HOW TO MAKE A CONCRETE HEAD PLANTER AND NO MESSY CONCRETE REQUIRED! | VIDEO W STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL
Hi sweet SI family, it’s great to be back. I have such a fun DIY before and after for you today. I’ll also bet that after this T2T project, you’ll be going through all your knick-knacks to see what YOU can try this on. You won’t believe how authentic this DIY Concrete Head Planter turned out!
My talented T2T blogger friends also have some impressive before and after’s that I’m linking down below… so let’s get this party started!
Here’s what I started with. When I posted this before pic for my T2T Crew they all agreed she needs a name. Agreed! So I thought it would be fun to have YOU name her. Be sure to read on because I’ve included the details of the “Name This Lady Contest/Giveaway” below.
Here’s her new look. She started out as a youthful-looking lady of plaster and has turned into an ancient-greek-goddess using this faux concrete painting technique.
Even I’m impressed with how easy this was to do and how R*E*A*L this concrete finish looks!
Here’s a close-up… what do you think?!
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST
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- Plaster Lady Bust – SALVAGED
- Dollar Store Paint Brush
- 12″ Level
- Sea Spray Texture
- Pencil | Toothbrush| Shop Towels
- Oscillating Cutting Tool (similar)
- Fluff Chalk Mineral Paint
- Manatee Gray Chalk Mineral Paint
- Caviar Chalk Mineral Paint
How To Make A Concrete Head Planter
I used this plaster bust I’ve had for years but you could also use an inexpensive styrofoam head or even an old doll head you can pick up from a thrift store. Using a doll head sounds a little creepy but check out some of these cuties.
Remove The Top Of The Head
I placed her on a level table and then using a 12″ Level, I drew a straight pencil line around the top of her head while keeping the bubble in my level centered. To cut this plaster, I used an Oscillating Cutting Tool like this, which made the job quick and easy. You could also use a grinder, Dremel Tool, or even a hand-saw. After I cut through the plaster I removed the top. It wasn’t a 100% straight so I switched the blade to a 60 grit sandpaper and sanded it smooth and level.
Prep Surface
This DIY Head Planter Pot will be in my home so I didn’t bother prepping. But if you were going to use this outdoors, including a drainage hole in the bottom of your planter for water flow and then priming to seal the plaster would be a good idea.
Faux Concrete Paint Finish
I started by mixing a 50/50 mix of Fluff with this DB Sea Spray Additive. It was a little thick so if I was doing this again I wouldn’t use quite as much additive because as you’ll see in the video (which I’ve included below), it was a little chunky to apply although gave great results.
Below is what she looked like with the first coat of textured Fluff. When applying your paint, you don’t have to worry about getting 100% coverage because some smoother areas just add to the concrete look.
Once the first coat was dry, I used this Manatee Gray mixed Sea Spray in about an 80/20 ratio so it wasn’t as thick and much easier to apply. I dabbed it on in some areas and brushed it on in other areas.
I used the same cheap dollar-store brush for all my coats.
To create a third layer of darker gray, I just added some of this black to the Manatee Gray mix and stippled it on. Again I left some of the Fluff and Manatee Gray peeking through in areas.
While the paint was still wet, I put a little Fluff and Manatee Gray on a shop towel and dabbed areas to create the illusion of even more concrete texture! Doesn’t she look great?!
For the final touch, I took a toothbrush, applied a little of this Caviar black paint, and splattered and speckled this faux concrete finish.
Here’s what all the steps looked like side by side so you can see what each step added.
DIY Concrete Head Planter Video
I create a short step-by-step YouTube tutorial so you can see this lady’s transformation in action. If you have any issues viewing the video below, feel free to watch it here… and don’t forget to subscribe! 😉
Once she was all dry, all there was left to do was add a gorgeous plant!
If I was to do anything differently with this project, I might have cut a little more off the top of her head to make the opening a little wider. This way I would have more options for the size of the plant I could use. But overall, I’m SUPER happy with her new look!
Now let’s have some fun and play NAME THIS LADY!
Super easy. Leave a comment down below with a name you think suits this concrete planter goddess. I’ll go through them and pick a name (and a lucky winner) next week. The person who provides the winning name gets a $50 Amazon Gift Card emailed to them as a thank you for helping me NAME THIS LADY! This is going to be fun. I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
And now for some MORE TRASH TO TREASURE FUN!
