Supplies for Making Garden Statues

Concrete

• Concrete is the strongest and most durable material that's easily manipulated to create a garden statue. Use small gravel and sand as the aggregate in the concrete, however, because large gravel leaves air bubbles and distorts the fine details of the statue. Concrete requires a few days to a few weeks to dry completely, depending on the humidity, heat and thickness of the statue. Also, define or alter the statue with carving tools as the concrete sets and thickens.

Molds and Armatures

• Garden statues formed from concrete, plaster or any other material in a liquid form require the right molds. Statues fashioned from clay or flexible solid materials require a wire or wood armature, suggests Sherri Hunter, author of "Making Concrete Garden Ornaments." Molds keep the liquid material in shape as it dries. Armatures support moss, clay and stiffened fabric and act as the skeleton of the statue. PVC or urethane molds for concrete are found at many specialty concrete stores.

Wood

• Carving a garden statue from wood requires no mold or armature, only a set of sharp carving tools and a mallet. Homeowners proficient with their chainsaw may want to try carving a bear or totem pole from a log, according to Chisel Me Timbers, but using a chainsaw is dangerous -- so use extreme caution. Use a set of chisels, smaller blades and a mallet to carve a block of hardwood into a garden statue -- without the risk of power tools.

Finishing Touches

• Decorative touches such as paint and sealant are crucial supplies when making your own garden statue. Different base materials require different sealants to product the finished statue. Concrete sealers designed for patio use are recommended by SVJ Creative Designs, while wood statues are often sealed with clear polyurethane. Choose a paint appropriate to the material as well. The statue must be completely dried and cured before any coatings are applied, which can take months if you carve a statue from green wood.