. Once they are completely set, you can have more fun with them! Step #5 Finishing: The testament of a true ‘maker’ – always dirty hands… Step #4: Wait… and waitĭuring the setting time wet down to add strength and allow slower curing. There are many options if you have openings, drainage, lighting, planting etc. Leave open areas that are quite random and interesting shapes. The rustic quality makes for being very forgiving… Spray the dried area with water to allow better adhesion as it would draw out too much of the water of new section. Once a section adequately set you can start to work another section and add it in, overlapping somewhat. The use of metal tools can make the finish smoother, if you like.

I know I am always impatient, but that can be detrimental… Depending on conditions, it sets in 4 hours. You will have to work in sections and let it set before finishing. To keep gravity in your favour, adjust the ball to keep what you are working on centred on the top. This would give many possibilities of use later on… I was NOT trying to have perfection, rather some rough natural stone like texture, cracks and holes. My intention was to have the sphere look like it was a mysterious meteor that crashed to land. It is not problem to have some showing as it easily cut or singed off later. I would say both methods work, however the mesh is less visible if between layers. You can have it between 2 layers of concrete mix or put it on the form and then cover. There are a couple of choices of using the mesh. Wow, you would think I have been working with concrete for a while… yup! This mix is rated for 1/2″ thick topping so that is what I strived for, however some sections may have been a tad thinner. Gently patting the concrete makes the ‘cream’ come to the top and be smoother, as well as having the air bubbles release. Work from the top and add small sections of mix and flatten. Remember the days of playing in the sandbox!? Well, this is much like that, patty-cake-patty-cake. If it crumbles – too dry, runny – too wet. If it holds shape pretty well then it is right.

Test some of the consistency by doing a squeeze test. The mix should not be too liquid, but hold it’s shape somewhat.

Mix slow to lessen dust and mix to bottom corners of container. Add some mix to your container and add water slowly, mixing well after every addition. Get suited up with your dust mask and gloves (apron is a good idea too). Tip: Beach balls are better that balloons! I just hate it when a darn balloon decides to pop! My favourite are the 20″ beach balls they make a huge concrete orb that is still light enough to carry! Since it is difficult to unwrap the mesh tape with gloves on ready some strips of varying lengths to have available later on. It is also a good idea to weight them (rocks or even water) as then there is less chance of toppling over. You will also want some resting places (buckets, pots, planters) that support the size well. Last thing you need is a deflating form! I make sure they are quite hard. Blow up the forms well, and make sure they are holding well. It is much easier to get everything ready before your hands are covered in concrete. Inflatable round form (beach balls, exercise ball ).Mixing container, utensils, water, metal trowel/knife/shovel.

Just add water concrete mix