Concrete leaf casting

[journey11]

http://gardenmuse.wordpress.com/2011/05/07/re-post-concrete-leaf-casting/

Just found this on Pinterest... It is super simple to do! Follow the linked text "step-by-step instructions" for the how-to, but refer to the first link above for how she painted them and got the metallic color effect.

The biggest leaf I have right now would be a canna. Wonder who I know that might let me have an elephant ear leaf, if they haven't already put theirs to bed for winter? Time to raid Mom's garden! Oh...she might like one of these for Christmas!

(I thought to link or embed the pic from her blog, but I wasn't sure if that was a no-no or not? Anyone know?)

ETA: Oh goodness, they even mention that you can use them for a birdbath if you use a leaf with a cupped shape.

 

[thistlebloom]

Yeah, those are very cool! I always wanted to make a bird bath with a huge rhubarb leaf...one of those things that I think about but takes a few years for me to actually get to. I like the iridescent colors on the dark background.

The elephant ears here are still going strong, hopefully you can find one! If you do this you better post some pix!

 

[Carol Dee]

Sis and I made one with rhubarb leaves last summer. Turned out great. Grandson broke off a tip already! Oh-well. Cement glue stuck it back in place. Hope to make more.

 

[Jared77]

Rhubarb leaves would be SUPER COOL!!! Thank you for sharing what a great idea

 

[Carol Dee]

Here is the one I made from a rhubarb leaf. I did a light wash of watered down craft paint in a soft green then coated it with a concrete water seal.

 

[lesa]

I have always wanted to do this! Carol Dee that is the prettiest one I have seen! I will add it to my to-do list for spring!

 

[Jared77]

WOW!!! That's fantastic!

 

[journey11]

That's awesome, Carol! I just found some wild rhubarb leaves yesterday I think would work. We're supposed to get a freeze tonight, so I don't know if they'll hang around long enough for me to use them. I might have to wait until spring.

 

[lesa]

Remind us of this project in the spring! I really want to try it...

 

[journey11]

I may try this on a smaller scale with some grape leaves or some fall leaves that are not too dry. I don't know if I can wait that long. I think a few small ones would make a really cute garden accent too.