Roses and romance

The slightly rough finish of concrete makes it an excellent material to use when making roses and other romantic elements in a garden. These roses were cast using silicone muffin cases. Silicone moulds stretch and are easy to remove once the concrete has hardened, making these roses some of the easiest items you can cast in concrete and a perfect project for beginners.

There are numerous heart-shaped moulds available in the form of cake tins, sand moulds and cookie cutters, but if you cannot find anything suitable, you can easily make your own out of styrofoam. Simply sketch your heart design on to the styrofoam and cut it out.

Small roses and hearts also look just as good inside as they do outside. In the house, use them as napkin weights, decorative ornaments on windowsills or next to your front door. Why not give a heart or roses as a gift to someone you care about?

Roses in an old, water-filled zinc dish.

Image Full instructions on page 121.

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Opposite: Birdbath with a small heart relief. Above: A selection of simple hearts. Below: A heart and some rose petals.

Image Full instructions on pages 124, 128, 122 and 123.

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