The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition June 2025

SHOPPING, BEAUTY & EVENTS

PAGE 32

CREATIVE CORNER Cement Outdoor Decor By Carolyn Hanson

everal years ago, I built a lab yrinth in an unused area of the yard. I walk it each day at the conclusion of my regular walk through the neighbor hood. It’s my outdoor sanctuary. I try to add a little something each year, usually deer-resistant perennials. Yet it lacks an attractive centerpiece. For years, I’ve been searching for a creative solution like a raised planter, a sculpture, or a bench. Finally, I have set tled on a cement ball ornament… a giant yarn ball! Yes! This decorative cement ornament is a DIY (do-it-yourself) proj ect that can be completed in a weekend. S everal years ago, I built a lab

Here is the process I am using: Steps: 1. Lay down plastic sheeting and inflate the ball. [Note: If using a yoga ball, cov er it in plastic wrap that can be removed later.] 2. In the bucket, mix cement with water and sand according to package instruc tions. 3. Unfurl the rope. 4. With gloved hands, dip the rope into the cement, coating it thoroughly. 5. With the rope, tie a secure knot around the ball. Begin wrapping the rope around the ball in all directions, crisscrossing often and covering large spaces. Note: It should look like a ball of string. 6. Add more cement and rope as needed. 7. Optional: When complete, before washing out the bucket, shape the re maining cement into several large balls 4” or 5” in diameter. Allow them to dry for a few hours. While still damp, you can use a knife to carve designs into the surface. Then allow them to dry com pletely. [Note: If needed, spray with a spray bottle of water to keep the surface wet while working.] 8. Wash out the bucket of unused ce ment. Place a garbage bag over the open bucket and place the wrapped cement ball on top to dry overnight. 9. The next day, make a slurry, and, us ing a paintbrush, give it a thorough sec ond coat. 10. Repeat Step 7. 11. Deflate the ball and remove it to re use. Remove excess cement. 12. Give the ball 2 coats of spray paint or use a sealant. To make a small, solid cement ball or ornament, fill a glass globe or any glass vase with cement. Let it dry for a few days. Then, while wearing safety gog gles and gloves, place the globe inside a box or bucket and break the glass with a hammer. Safely dispose of the glass. Ornaments may be painted with wa tered-down acrylic paint. Over time, they will gather moss and look rustic and amazing. For more DIY outdoor orna ments, search YouTube for Casa Refined by Jorge.

First, gather the following supplies: Cement 1 (2) 30 yds. clothesline/nylon cord Sand Beach ball (small) or yoga ball (large) Water Rubber gloves/disposable gloves Utensil for mixing Plastic garbage bag 5-gallon bucket Plastic sheet to cover surface Paint Brush Spray paint or sealant Knife

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8/31/25

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