Giant Leaf Stepping Stones

Julien K., Hometalk Team
by Julien K., Hometalk Team
5 Materials
$5.00
1 Hour
Easy
These decorative garden stepping stones add the perfect amount of whimsy to my side garden. You won't believe how simple they are to make using a giant plant leaf of your choice. Give it a try for yourself!
SUPPLIES:


- Large Plant Leaf (of your choice)


- Powder Concrete Mix


-Spatula, Spoon or Putty Knife


- Cardboard


- Paint (optional)
Step 1: Mix up the cement into a thick paste in a large container.


Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging. Remember to disposable plastic gloves and mix outside - this stuff can be messy!




Step 2: Position Your Leaf (veiny side-up).


For each stone, lay one leaf flat on a large piece of cardboard. The leaf's veiny reverse side should be facing up.
Step 3: Spread Cement on the Leaf.


Using your spatula, putty knife or spoon, spread the cement all over the leaf. This layer should be about 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick at the edges and at least 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) thick at the center for best results.
Step 4: Smooth around the edges and over the entire surface with your gloved fingers or knife. Then, leave your concrete leaf for about two hours, until it's just dry enough to hold its shape.


Step 5: Carefully, flip your leaf over, so the cement is on the bottom and the leaf is now on top.
Step 6: Remove the Leaf


Slowly, peel away the leaf. This will be easier if the concrete is still a bit wet. Now leave the stone to dry completely for a day or two.
When it's dry, it will look something like this and will have completely hardened into stone form.
Step 7: Lay your stones in your garden or create a stepping stone pathway from one spot to another in your own yard!



You can paint your stones or leaf them with the 'au naturel' cement look. For more permanent stones, dig about an inch into the ground and 'plant' your stones into the soil.
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Frequently asked questions
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3 of 16 questions
  • Kathy Schultz Tribble Kathy Schultz Tribble on Jun 25, 2019

    With as thin as these are I cannot see them not cracking when someone steps on them.

  • Elizabeth Elizabeth on Jun 25, 2019

    Can these be painted or aged to give a less skeletal look?

  • Annette Annette on Jul 10, 2019

    Can I mold this process into a bowl

Comments
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2 of 64 comments
  • Carolyn Young Carolyn Young on Jun 19, 2020

    I might dig a shallow area of ground and pour the cement into it. Next, add leaves (large & small, whatever you like) on top of the cement & push the vein side into the wet cement . Different leaf direction would be more creative & natural. You can water down acrylic paint after it dries & stipple it on lightly in greens, golds, browns, even reds. Mix colors or stick with 1-3 shades (monotone).

    I hope I don’t need to buy a huge bag of cement.

  • Janice Timmermans Janice Timmermans on Jun 19, 2020

    Done this

    You may want to put some chicken wire down in the middle (depth) of the concrete to prevent breaking. We have lost several that did not have the chicken wire to support the weight of the concrete


    But you will love the leaves. We actually used rhubarb leaves and put them on a stand to create a bird bath!


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