DIY
Concrete rhubarb leaves make beautiful, rustic garden ornaments—here’s how to make your own!
Concrete rhubarb leaves are fun, easy-to-make decorations. The bigger the plant leaf you use as a mold, the more impressive the final result. Read on for the instructions that enthusiastic gardener Marjo Friman used to make striking concrete leaves to decorate her garden.
Concrete rhubarb leaves—supplies:
- fast-setting concrete mix or regular mortar mix
- water
- a mixing container and a spade or mixing paddle
- plastic
- cooking oil
- protective gloves and a respirator
Here’s how to make concrete rhubarb leaves
- Protect your hands, eyes, and airways from cement dust. In a bucket, mix the mortar and water according to the package instructions. The mixture should be as thick as mashed potatoes. Let it rest for about half an hour.
- Start pouring. If you want your leaf to be concave, form a small mound of sand on your casting surface and cover it with a plastic bag. Place the plant leaf on top of the mound with the underside (vein side) facing up, and coat it with cooking oil so the dried concrete will come off more easily. Spread at least a couple of centimeters of concrete on the leaf.
- Let the concrete dry under a loosely placed sheet of plastic. Remove the leaf. If you use a slower-drying, regular mortar mix instead of fast-setting mix, spray it with water occasionally so it doesn’t dry too quickly and crack.
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