You may already know concrete makes for a durable surface, but you might not know it’s also the perfect material for a wide range of craft projects. People get especially creative with paving concrete during the holiday season, using it to make DIY decorations. The following are some ideas you should consider if you have any extra you aren’t using.

3 Holiday Craft Projects That Use Concrete

1. Ornaments

For this project, you’ll need two large plastic bottle caps, paint, scissors, pliers, and dowels. Mix your concrete, pour it into the caps, and stick a dowel into each mold. This is to make a hole for the ornament thread later, so you should place the dowels near the top.

Let the concrete dry for two or more days, then remove the ornaments from the bottle caps. Sand them down so they’re smooth, and paint them however you wish. Thread some string or ribbon through the hole, tie a knot at the top, and you have your own handmade ornament!

2. Coasters

With a little paving concrete, some paint, and the lid for a pint of ice cream, you can easily make your own holiday-themed coasters. Just pour the concrete into the lid and let it dry for at least two days. Remove the coaster from the mold, and paint it however you wish. You can also affix cork circles to the bottom to protect your surfaces.

3. Serving Bowls

Want to have your own custom bowls for serving candy and other holiday treats? Start with three glass or plastic bowls, each of different sizes. You can find sets like these in the kitchenware section of most department stores.

Place the medium-sized bowl in the center of the largest, and place the smallest in the center of the medium-sized bowl. Fill in the gaps between the bowls with concrete, and let it dry for two or more days. Remove it when it’s dry. Now you have concrete bowls you can paint as you please. Apply metallic foil to the inside so you’re not eating candy straight out of concrete.

These are just a few of the projects you can tackle with this material. The best way to use it is to let your imagination run wild.

If you need concrete, crushed stone, or asphalt for a construction project this holiday season, get in touch with The L. Suzio York Hill Companies, serving the south central Connecticut area for over a century. They’re known for their reliable service and quality materials. Contact them online for more information, or call (203) 237-8421.