I thought making my own concrete sculpture would be a cheap way to upgrade my space. I watched tutorials, bought a $40 bag of mix, and borrowed a wheelbarrow from my neighbor. The instructions made it sound easy—just mix, pour, wait. But the mess was instant. Concrete dust everywhere, water ratios impossible to get right. My first batch was too runny; the second, too dry. I wasted half the bag just trying to get it to hold a shape. I spent an hour fighting with a plastic mold I found online. The concrete stuck, even after I greased it. When I finally pried it out, the cast cracked. I tried carving details, but the surface just crumbled. My hands were raw from scraping, and I ruined my only pair of decent shoes. Seven days later, all I had was a lumpy, gray blob and a $60 hole in my budget. I keep telling myself it’s a lesson, but it feels more like a warning. #DIYDisaster #HomeBudgetFail #BrokeButCreative #Home