lizzie, I bought the fortifier ( gal.) at Lowes in the concrete section. You can just use sand and portland. I use the play sand from lowes, it's about $3.99 a bag. I use one part portland and 2 parts sand, I use a measuring cup ( 4 cup ) I use 2 of those full of portland cement and 4 playsand. The planter is about 1" in thickness, the planters are much heavier than tufa.
And it's easier if you put some sort of object in for a drainage hole when making the planter then trying to drill it in after the crete is hardened. If you need to know anything else let me know, you can email me if you like.
bonnie

thanks bonnie,

its turned really cold and rainy here now (supposedly for te next 2 weeks) so i wont get to anything for now. ill probably have more questions when im doing them. i cant wait to try, they look so cool!

thanks for all your help!!!!

bonnie - I agree with lizzie. Your bowl is great and I, too, am inspired to do one...once the weather warms up. Did you cure it? Or use any fibers or mesh? For the admix, did you use it straight from the jug or dilute it? Inquiring minds want to know.

I left the planter in plastic for a couple of days, ( after taking it out of the mold) keeping it moist, then I put it in a tub of water for a couple of days, letting it dry out and then putting it back in the water.
I was mistaken about the fortifier, it comes in a smaller plastic container, from lowes, I add about a cup of it to a 5 gallon bucket and use it as I need it.I don't use any fibers or mesh.
bonnie