Method
Decide on the size of leaf you would like to use. Make
sure it is not ripped or torn, or pieces missing. It should
be a nicely shaped leaf that is all in one piece.
Add a little water to your sand, and mix it up until a bit
moistened. Find an area on the property where your project
won't be in the way or disturbed.
Construct a pile of this moistened sand in the shape you
would like. For this rhubarb-leaf-birdbath, your should have
your sand piled and shaped like an upside-down flower pot.
Cover over your sand with the saran wrap. You don't want the
sand sticking to the cement.
Form the leaf over the plastic being careful not to rip or tear
it. The "good" side of the leaf should be facing downwards.
Form an inch or so of sand up around the entire circle of sand
all the way around the bottom to hold the leaf in place.
In your pail, mix the portland cement 2 to 1. 1 part cement to
2 parts sand. Add water to make it nice and spreadable.
Begin to cover the leaf with this mixture. Pretend you are icing
a cake, and make sure to get the portland right down to the
edges all the way around until it is at least 1/4 inch in
thickness. It should be at least 2 inches thick in the centre
of the mound.
Now is the time to think about the wire, if you intend to hang
this anywhere. Place the wire in the cement now before
it begins to dry. If this is going to hold birdseed and hang,
loop the wire in the centre, and make sure the wire is covered
well in cement.
Bring the edges of the saran up around the cement at the bottom,
but don't put it directly into the cement. Leave it and let dry for
at least 4 days to approximately 1 week.
You can now pull the saran off, and the leaf should peel away
nicely.
A hosta leaf or caladiums (otherwise known as Elephant Ears) can
be used also to make lovely rhubarb-leaf-birdbaths as well.
There are many species of caladiums to choose from.
Examples of Lovely Rhubarb Leaf Birdbaths
Return to Rhubarb Crafts
Leave Rhubarb-Leaf-Birdbath and Return to Home Page
