Our Ferrocement creations are made very simply. We use whatever materials we already have on hand, we buy only a bag of Cement, and combine this with reclaimed gravel, left over pieces of wire mesh a bit of old lace and some broken tiles or ceramics. We use old bricks and dirty gravel as the aggregate as the tint.

Making cement is as easier than cooking, all you have to do is make sure you mix it well. It bake slowly as you add pretty impressions or embedded broken tiles. We tap the tiles into place with the end of a hammer and press the concrete up to the sides of the tiles with a gloved finger.

Timing is everything for adding the decoration. We make the concrete (mix of cement and an aggregate of reused gravel or sandy soil) fairly sloppy, like soft-serve ice-cream.  When it wobbles like a Buddha’s tummy, you can embed tiles into it. As the concrete mix gets slightly firmer, you can put lace on it and press that in gently so the lace is partially covered. Wait until the sheen on the concrete is gone and the surface is powdery, then lift the lace away carefully to leave the imprint.

As soon as the surface powdery dry, wipe each tile with a clean dry rag. If you miss a bit during the tile-cleaning you can come back later using a tiny of vinegar on a fresh rag but it is much easier to do the cleaning before the cement sets rock hard.

The full cost of making this step (which also doubles as a water catchment and directing platform) was $10 cement, recycled broken bricks and tiles.

Contact us to join the next workshop. Make a ferrocement plaque, step or sun-dial Bookings 0413539744 Investment for the class = $30, Savings will be far greater because you will learn to make your own garden and outdoor house steps and paths.