Steven's got a great - and cheap - DIY for the last days of summer: Cement! There are two projects to work on today: bowls and planters. All of the items needed should be easily found at your local hardware store.

Formed Cement Bowl
The great thing about this is you can custom size it to fit any space - consider making a birdbath, a bowl for your keys and change... the possibilities are endless.

SUPPLIES:
Portland cement
Large and medium mixing bowls
Salal leaves - or any leaves with deep veining
Spray glue
Vaseline
Paintbrushes for vaseline and cement
Bucket
Stir sticks (big spoon)
Rubber gloves
Weight (like a pitcher of water, or a rock)

Steps:
1. Using spray glue, adhere the leaves to the interior of the large mixing bowl.
2. Using a paintbrush, apply a thin coat of Vaseline over inside of the large bowl and the outside of the medium bowl.
3. Mix the cement to the desired consistency - a little like sour cream. Be sure to use a dust mask for this, so you don't inhale the powder. Once it's wet, you can take the mask off. It's also wise to wear some rubber gloves when you work with wet cement because it can irritate your skin.
4. Paint the outside of the medium bowl and the inside of the large bowl with the mixture.
Pour the rest of the mixture into the large mixing bowl.
5. Insert the medium sized bowl into the center of the large bowl. Push the medium bowl down until the concrete is level with the 2 bowls. Weigh it down with a jug of water. Let this set up for 18 hours.
6. Remove both bowls, leaving your concrete form. Don't be afraid to give it a good smack to get it out - it won't break. Peel off any leaves which may have adhered to the concrete. Smooth top edge, with a scraper or by sanding. Let dry for another 24 hours.

Patio Paver Planter
This is an easy project, and a great way to get some inexpensive planters for your patio - $20 will make two planters. They'll be heavy, but the wind won't knock them over - and no one's going to be able steal them. This is why Steven suggests that you keep it on the smaller size (like 12x12 inches or 6x12 inches), because, ultimately, you have to move the planter into place.

SUPPLIES:
Concrete pavers
Masonry and brick adhesive
Caulking gun
Concrete stain
Water-based sealant

Steps:
1. Pick a cement paver to give you the shape you want for your planter
2. Build a square with the pavers - they'll overlap at one end, just keep the overlap consistent.
3. Add a bead of block adhesive along each side and replace the paver.
With the square in place, add glue to the facing edge and place the last paver on top
4. Allow to harden for 24 hours before moving
5. Dye
6. Seal
7. Plant with favourite plants

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