DIY Concrete Leaf Casting!

Contributed by Trish Gau, The Hive Overland Park

Making a concrete leaf cast for use as a birdbath, succulent planter or table centerpiece is easier than you think! The Hive Women recently learned the simple (& slightly messy) steps. Read on to make your own!

This leaf cast was made with the stem still on for use as a drainage hole.

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Supplies:

• Concrete Mix - we used Sakrete Crack Resistant Fiber Reinforced Mix

• Sand - we used Sakrete Multi-purpose

• bucket, scoop and stir tool (stick) for concrete

• protective gloves, facemask & eyewear

• heavily veined leaf(ves) - elephant ears work well. Leave a few inches of stem if you would like a drainage hole in the cast

• cooking spray or oil

• shallow box or cardboard

• plastic sheeting or trash bags

• access to water for mixing and cleanup

Instructions

• Concrete can be messy; remember to don your protective gear & wear old clothes! Cover your table or work area with plastic sheeting. Place cardboard on table or ground to aid in moving your final project. Depending on your leaf size, the casts can get very heavy; you may want to make your project where you can leave it to dry (minimal movement is key to not cracking the piece).

• Place plastic or trash bag on top of cardboard and scoop out sand in a dome shape. Depending on whether you are making a birdbath or something shallow like a candle holder will determine how domed your sand pile should be. Add minimal water to the sand to hold the shape. You can cover the sand pile with another piece of plastic if desired.

• Place your leaf on top of the domed sand pile with the back of the leaf facing up, adjusting the sand placement at this point if you need more or less for the final shape you want. Spray the back of the leaf with cooking spray or lightly coat it with oil.
  

• Mix the concrete according to the package directions (read the mixing and drying instructions fully before you start) - we used about a 4-1 concrete-water ratio (do not make the whole bag at once). You will want a thick mixture that won't run down the leaf. Gradually add more water or concrete to get to the desired consistency. Start piling the concrete on the middle of the leaf, about an inch thick and tapering only slightly to the edge of the leaf (3/4"). If you make the concrete layer too thin, the cast may crack. Flatten the top of the concrete if needed for your final project.

• Allow the cast to dry slowly over the course of a few days. Try to get the project to the drying spot as soon as you can so if it does crack, you can still push the concrete back together before it starts to harden. You can spray the concrete with some water to aid in the slow drying or to repair any initial cracks (try not to dry it in direct sunlight)
  

• After a few days (depending on the size of your leaf), carefully turn your concrete over and peel off the leaf. The newly exposed side may need another day or so of drying time. You can use a sturdy brush to brush off any stuck pieces of leaf and even out the edges of the cast if necessary.

Voila...my cute little birdbath! I will let the underside dry a titch more before filling it with water for the birds. What a fun little project!