Hi Deb! Congratulations on your sale! One of these days, I'm gonna feel the same feeling... One point from a consumer/customer/browser-to-buyer point of view.... When I'm browsing through a store, craft show display, website, etc. of an artisan/crafter who's work I am drawn to, but might not quite be able to afford, I look for a smaller and less expensive by that person that I like. There have been many times when I have lusted after the work of an artist, but found another piece, sometimes of the same medium, sometimes not, which I could afford and appreciate owning. It also keeps the artist/crafter in the back of my mind whenever I am able to afford something a bit pricier. Sometimes the artist only deals in large or expensive pieces, then I resign myself to holding on to the brochure/catalog as a reminder, when I cannot afford those artworks. I realize that alot of this depends upon how much commission work you are dealing with, whether you have the time or energy to create smaller pieces. I think that the auction may have helped you decide what your price is/will be. Don't be afraid to ask for a little bit more than you could ever imagine it being worth. If it doesn't sell, you can always reduce the price, "end of season, etc.," but never less than two-thirds of your original asking price, unless you just want to keep from loading/unloading it. Artwork appreciates in value, not the other way around.... If someone wants your work, but can't quite afford it, you can offer them a break if they bring you additional business in the form of friends, co-workers, etc. There's nearly always a way to make most folks happy. My two cents...;D Congratulations again! Continued success! Jo

A couple of things jumped out at me. 1. I'm not positive but I don't think patio paints are meant to be used in a submerged environment. Rain OK, occasional soaking OK, underwater? Probably not OK. They are called "patio" paints and patios are seldom submerged. 2. Not to disparage Rust-oleum sealer but there are better sealers out there. And again, is the product OK to be used underwater? It says ideal over concrete, etc. but does it say "can be submerged"? Also a lot of sealers are meant only for vertical surfaces, they're basically water "shedders" instead of waterproofers. Read the label carefully. I use a Behr brand sealer that is meant to be used around pools. Note: most sealers go on cloudy but cure/dry clear. 3. Re: painting a birdbath. Birds have very sharp talons, any little scratches through the sealed surface will allow water underneath the sealant. This in turn will either react with the concrete causing it to flake or become grainy or let "bubbles" form under the paint and sealer skin. 4. Was your concrete leaf completely cured? If not, any paint/stain/sealer applied to it may come off. 5.I wouldn't seal and then paint, the paint may not adhere or go on smoothly. 6. Personally I would recommend using a non-painted leaf for the bath and using a painted leaf as decor. Perhaps paint the under side of the bath leaf? Don't know if any of this helps or not. Let us know how things turn out.

Your leaf turned out nice. Fun, isn't it? We just made one last weekend. Funny story re: the leaf. I've been looking at this particular leaf in my rhubarb patch for weeks. Sunday morning I even showed my daughter the leaf I was going to be using that afternoon to make a birdbath. When my DH went out to pick the leaf-- you guessed it-- GONE! So we selected the next best leaf. The next day visiting over the fence with a neighbor- we found the culprit when they mentioned that they had to get the rhubarb that they had picked yesterday cooked into sauce. I guess that's what happens when you tell the neighbors "oh, just help yourself whenever you want"! Oh Well- I think our alternate leaf turned our just fine!

Oh my! Those are just gorgeous! What are you using them for...are you putting them out in the garden or displaying them on a table on the patio, hanging them on a wall? I've definitely gotta give the concrete vinyl patch a try as I can see it takes a whole lot more detail than regular concrete does. Yours are beautiful...your color choices and shading are exquisite! Is it a consistency when mixed that I could put it in a mold? I have a couple of ceramic face masks I bought at goodwill that are painted up for mardi gras that I've wanted to use as molds for a garden face. Is it as heavy as concrete? Thanks!