In this Instructable you'll learn a very quick and easy way to make your own concrete fossil (leaf impression). Leaf impressions can be nice details in larger-scale concrete work, or you can follow these instructions as-is to make stepping stones for the backyard or garden. If you have a big project to pour, this is something easy for the kids to play around with and it keeps any leftover concrete from going to waste.
Skill Level:
Skill Level:
- Beginner
- Fresh Leaf
- Modeling Clay
- Smooth, Flat, Waterproof surface (a scrap piece of 3/4" melamine was used, but thick plastic will work too)
- Sacked Concrete
- CHENG Outdoor Pro-Formula Admixture
- Spray Adhesive
- Diamond Sanding Pads / Sandpaper
- Plastic Bag to cover while curing
- Bucket
- Water
- Particle Mask
- Rubber Gloves
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Signing UpStep 1: Step 1: Make Clay Wall
Clean up the surface you'll be casting on with denatured alcohol. Any dirt, scratches, imperfections and texture will be visible in the finished piece of concrete.
For a very smooth finish, you might try casting on a piece of glass or acrylic. Any surface that won't absorb water will work. If you want to use something like wood, it has to be sealed first or the wood wick the moisture away from the concrete and the surface will be clouded and rough.
Roll out a few 'snakes' and form up the walls by pinching the clay between your fingers and pressing down. It's important that the clay has a good bond to the casting surface. This technique will only work with relatively short walls - anything too tall and the pressure of the concrete will cause the walls to blow out.
For a very smooth finish, you might try casting on a piece of glass or acrylic. Any surface that won't absorb water will work. If you want to use something like wood, it has to be sealed first or the wood wick the moisture away from the concrete and the surface will be clouded and rough.
Roll out a few 'snakes' and form up the walls by pinching the clay between your fingers and pressing down. It's important that the clay has a good bond to the casting surface. This technique will only work with relatively short walls - anything too tall and the pressure of the concrete will cause the walls to blow out.
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Rollerjinx
says:
Aug 21, 2012. 6:11 AMReply
Great idea!
BigBadgers2001
says:
Jul 23, 2012. 2:17 PMReply
A great idea and very good instructable. Thank you for sharing this.
23
bricobart
says:
May 21, 2012. 9:55 PMReplyI like this very much! Next time we'll eat chicken the bones will end glued on a board and covered with concrete - Archaeopteryx-style! Well done!
6
ezarate
says:
May 21, 2012. 3:24 PMReply
very nice, i think it would be awesome to get a skull replica and have dinosaur skull impressions on the stone.
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