Concrete Creations

A Set Of Coasters/Trivet

To experiment with colors and patterns, I have decided to use a much simpler flat design (in this case things like coasters), since the molds can be made very easy for such simple shapes. Here are a couple of pictures of a coaster set (that can also be used as a trivet when put together) that I made as a gift for friends. What I like about these is the purplish color/texture of the piece which goes really well with the blue glass pieces.

The interesting thing is that I came across that color by accident. I happened to use a black foam board for the mold (instead of the usual white foam board). And as it turned out the moisture in the concrete mix makes the color of the foam board diffuse into the concrete while it is drying. Resulting in the beautiful purple hue that you see in the pictures.

I liked the color so much that I decided to make another set of round coasters (see the pictures below). And most likely I will be making more pieces with this interesting color ;)

Materials Used

• For the concrete mix, I use [links below]

  • portland cement

  • play sand

  • fiber

  • in my case, I found out that if I use a 2:1 ratio of sand to cement I end up with a strong concrete mix that also comes out very smooth (note that depending on your ingredients you might need to change that ratio a bit)

• For the reinforcement, I use a decorative metal screen cut to desired sizes (note that having lots of holes is preferred)

• I seal the pieces with a food-safe sealant

• I use glass pieces, known as fire glass