HYPERTUFA. (Hyper-toofa). Until a few days ago, I had never heard of hypertufa. A lady wrote me through my Etsy shop and asked if I could make a hypertufa pot. A hyper-wha-ta???
Hypertufa is like concrete, but not. It is made by combining Peat Moss, Perlite, and Portland Cement. Mix those together, add some water and pretty soon you have the most amazing substance to make pots, bowls, toad houses, fake rocks, whatever your imagination can come up with!
I was so excited about trying this that I went to the store the next day and bought the materials. Oh, as always, I wore gloves and eye protection while making this. The look is way less than flattering, but sure beats concrete in my lungs or eyes.
Once I mixed the ingredients, I started to form my molds. Being that this was my first time, I really wasn't sure if I was doing this correctly or not. But, I was having fun, so I kept filling molds, or putting it on the outside of the mold to make a larger pot. From what I read, it is best to use either cooking spray or even a bag so the hypertufa does not stick to the molds. I opted for the plastic bags as I thought they might leave a cool indention on the outside of the planters.
Once I was done forming, I closed up my planters in bags and let them sit for about 48 hours. And yes, it is a long 48 hours. With this, it is better to let them dry very slowly and the longer you let them dry, the better.
But, after that 48 hours, the moment of truth was about to arrive. I slowly unwrapped each pot and drum roll please...........
........not too bad. They are still pretty wet and have a ways to go before they are done. But, a huge sigh of relief for making it this far. Whew!
Once they have been taken out of their molds, you can then fix minor things on them. I forgot a drainage hole, so I added one using a drill. Once you have them how you want them, they then go back into the bags for a few weeks to a month. "WHAT??? This is taking for-ev-er!" I mean, ahem, that seems like a long time, yes, but that just gives me a month to make some more. Speaking of which, I went and bought some concrete color to add to my next batch. I am thinking maybe a two colored pot. Or striped. Not sure, but going to try a few things and see if any of them work out.
The thing I love about hypertufa is that you can leave it pretty rugged looking and it looks great. No need to finish it smooth or worry about a bump or dent, I think those "concrete defects" actually add to the charm and character of hypertufa. I love anything where an imperfection makes something look better!
So, there you have it. Hypertufa. I will take pictures in a few weeks once they are dried and ready to sell.
ROCK ENGRAVING
Oh, I also tried some more rock engraving. hehe I made this little owl and my son loved it. I think he is pretty cute for an owl. I ended up making a few more, including a small one. They are pretty funny and so I thought I would share them with you.
Last, but not least, here is the World's Coolest Rock Ever. I found this at a garden decorating place in a big pile of rocks. Oooh, I love it. I have it at my house and it is on my end table. I had to share because it is officially the World's Coolest Rock Ever. Take care all! I hope you try making some hypertufa. I would love to hear all about it and see some pictures.
Cindy
www.etsy.com/shop/DeerwoodCreekGifts
6 comments:
Wow, they look great! I did not know it took so long though but I adore that one that has the beeswax pattern! The owls are adorable. Can't wait to see what else you come up with! ;)
Believe it or not, that was made using bubble wrap! How cool is that??? :)
Hehe - I already saw on fb how impatient you were/are :) I like how the bags made that pattern on the one pot. Should be exciting to see them when they are finished.
I couldn't last a month waiting to see a "finished" product, so I'll have to live vicariously thru you. lol. that owl family is too cute.
Debbi
-yankeeburrowcreations
Hello,
Hypertufa is made by combining Peat Moss, Perlite, and Portland Cement. Mix together, add some water and pretty to make pots.Nice post about Hypertufa .
MDF | Veneered MDF
Those turned out great! I especially like the one that has the honeycomb pattern.
Seeing these brings back memories. My mom and I made a batch of these years ago. We made pots and stepping stones and set ceramic tiles into them. There is a lot you can do with this stuff. :)
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