Chris, how did your first pots turn out? Is there such a things as them turning out great very first time out?

I've had good luck with my pots and am still using my very first ones. One important thing to remember is how fragile they are until cured. Also don't add too much water to the mix because that can make it weak. Add just enough so that when you squeeze a handful of the mix it sticks together.

My biggest disaster was when I was experimenting using other ingredients. I used sawdust once and that didn't work too well.

Okay, no sawdust. I was thinking about using the playground sand on my first attempt, you said it made it stronger. Strong is good.

Yup! Should work great!

I will get my Portland cement and sand this week. I feel excited, but also a little fearfull. I hate failure, I think it keeps me from trying many things that are interesting. I will be brave.

Well start with a small pot first and if it does break, you won't be out much. Its a pretty inexpensive hobby because the ingredients go a long way. My 80 yr. old Mom came over a few years ago and made some with me and had a blast. She still has hers yet too. I'm sure you'll be a pro at it in no time!

YEAH, tufa pots on the way.

I am going to try this too. I am getting stuck at a basic problem...those 92 lb bags of Portland cement. I was thinking maybe the store can load it in the back of the crossover truck and when I get home I can empty it into several reasonable size buckets. Just worried that the dust will get every where. Any other suggestions?

Hi Anna, That is exactly what most people do. I have heard if some people take the buckets to the store that they will help you load it right into the buckets. I've never tried that though. Or just load it into the buckets outside at home so it doesn't make a mess in a building.

That's worth a try...

Let me know how it worked out for you. I'm excited to see you starting to make hypertufa!

I am using White Thinset Cement instead of Portland. Is this OK?

I don't have any experience with that so I'm not sure how that will work.