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Tools + Materials
Learn about the tools and materials we like working with at HomeMade Modern.
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Feb
20
By Ben Uyeda
Faceted geometric forms are trending nowadays. While the simple, colorful, paper shape DIYs that appear all over Pinterest are fun and easy to make, the results aren't lasting. We wanted to create a series of free, downloadable templates that could be used as forms and/or molds to make more sustainable objects. Download and print our Bloktagon series on cardstock paper to create forms for wax candles or concrete coat hooks and vases.
SUPPLIES:
Quikrete 5000 Concrete MixPurchase at Home Depot
QUIKRETE® 5000 Concrete Mix is a commercial-grade blend of stone or gravel, sand and cement that's specially designed for strength. It is available at Home Depot and typically comes in 80lb. bags. The hardest part about working with it is moving the 80lb. bag. Mixing the small quantity needed for this project is easy – all you have to do is add water and stir thoroughly.
Candle-Making Stuff: Paraffin Wax, Candle Wicks and Scented OilsPurchase at Craft Stores or Online at Amazon.com
Cardstock or Glossy Photo PaperPurchase In-Store or Online at Staples.com
We used 110lb. cardstock from Staples but glossy photo paper will give concrete projects a smoother finish. Both types of paper will work with standard inkjet printers.
High Gloss or Eggshell House PaintPurchase at Home Depot
Standard house paint helps seal the exterior of the paper molds.
GluePurchase In-Store or Online at Staples.com
Simple craft or white glue will work.
TOOLS:
Scissors, box cutter or Exacto knife to cut out the paper templatesInkjet printer to print the 8.5" x 11" downloadable Bloktagon templatesMetal ruler or tool with a sharp, straight edge is useful for creating perfect, scored folds
INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: Download and print the templatesDownload and print the bloktagon templates on cardstock paper. Glossy photo paper can be used to create smoother molds for concrete projects.
STEP 2: Cut out the templatesUse scissors or an Exacto knife to cut out the templates.
STEP 3: Fold the templatesUse a metal ruler to help make perfectly scored fold lines on the cut out templates.
STEP 4: Glue the template tabsGlue the template tabs to the corresponding facet of the Bloktagon. To make things easy, we numbered the tabs to the corresponding facet it should be glued to. A pencil or popsicle stick can be helpful for applying pressure to gluing a tab that's difficult to reach on both sides.
STEP 5: Paint the outsideBrush a coat of house paint on the exterior of the assembled Bloktagon to seal the mold.
STEP 6: Fill the moldsWe experimented with paraffin wax and concrete fillings.
Blocktagon Candles
For Blocktagon candles, we melted leftover crayons into the paraffin wax to add color and put a few drops of scented oils for an added touch.
Blocktagon Vases
To make Bloktagon concrete vases, we used Quikrete 5000 but took out the large pieces of gravel. We placed pens and candles in the wet concrete to form the openings for the vases.
If you want to make a simple coat hook or knob, just place a large hex head screw into the wet concrete and allow it to cure together
Good luck making your own Bloktagon objects, and please email or tweet photos to @benuyeda or ben@homemade-modern.com. For more detailed instructions, dimensioned drawings and different variations of the project, check out our soon-to-be-released book.
