Concrete-Cast Bookends

Cast concrete into bookends with leaves pressed into them or designs carved in the sides.

residential foam insulation board (1/2 " thick)
utility knife
hot glue gun
plastic wrap
hydrocal (from art supply stores)
bucket
liquid dye
brush
curved-end stylus and other carving tools
leaves

Steps:

1. Cut a six-inch square out of foam. Cut two foam strips measuring 6" x 3" and two more measuring 5-1/2" x 3".
2. Lay six-inch square flat on table and put a bead of hot glue around the outside perimeter. Place the six-inch strips on opposite sides of each other in the glue and the 5-1/2-inch ones on the two remaining sides. Be sure to press pieces firmly into the glue so it will hold the mold mixture.
3. Line mold with plastic wrap, draping it over the sides so it can be lifted out once dry.
4. Follow manufacturer's directions to mix hydrocal and pour into mold to desired thickness. Add interesting textures and colors to the mold mix with coffee grounds , sand, steel wool, etc. or lightly press leaves on the top of the mixture and remove them once dry. Let dry one or two days depending on humidity levels. Lift cast out of mold and remove plastic wrap. Smooth edges if desired.
5. Decorating options:

• Brush on a dark wash of dye out of the bottle to entire surface of mold and let dry.
• Carve a design with a stylus to reveal the white under the dye.
• If materials were added, scrub it to reveal the colors and textures.