featured 69085

DIY Concrete Vase from a Mailing Tube: Step-by-Step Guide

Create a simple concrete vase or planter using one clever office supply: a mailing tube.

img 69085 1

I’ve been on a concrete craft kick lately — after making geometric concrete bookends and concrete candle votives, I couldn’t resist another project. This one might be my favorite because it involves flowers.

I made this very easy concrete vase using nothing more than a mailing tube and a few basic supplies. It’s quick, inexpensive, and yields a modern, sturdy vase that’s perfect for spring blooms.

Materials for Concrete Vase / Concrete Planter

  • Rapid-setting cement mix
  • Mailing tube (sturdy cardboard cylinder)
  • Small juice glass (to form the inner cavity)
  • Cooking spray or another release agent
  • Plastic bucket or mixing container
  • Old bucket or surface you don’t mind getting messy
  • Water
  • Trowel, wooden spoon, or similar tool for mixing

How To Make a Concrete Vase / Concrete Planter

Step 1: Mix cement and water.

Combine the cement mix and water in a bucket. Use approximately 4 parts cement to 1 part water and mix until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 2: Prepare the mailing tube.

Coat the inside of the mailing tube with cooking spray or another release agent to make removing the cardboard easier once the concrete cures.

Step 3: Pour concrete into the tube.

Pour the concrete mixture into the prepared mailing tube, filling it about halfway to start.

Step 4: Insert the inner form.

Place the small juice glass inside the tube while the concrete is still wet. Press it down gently so the concrete rises around the sides of the glass, creating a hollow center. If there are gaps between the glass and the cardboard tube, spoon in a bit more concrete to fill them.

Step 5: Let the concrete cure.

Allow the concrete to dry. With a rapid-setting mix this typically takes 3–5 hours, though drying time depends on temperature and humidity.

Step 6: Remove the mailing tube and reveal the vase.

Once the concrete is fully dry, tear away the mailing tube to reveal your finished vase. Fill the inner glass or the hollow with water and add flowers.

Here’s how the finished vase looks:

How to Make a Concrete Vase with a Mailing Tube

img 69085 3

How to Make a Concrete Vase or Concrete Planter

Brittni

This quick DIY concrete vase is made with a mailing tube for a clean, modern shape. It’s simple to mix, pour, and remove — perfect for creating small planters or decorative vases.

Ingredients

  • Rapid-setting cement mix
  • Mailing tube
  • Small juice glass
  • Cooking spray
  • Plastic bucket or mixing container
  • Old bucket or surface you don’t mind getting messy
  • Water
  • Trowel or wooden spoon for mixing

Instructions

  • Add the cement mix to a bucket and stir in water. Use about 4 parts cement to 1 part water and mix thoroughly until smooth.
  • Spray the inside of the mailing tube with cooking spray to act as a release agent.
  • Pour the concrete mixture into the mailing tube, filling it roughly halfway.
  • Insert the juice glass into the tube, pressing down so the concrete surrounds its sides. Add more mixture as needed to fill gaps between the glass and the tube.
  • Let the concrete cure. With a rapid-setting mix this usually takes 3–5 hours depending on conditions.
  • When fully dry, tear away the cardboard tube to reveal your new vase or planter. Clean out any loose debris, add water and flowers, or plant directly if you prefer.

Did you make this?Share your results and tag your creations so others can see your concrete vases.

I’d love to hear what you think of this project in the comments. Also — what’s your favorite flower? Tell me below.