Sherri Hunter, author of the best-selling Creating with Concrete, proves once again that concrete isn't just for sidewalks anymore; it's perfect for the garden too. A selection of 30 beautiful designs suggests the range of this increasingly popular material, and the illustrated instructions make the craft's fundamentals easy to learn. Because the simplest projects come first, beginners can work their way through the book progressively, building on their skills. Novices will have fun making the carved trough, sandcast bowl, and elegant relief panel. More sophisticated projects, including a decorative walkway and polished table, come next, and they'll bring charm to any outdoor space. More adventurous artists can unleash their creativity on a "Garden Guardian" sculpture or water feature. A Selection of the Crafters Choice and Homestyle Book Clubs.

A celebrated teacher has gathered the tried-and-true techniques used by sculptors and folk artists, and tailored them for low-tech surroundings. Work with molds; form over armatures; model or carve with concrete; and treat concrete surfaces with mosaics, embedded objects, incising, and coloring. For dazzling outdoor embellishments, craft a birdbath, a Little Lady Fountain, and more. Twenty-five projects in all.

Strong, versatile, and amazingly easy to work with, concrete is the ideal medium for outdoor art and long-lasting, practical projects for the garden. And, best of all, it doesn't cost a lot of money or require special equipment; everything you need is right at the local home improvement center, ready and waiting. A celebrated teacher has gathered the tried-and-true techniques used by sculptors and folk artists, and then tailored them perfectly for low-tech surroundings and personal expression. Work with molds; form over armatures; model or carve with concrete; take advantage of technical advances to develop lighter, stronger structures; and treat concrete surfaces with mosaics, embedded objects, incising, and coloring. For dazzling outdoor embellishment, craft Garden Critter Stepping Stones, a Trough Planter, Birdbath, Little Lady Fountain, and a jazzy border. Every one of the 25 projects will open up new creative horizons!

T.J. Neil shares his techniques and recipes for success in the creation of enormous concrete sculptures strong enough to withstand transport and the tests of time. This book provides valuable insights into the successful construction of concrete art through text and 371 clear color photos of concrete sculptures, both complete and under construction. A list of required materials and sound advice for procuring and mixing concrete are provided. The wide variety of concrete sculpture subjects portrayed provide artists with inspiration for projects large and small. See fishermen, strong men, mermaids, alligators, dolphins, manatees, frogs, grizzly bears, whales, horses, panthers, cows, sharks, elephants, and even a ten-foot, five thousand pound dragon that hisses three-foot flames. are also shown. Concrete craftsmen will find this book an endless source of inspiration.

A Library Journal Best Crafts & DIY Book of 2015 Incorporating concrete design into a home garden can now be easily achieved by any do-it-yourself enthusiast! Concrete furniture and containers add style and personality to outdoor spaces, and the addition of color makes these objects even more eye-catching. These trendy pieces can cost thousands of dollars at garden centers and furniture stores, but they can also be made affordably at home. In this hands-on guide, concrete artisans Nathan Smith and Michael Snyder offer basic information on how to mix concrete and add color using dyes, paints, and inlaid materials. The twenty step-by-step projects include small items, like a candle holder with an old-world feel and a simple stacked-ring planter, and larger pieces, like an elegant bike rack and a beautiful fire pit that is the perfect gathering place for friends and family.

A guide to hardscaping that provides information on structure and balance, discussing instilling motion, delineating spaces, creating privacy, and other related topics.

Celebrated internationally as artists and gardeners, Little and Lewis open the gates to their renowned Puget Sound garden, describing how a retreat for reflection can be achieved in your own backyard. Gardeners will be encouraged to use their imagination and take risks.