The biggest mistake I made was not using enough, or the correct, release agent. When I went to take my new creations out of their molds my square one was a block of wood and hypertufa that would not come apart. I took the mold apart and tried to salvage what I could, but the inside of the mold would not come out. My round one (pictured) worked a bit better. I used a margarine container for the inside of the mold and covered it with tufa. The only problem I had with this one was the board I set it on - it did not want to come off. After negotiating with a screwdriver and chisel (and a few threats that I was going to use a hammer) it eventually gave way. I used a wire brush and a file to clean up the edges that the screwdriver messed up a little - and I think it will work fine as a new home for some of my semps.
Thanks again to Tufa Girl for the help in getting started and in clearing up some of the misconceptions I got from other websites.
Stay tuned for Hypertufa - The Next Chapter coming soon!
Get your hands dirty!
It is beautiful! There is nothing like just jumping in and doing it to really get how to do this tufa thing.
ReplyDeleteOne reminder, always wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the dust and "bits" that might fly around during the process.
I have seen this done before, should look good with Sempervirens.Hope you have drainage hole Matt.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks wonderful, Matt! When I finally get started on my first hypertufa project, I'll be glad to have learned from you about what to do (and not do, as the case may be). I look forward to your next hypertufa creation!
ReplyDeleteI love working with concrete, but tufa makes so much more sense.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Alice
aka Bay Area Tendrils
I agree with Tufa Girl, Looks great.
ReplyDeleteI read about this but haven't been brave enough to give it a try. thanks for taking the leap and giving us all a look at your results. I really want to try this.
ReplyDeleteGinny
Wow! Very nice! Congratulations, Matt! By spring you will have them ready!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job...I feel my confidence rising!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! I am becoming a bigger and bigger fan of hypertufa.
ReplyDeleteOh, I've been wanting to try this! Good job :-) The pots are so rustic looking. Last year I made some concrete leaves. That was a lot of fun, too.
ReplyDelete