Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
step-by-steps EASY TO MAKE A TOWEL PLANTER
Simple yet splendid! Turn old towels into sculptural works of art, to get a lot of visual bang for very few bucks. You probably have everything you need except for the cement, and you can pick that up for about $10. Display the planters as standalone garden ornaments or fill with dynamic architectural plants.
Gather your supplies
• Large plastic container (mixing tub) • 25kg bag of white cement
• Old cotton towels (white or light coloured)
• Plastic plant pots
• Plants such as succulents
You’ll also need
Tarpaulin; heavy-duty rubber gloves; safety glasses; dust mask; trowel; plastic garbage bags; cordless drill and masonry bit
FOR YOU TO NOTE
When working with cement it’s very important to wear long sleeves, pants, work boots, gloves and safety goggles to protect skin and eyes. A face mask is also essential to prevent dust inhalation.
STEP 1 Lay a tarpaulin over the work site. Fill mixing tub to about 50mm deep with water using a hose. Wearing appropriate clothing and safety gear, pour cement into water and mix with a trowel to make a slurry. To achieve the right consistency (like pancake batter), slowly add more water and mix, or add more cement powder. STEP 2 Dip a dry towel into slurry and press down to coat. Depending on the cotton content of the towel, the water can be absorbed very quickly, so you may need to add more water and work the liquid into the towel until it is completely saturated. Pull towel out of slurry and let the liquid run off. STEP 3 Drape towel over an upturned tower of plastic pots, sculpt the folds and allow to dry for an hour, then place a plastic garbage bag over it and leave in a cool, shady place for 2 days. Remove bag and leave for another few days to cure completely. Use a masonry bit to drill drainage holes in the base.