Leaf Casting

By Debbie Morrow

I’ve had plans of making leaf castings since I saw the idea back in 2005 and still haven’t found the time! They do seem to make beautiful additions to a garden as birdbaths, stepping stones or as stand-alone accent pieces.

Although the technique can be used for any size leaf, the most interesting sculptures come from heavily ribbed leaves such as Burdock, Elephant Ear, Philodendron, Skunk Cabbage, and more.

You can make them with cement following directions from the following Swanson Gardens Fox News feature or substitute Plaster of Paris for cement using the same directions. Make sure if you are mixing the plaster that you make it in a much thicker consistency than you’d make for pouring molds.