{"id":4662,"date":"2018-11-21T15:48:26","date_gmt":"2018-11-21T15:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/?p=4662"},"modified":"2019-12-09T18:39:35","modified_gmt":"2019-12-09T18:39:35","slug":"nordic-concrete-bookends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/2018\/11\/nordic-concrete-bookends\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create Your Own Nordic-Inspired Concrete Bookends"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Smooth, clean, geometric shapes have been all the rage in home d\u00e9cor, and for a very good reason! Trends in interior design have been heavily influenced by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mydomaine.com\/minimalist-interior-design\">minimalist movement<\/a>, which keeps your home simple, clean, and free of unnecessary clutter. Some of the key ideas in a minimalist d\u00e9cor strategy are to <strong>keep your palette neutral and avoid gaudy, over-the-top accessories<\/strong>. Luckily, using concrete for your home d\u00e9cor follows both of these principles to a T.<\/p>\n<p>For those who are feeling crafty, creating your own concrete d\u00e9cor is a relatively inexpensive project that doesn\u2019t require much working time! To get you one step closer to living in a minimalist space, try creating these Nordic-inspired concrete bookends, which are perfect for any living space or office. In this project, we\u2019ll show you how to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/product\/sakrete-shapecrete\/\">SAKRETE ShapeCrete\u2122<\/a> to create your own piece of concrete d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4666 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-624x624.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What You\u2019ll Need<\/h2>\n<p>Total working time: 50 minutes<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4667 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-624x624.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5576-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1 pail of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/product\/sakrete-shapecrete\/\">SAKRETE ShapeCrete\u2122<\/a><\/li>\n<li>2 house-shaped molds (check your local craft store or build your own)<\/li>\n<li>1 jar of Varathane Premium Diamond Wood Finish<\/li>\n<li>1 bottle of vegetable oil<\/li>\n<li>Measuring cup<\/li>\n<li>Hot glue gun<\/li>\n<li>Rubber gloves<\/li>\n<li>Mixing bowl<\/li>\n<li>Spray bottle<\/li>\n<li>Paintbrush<\/li>\n<li>Medium grit sandpaper<\/li>\n<li>Placemat<\/li>\n<li>Plastic fork<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Create Your Concrete Bookends<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4668 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-624x624.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5578-e1542813671647-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>1.<\/strong> Using a hot glue gun, glue down one side of each house-shaped mold to the placemat. Make sure there are no gaps or holes so that the ShapeCrete\u2122 does not leak. Add a small amount of glue around the edges of the inside and the outside of each mold to ensure a complete seal.<br \/>\n<strong>2.<\/strong> Once the glue has dried, lightly spray the interior surface of each mold and the placemat with vegetable oil. If you are using a wooden mold like ours, be sure to use a generous amount of oil, since the wood will absorb some of the liquid.<br \/>\n<strong>3.<\/strong> Next, measure out and pour in 1 part of water into your mixing bowl. Then measure out 3 parts of SAKRETE ShapeCrete\u2122 and set aside.<br \/>\n<strong>4.<\/strong> Slowly add the ShapeCrete\u2122 to your bowl of water, and mix by hand with a plastic fork. The consistency should be pourable, but not too soupy or liquid. You can always add more water or ShapeCrete\u2122 powder to your mix to get the consistency right. Keep mixing until uniform.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4669 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5596-e1542813646963-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5596-e1542813646963-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5596-e1542813646963-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5596-e1542813646963-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5596-e1542813646963-624x832.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>5.<\/strong> Once you have your ShapeCrete\u2122 mix at the desired consistency, carefully pour the mixture into your molds. <strong>Be careful not to overfill!<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>6.<\/strong> Lightly tap the sides of the molds with a heavy object to pull any air bubbles to the surface of your concrete creation. This will help prevent cracking in your d\u00e9cor items as they cure.<br \/>\n<strong>7.<\/strong> Leave your molds to cure overnight, and revisit them the next day (after approximately 24 hours).<br \/>\n<strong>8.<\/strong> Once your concrete creations appear to have dried, you can safely remove them from the molds. Using a medium grit sandpaper, sand the edges until smooth.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4670 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-624x624.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5642-e1542813570258-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>9.<\/strong> To finish off your concrete d\u00e9cor items, brush all surfaces of your bookends with Varathan Premium Diamond Wood Finish. This will make your bookends shinier and easier to clean, as well as protect them from stains or discolouration.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4666 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-624x624.jpg 624w, https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h1>Your new concrete d\u00e9cor pieces are ready to use!<\/h1>\n<p>Once the sealant dries, your pieces are ready to go! Display them on a bookshelf, desk, or even as an accent for your coffee table. You can achieve the minimalist look in your home with these Nordic-inspired bookends paired with sharp, cool furniture and warm, cozy accessories.<\/p>\n<p>Want to find more SAKRETE ShapeCrete\u2122 how-to projects? Check out the product page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/product\/sakrete-shapecrete\/\">here<\/a> for more information and project inspiration!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Smooth, clean, geometric shapes have been all the rage in home d\u00e9cor, and for a very good reason! Trends in interior design have been heavily influenced by the minimalist movement, which keeps your home simple, clean, and free of unnecessary clutter. Some of the key ideas in a minimalist d\u00e9cor strategy are to keep your [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":4666,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4662","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-events"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/11\/IMG_5653.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4662","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4662"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4662\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4666"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kpmindustries.com\/KingHomeImprovementProducts\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}