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Leaf Castings

Leaf Castings
Leaf castings are a wonderful way to add a natural and organic element to your yard or gardens. I will provide basic instructions here, but more detailed instructions can be found on my website. http://www.gardensandcrafts.com/leafcastings.html

 
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Step 1Basic Materials Needed

Basic Materials Needed:
- Leaf
- Flat work surface
- Concrete Mix
- Sand or Fine Gravel
- Plastic Drop Cloth or Trash Bags
- Rubber Gloves
- Stiff Bristled Brush
- Concrete Sealer
- Disposable Foam Brush
- Dust Mask
- Shallow container for mixing concrete
- Water
- Shallow Box to contain sand (Optional)
- Concrete Dye (Optional)
- Acrylic Paint (Optional)

Alternate mix: 3 Parts Sand, 1 Part Portland Cement, and an equal mixture of water and fortifier (bonding agent).

Add water until the mixture feels like thick brownie batter. Mix well. Let mixture stand 5-10 minutes before applying to the leaf.

Choose a work area where the casting can sit and cure undisturbed for a week. Garages or covered patio areas work well. This can be a messy job, so wear old clothes or an apron to protect your clothing and always were rubber gloves when working with concrete because the Portland cement in the concrete is caustic and can burn your skin. If you plan on doing this project outside, choose a shady location and a time when it won't rain for at least two days. If the outside location is covered and partially protected from the elements, that is good too and rain is not much of a factor.

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4 comments
May 2, 2010. 4:37 AMtim_n says:
Yet again kicking myself having looked on instructables, not found anything like what I wanted to do, sorted the project, published and the robot links my instructable to yours!  Nevermind, always nice to see different ways of doing it!

Mine's here
Apr 25, 2010. 10:17 PMmeralgia says:
I've done this with rhubarb leaves.  Mine are about 2.5" thick to withstand the elements.  I don't actually use them as stepping stones, however; I prop mine up against the terraced walls so everyone can see them.
Jan 1, 2010. 4:31 PMrimar2000 says:
This is beautiful, and a great idea. I'll put it on the list of things to do
Jul 16, 2009. 9:43 AMdeafdog says:
I tried this with several large elephant ear leaves, and got RAVE reviews. Used several different water based paints to color it, and then sealed. I had to make several as Christmas gifts later, and my daughter even made "mini" leaves. When placing in your garden or yard, support the underneath with something if possible, as it can be brittle if hit from the top. Mine has been in my flower bed for several years now, and it looks wonderful~

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