I know you’re going to LOVE what this talented team of ladies has for you today. They always surprise me with their creativity! Below are their BEFORE photos. Visit the links underneath to see the amazing AFTERS and to learn how they did it. I’m heading over to take a peek right now myself! x
1. Girl In The Garage
2. Prodigal Pieces
3. Artsy Chicks Rule
4. Confessions Of A Serial DIYer
5. Salvaged Inspirations (I’m so happy you’re here!!)
Thanks for joining me today. I’d love to hear what you think of this faux concrete head planter and don’t forget to leave her a name to qualify for the Giveaway! I’ll be back next week with an Ethan Allen Cane Table Makeover and the winner of the Name This Lady Contest. This winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize so be sure to check back. See you then! 🙂
Thanks for reading. 🙂
Wishing you a beautiful day and Happy Painting friends!
Denise XO
Elaine Norbury says
Hi Denise, love this and I am now on the hunt for a head of some sort. I still think her name is Arrabella.
Denise says
Thanks Elaine! x
Carolyn says
Beautiful!!! She looks like an Eloise to me!!
Cyn Smith says
Really clever and of course cool! I see Abigail.
HARJITH D BUBBER says
Excellent makeover !!!
Denise says
Thanks Harjith!
Cindy olaya says
I’m going to be looking for a plaster bust! This makes over is incredible! I think she looks like a Xaviera or an Alexandra!
Denise says
Thanks Cindy and I hope you find one! It’s such a fun DIY! 🙂
Jen @ Girl in the Garage says
What a beauty, Denise! It’s a little bit quirky but very chic too. I agree with another commenter who suggested Ophelia! 🙂
Denise says
YES!… a little quirky-chic!!! Thanks Jen!! XOXO
nette says
Love the antique effect. To me, she’s Mona Brisa!
Jane says
Hello Denise,
Your skills really made this project outstanding. What about ‘Lady Casandra’ ???
Denise says
Thanks Jane!
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Wow!! That’s pretty awesome, Denise!! xo
Denise says
thanks my friend! XOXO
Cindy says
Great new look and use for sure! Don’t know why “Penelope” came to mind. Did hear pen is the name of a female swan. Very fitting an elegant planter.
Denise says
Thanks, Cindy!
Christine says
I ‘m thinking “Fantasia”.. It truly is a musical score changed under your direction! Good Luck to all the entries and on your transformation of your concrete goddess.
Denise says
aww, thanks, Christine! 🙂
Amanda says
She looks like a Daphne! I’m partial to that name (it’s my daughter’s!).
Janet W says
What an amazing transformation! If I find something similar, I plan to “bust” a move too!
Such inspiring names as I’ve read the comments. The fact that Viola is your first name scores lots of points. My submission would be Elsa from “Frozen “
Denise says
lol… Love it, thanks Janet!
Kristina says
Love this project! How about Antheia as a name? She is Greek deity who is associated with flowers and vegetation, as well as of spring and love.
Denise says
Thanks Kristina!
Jan says
I would name her Roxanne!
Vickie says
I love this! Looks like real concrete. I would name her Athena (goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill). She’s definitely a goddess of art, craft and skill. Or you could just go with Gertrude for fun. lol
Denise says
lol…thanks, Vickie!
Mercedes says
You did a beautiful job on her. I would names her Venus goddess of love!
Liz Shivel says
I think Aphrodite might be a good name, although I think she needs a pair of sunglasses perched in her royal nose! Beautiful job with this for sure!
Denise says
Love it…I’ll bust out the Ray-Bans…lol
Tracy says
What a great technique with lovely results. I would name her Anastasia just because it’s such a pretty name & the connection to nature.. But whatever name you choose, I am sure your plant will thrive in such a regal abode!! Thanks D.
Denise says
Thanks, Tracy! And ya, this lady head planter is a good reminder for me to water the little sucker…we don’t want her going bald…🤣
Candy Owens says
Kyria is the Greek name for lady. Doesn’t she look like a Kyria?!!
Sara Walker says
I love this idea! Will be keeping an eye out for a bust, now that I have seen your tutorial. I think she looks like a Freyr, she is the Norse Goddess of plants and agriculture.
Denise says
Thanks Sara.. and I hope you find one to try this on! 🙂
Nancy says
Love this transformation! I suggest Donna Amata (beloved woman in Italian)!
Denise says
Thanks Nancy!
