*Concrete Leaf Yard Art Tutorial by Heidi @ greendoodle for her win of the Outdoor challenge of season 15*
You will be surprised how quick and fun this project is. It has a definate wow factor! Hopefully this tutorial has the information you need, however, feel free to contact me over at greendoodle if you have any questions.
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!
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