How To Make Concrete Leaves

Posted By Tipnut On April 26, 2011 @ 11:30 pm In Green Thumb Projects | 5 Comments

Looking for some creative garden art ideas? Concrete leaves are just the ticket, they turn out amazing and are simply gorgeous tucked into flower beds and around the yard. Easy to make too! They’re commonly made with rhubarb leaves but smaller ones can be used too (and arranged as you like). Here are a handful of tutorials that show you how to make your own, the techniques are pretty similar but each project has a tip or two or something unique to offer so I’m including them all. Have fun!

gardenmama.typepad.com

Garden Art Structures ^[1]: Made using rhubarb leaves, portland cement mixed with fine sand and a layer of chicken wire to help prevent cold weather expansion.

Casting ^[2]: A sand & concrete mix is made fairly liquid and then brushed on a large leaf with a paint brush. A layer of hardware mesh is added to help keep the form reinforced (mentions that drywall mesh tape can be used too).

craftgrrl.livejournal.com

overthegardengate.net

Step-By-Step Guide ^[3]: This tutorial is three pages long and includes lots of pictures and detailed instructions. Suggests using Rhubarb, Gunnera, Inula, Curcubita or even large maple-leaves.

Sand-cast Birdbath ^[4]: This project makes a leaf form with a shallow depression to make it suitable for using as a birdbath. Add some color with paint or concrete dye (optional).

gardengatemagazine.com

flickr.com/photos/woolly_fabulous/

Picture Tutorial Set ^[5]: This uses a rhubarb leaf for the shape but see how nice these can turn out with powdered dye mixed in! To get started with the tutorial, click the first picture in the set then the “Next” button to click through..

Bowl or Birdbath ^[6]: This page has a couple ideas of using smaller leaves and arranging them to make bowls or birdbaths.

gardenmolds.com

Displaying lovely items in the garden doesn’t have to be expensive, see these creative garden containers ^[7] from everyday household items, even moss can be used to add beauty to your yard.

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/concrete-leaves/

URLs in this post:

[1] Garden Art Structures: http://gardenmama.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/08/my-entry-1.html

[2] Casting: http://craftgrrl.livejournal.com/6623548.html

[3] Step-By-Step Guide: http://www.overthegardengate.net/userpages/pp_view.asp?FName=Pauliens%20Leaves

[4] Sand-cast Birdbath: http://www.gardengatemagazine.com/53birdbath/

[5] Picture Tutorial Set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woolly_fabulous/sets/72157605045878381/

[6] Bowl or Birdbath: http://www.gardenmolds.com/pages/tutorials/leaf_bowl.html

[7] creative garden containers: http://tipnut.com/creative-container-gardening-tips-ideas/

Click here to print.