step 1 supplies: plastic sheeting, sand, mortar (we used TradeCraft Pre-mixed Sanded High Strength Mortar Type. S) which is construction grade mortar cement and NOT what you put under your floors).
step 2: don't forget gloves!
step 3: lay plastic on ground and mound sand on plastic, cover with plastic
step 4: choose a leaf with deep veins (rhubard is excellent)
step 5: lay leaf on plastic covered sand mound and mold to desired shape
step 6: keep mounding and patting
step 7: mix mortar and water to "thick icing consistency"
step 8: mix, mix, mix, mix - and then mix a little more
step 9: begin building a mortar cake at stem, patting air bubbles out
step 10: continue adding mortar to mound letting it flow outward. Do NOT cover edge of leaf
step 11: pat, pat, pat, pat air bubbles
step 12: leave it alone for 3 days to cure
step 11 1/2: (oops) leave a trademark stamp on the back. Doodle, write your name...be creative.
step 13: after mortar is sufficiently cured, gently remove leaf
You did it! Now go place your leaf in your garden and enjoy!
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteMarble Sculpture