2nd batch in the water tank. I think I roughed up the outside with a wire brush much better.
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Yes sir ee! that is 1/8" ice on the water. its snowing now on May 1st.

this is my lantern base. What do you think?
This is the tufa batch where I added the latex paint it is still scratch able with a fingernail at day 3.. I sure hope it gets hard.
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The gallon pot is for size. Yup those are my baby pinyon's for a 40 tree pinyon/juniper forest I have in mind. Also a few hundred penstomon's.
the brown color on the outside is just from dirty hands. This baby is ready for soaking.
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"They have a white filmy look on the outside. is this what you folks wash off with vinagar or acid?"
Nope, that white filmy look is "efflorescence" and it's more noticeable on colored cement pieces. Most people use vinegar to try to neutralize the lime. Efflorescence is caused by soluble salts rising to the surface. Can be caused by too much water or cool conditions. If you catch it right away it can be removed by scrubbing in water. On there too long and you will need an acid bath.... Billie

Elkski the large trough is great! What did you use for a mold? Also I love the little planter without much room. Maybe something that grows in rock crevices would like it.

elkski, I would like to see your finished lantern. I made some Japanese lanterns for myself, maybe 8-10, all different style in the last 15 years. I never made a mold, just used what I could find in the correct shape.

Andrea

Elkski, I too like the little pot. You could tuck some sedum in it. I'd like to know what you used for a mold on the big planter. I am ready to move on to bigger projects. When I think I have a big mold it turns out to be small by the time you make the walls thick enough.