Leisa says
What a beauty. Thank you for sharing your project with us. I think a fitting name for her would be Madam Cordelia.
Rita says
Roman goddess of handicrafts – Minerva
Amazing project, love this technique!
Denise says
Thanks Rita!
Teri Olsen says
She looks like an Ophelia to me. It’s from a song by The Band.
Denise says
Thanks Teri! x
Bobbi Harris says
She’s definitely Lady Grey, wife of Earl Grey!
Adria says
How ’bout Lady Grey of Rockingham
Ruth M. says
Her transformation made me think about Lott’s wife turned into a pillar of salt. I would call her Lottie.
April says
I see her as a Persephone.She turned out beautifully, great job. I’m hoping to win so I can but supplies to try this) thank you for the share
Denise says
Thanks April! 🙂
Marcia says
That looks fantastic! What a great job. OK – I’ll play. But this seems too obvious…. How about “Fern.” :o)
Denise says
Thanks Marcia! XOXO 🙂
Lorraine Brown says
Love this makeover. Great to see something completely different. Thanks.
My suggested name is Petranouva….. As in new stone because this totally rocks!
Denise says
Thanks, Lorraine! 🙂
Gayle says
Tip of the hat to Dixie Belle products…how about EllaBelle?
Sharon Elaine Rice says
What a beauty. One of the best I’ve seen. I would call her Astra or Aurora.
Denise says
Thanks Sharon! x
jacquelyn gageby says
Denise, I couldn’t find where to post my suggestion for a name for your lady, so I’ll try submitting it this way, “Lady Belle”.
Denise says
Thanks, Jacquelyn and perfect… this is exactly where to post it. 🙂
Tammy says
She looks amazing! I think the name Priscilla suits her.
Denise says
Thanks Tammy!
Jeanne Barrett says
I would call her Concretia, mistress of nature
Sharon says
I think Persephone is a great name. She was the daughter of Demeter,.
“Persephone is a true nature child, being the daughter of the goddess of the harvest. Her mother is also affectionately known as Mother Nature. Persephone is a living example of youth, beauty, and life”
Holly K Hicks says
Denise, love your planter!I am an estate gardener by trade, and I have seen several actual concrete head planters. It would be hard to tell the difference without a close inspection!! Now if I can only find the perfect statue to try this myself with! 😊 it was hard to pick just one name I had several in mind but to be fair to others i narrowed my choices down to”WILLOW “ . Thanks for all the inspiration you send our way Love them, keep them coming!🥰 Holly
Denise says
An estate gardener… how interesting and fun! Thanks for this Holly, love it! x
Diane says
What a great, inspiring project! Thanks for your generosity in sharing, Denise! This lovely lady looks like she should be named “Plantasia”. A good day to all…
Denise says
Thanks, Diane!… and same to you, have a good one! x
Nanette says
Fantastic!
I would like to nominate “Elizabeth” or “Penny”…she looks like either of those two. Thanks!
Jen says
How about Concretia. The name incorporates the concrete look plus has a Greek goddess sound to it.
Jauquetta Lynn says
The only thing I’d have done differently is to try to keep more of her curls! I did adore her hair.
Christine says
My vote is Ldy Flora! She is beautiful!
Christine says
That should read Lady Flora
Denise says
Thanks Christine!
Kim Faber says
I just looked at her and thought Esmeralda
Fiona says
She looks like a Maude to me. Plus, she’s been MODernized. 🙂
Denise says
Too cute Fiona!
Vickie says
I think Pluma. One of my best friends had a great aunt named that, and I always wanted to see someone or something named that.
Denise says
That’s unique!
Margaret Dignard says
Love your planter. I would name her ” LADY BELLE FLEUR “
Denise says
Thanks Margaret!
Jill says
Great idea and instructions. I love head planters and enjoy filling them with plants that look like hair. The name that instantly came to my mind was Isabella.
Denise says
I love them too and thanks Jill! x
Gabi says
Don’t know why, but Penelope popped into my head when I saw her. No deeper meaning, just a hunch. So amazing, I don’t know how you come up with these ideas!
Denise says
Thanks Gabi!
Patty says
Aveline – she looks French!
Do Dodson says
Oh, I adore this idea! I have a statue of David that needs some greenery. Fantastic project! Thanks for sharing. xo 😘
Denise says
Thanks my friend! And I remember your David!!!