That's really beautiful. You did a great job, what was your mix? What kind of leaf is it? I have not done leaves yet, so this is going to be my next project I think. Any tips on getting started? :) Ruth

That looks lovely! Love the color! It looks to me like you highlighted the veins with gold--am I seeing that right? Nice touch!

Angie

I so want to try this. Was it hard? What process did you use and what is the cement mix? Portland and sand? I have been reading, I need to have a "sand form" to rest the leaf on.

thank you all for your compliments!after doing a few of these I want to do more. It is very addicting.I have gave several away . This was a rhubarb leaf.I used regular concrete mix from a bag for this. just put the leaf on a pile of sand and packed concrete on till i thought it was thick enough.the bigger leaves came out ok like this but I have heard people say they use 1 part portlain cement to 3 parts sand. I am going to try that with the smaller leaves such as hosta. so the edges will be smoother.this is so much fun and people have gave me so many ideas from GW. Angie I did not put any gold on it unless there was some in the stone flek paint.Thanks for looking.Robin

Here is a link that might be useful: elephant ear leaf

Robin,
You did a wonderful job especially considering you were using true concrete mix with pebbles. A suggestion for you is to get the sand mortar mix next time that is if you are not so addicted that you want to make your own mix.
When you apply your mix try to go within 1/4" of the edge of the leaf, the product does slough down a bit from gravity. The colors on the elephant ear is fantastic, what colors did you use.................if it is not a secret. Dena

That is gorgeous. BOTH leaves. I haven't tried this yet, either, but I really have no excuse! I have something growing in my garden that LOOKS like rhubarb leaves, but I don't think it's rhubarb. I've tried to pull it out, but it's too stubborn. The leaves are wonderfully crinkly and large enough to use for this technique. GAHH!! Why am I not doing this yet!

Thanks for the inspiration :>

Dena,thank you for the suggestions .which I am always open to. I am very much so learning.I put a teal paint on the leaf then lightly sprayed it with stone flek paint in a can.That stuff goes along ways. Thanks Robin

Both leaves are wonderful. So how does one get on your gift list :-)

Pesky1... that plant is probably a burdock. They make excellent castings..

If you check out the May 2004 issue of Better Homes and Gardens, on p. 68 they give step-by-step instructions on how to make leaves cast in concrete. They are beautiful.

For the past 5 yrs I have been making stained glass garden stones & selling them at my farmers market & craft shows with great success. I have also been asked to teach a class at a local garden centre (a little scared as I have never done this before) After visiting this site months ago I decided to give leaf casting a try & I just LOVE it. The best part to me is painting the leaves - and to my grade 10 art teacher who said I didn't have any talent - "plssssp" (that's suppose to be a raspberry)
I don't tufa - I 'crete - and the recipe that works for me is 1:1 - 1 part portland cement to 1 part sand. It's easy to work with, moulds well with the leaves, cures faster, & is almost impossible to crack or crumble. I can unmould in less than 24 hrs & just spray daily.
Just thought I'd share.
Sorry, no pictures yet but when I master the digital camera - watch out!!!!!!!

Pesky, I bet it was burdock. It grows wonderfully large leaves (at least in Wisconsin)that are great for making cement leaves from. By the end of the summer though you get those pesky burrs that grab your clothes or stick to cats & dog fur.

If anyone is looking for more info on making things from cement or hypertufa(cement-peat-vermiculite/perlite mix) please do yourself a favor and check out the hypertufa forum through gardenweb. It's fantastic.

Aud

Here is a link that might be useful: hypertufa forum

Here's a link I came across sand-cast birdbath that I would love to do. It has video viewing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Garden Gate Magazine

WOW!

Welcome Gardenrose!
You peaked my interest in the stain glass rocks, any chance of sharing the steps on how to make them? I will try your tufa recipe, thank you (am very much a rookie at this). Have a super holiday weekend!

Here ar pictures of a Rhubarb leaf that I just finished and painted. It measures 2 feet wide by 2 1/2 feet tall. I just couldn't resist when I found such a big leaf to work with. I used plaster of paris. Building a form large enough to hold the sand base I covered the wet sand with plastic wrap. Then placing the leaf face down onto the plastic. I then cut wire mess(the type used for crawlspace vents) I laid it on the leaf,overlapping each piece slightly for strength. Then I cut a piece of copper wire to make a hanger
and threaded it into the mesh at the top of the leaf. Mixed up the plaster of paris and poured. This leaf took 9 pounds of plaster of paris. ooohhh my! Waited 2 days to move it. lol Today I cleaned up the edges with a dremmel and painted it. using red,green,copper and brass. Then I sealed it with clear coat. All that is left to do is find somewhere strong enough to hang it. LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: http://groups.msn.com/cementleaves

I have used a product called "quick crete" as it sets faster and stronger. Stucco mix with fiberglass strands added to it for durability, is quite nice as the "sand" in it is quartzy clear and adds a chatoyance to the finished product. Try coral bell leaves! Violets too!