Spring is technically around the corner, but let’s be real—it still looks like winter had a bad breakup and decided to sulk outside my window. So, to trick my brain into feeling somewhat spring-like, I figured I’d bring in some flowers. But, of course, fresh flowers need a chic vase, and instead of buying one like a normal person, I thought, “Why not make it harder on myself and DIY it?”
I love the combo of glass and concrete—it’s modern, a little industrial, and makes me feel like I could open an overpriced home decor shop in Brooklyn. Plus, this project is super cheap, surprisingly easy, and makes you look incredibly crafty to anyone who visits. Win-win.
Let’s get into it before I change my mind and just buy a vase like a sane human.
What You’ll Need
- A clear glass bottle – Wine bottles work best. Bonus: You have to drink the wine first. I don’t make the rules.
- 800g white cement – Looks fancier than gray and makes people think you know what you’re doing.
- 800g sand – Because apparently, cement needs emotional support.
- 400ml water
- Blue pigment – 2 tsp for a watercolor effect.
- Plastic sheet or thick cardboard – to create the mold.
- Tape – to secure the mold.
- A paper towel or foil tube – Because we need a hole in the middle for, you know… flowers.
How To Make The Vase
First, grab your wine bottle. Step two is optional but highly recommended: drink the wine. Once that’s taken care of (responsibly, of course), soak the bottle in warm, soapy water to get rid of the label. Scrub like your reputation depends on it. Next, wrap the bottle tightly in plastic and secure it with tape. If you don’t have plastic, you can use thick cardboard, but that’s like choosing to play a game on hard mode. Cardboard can get soggy, which means you’ll spend your afternoon muttering “Why did I do this?” while trying to fix a lumpy cement mess. To make sure we actually have space for flowers later, stick a paper towel or foil tube onto the neck of the bottle.
Now comes the part where you feel like a mad scientist. In a bucket, mix cement sand, and water. Stir until it’s the consistency of thick yogurt—not too runny, not too dry. If it drips like soup, you did it wrong. If it clumps like overcooked oatmeal, also wrong. Find the balance.
Now, divide the concrete mix into three bowls: One stays white (classic and sophisticated, just like my coffee table books that I never actually read). One gets a little blue pigment (a hint of color). The last one gets a lot of blue pigment (because drama).
Mix well.
Here’s where the magic happens—and also where things can go sideways if you rush. Carefully layer the colors into your mold. Start with the darkest blue at the bottom. Add the light blue next. Finish with the white cement on top.
Now, tap the mold gently against the table to settle the cement and create a dreamy blended look. But don’t shake it too much, or you’ll just end up with sad, uniform cement. The goal is subtle blending, not a cement smoothie.
Here’s the hardest part: waiting. Leave your masterpiece alone for at least 24 hours so the cement can fully set. No touching, no poking, no “Maybe it’s dry already?” moments. Once the waiting is over, peel off the plastic (or cardboard, if you were feeling brave).
If there are any lumpy bits or drips, grab a knife and shave them off like a sculptor who knows what they’re doing. (I did not, but let’s pretend.) Sand paper also works for this step.
At this point, your vase is basically done, but if you want it to last longer than my New Year’s resolutions, you can seal it with a concrete primer or waterproof sealer. This helps protect it from moisture and general life chaos. Now, pop in some flowers and boom—you have a designer-looking vase for the price of a coffee.
Why This DIY Is Totally Worth It
- It’s stupidly easy – No power tools or secret crafting skills required.
- It’s budget-friendly – Literally costs less than ordering takeout (which, let’s be honest, you were gonna do anyway).
- It looks expensive – Like something from a fancy home store, except you made it and now get to brag about it.
Honestly? I’m obsessed with how this turned out. So I’ve made two of them. The blue swirls remind me of a spring sky, and every time I look at it, I feel a little more ready for warmer days.
Tips To Customize Your Vase
Here are some cool ways to tweak this project based on your personal style and home decor vibe:
- Minimalist Look: Skip the pigment and go for pure white concrete for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
- Industrial Vibes: Use gray cement instead of white for a raw, concrete-textured finish.
- Marble Effect: Instead of layering colors, swirl them together slightly before pouring for a marbled appearance.
- Gold Accents: Once the vase is dry, use gold leaf or metallic paint to highlight the edges.
- Add Texture: Gently press bubble wrap or a lace fabric onto the wet cement before it dries.
- Make a Two-Tone Vase: Instead of blending colors, pour one shade for the bottom half and another for the top for a sharp color block look.
BTW, it’s not my first concrete vase rodeo—you can check out how I’ve made them from a bag of chips, a pizza box, and even cardboard!