Lacy Leaves Concrete Circle

Bybarbmaker

Lacy Leaves Concrete Circle

Can you remember the good ol’ days of ‘patty-cake patty-cake’ in the sand box? It was such a delight to slap that sand into some imagined cake. Well, this Lacy leaves concrete circle has quite a bit of that same ‘slapping’ but the results are quite amazing. And you can make it into whatever you like.

Yup, that’s what this girl gets for her birthday… And I am quite fine with that! Flowers wilt but concrete lasts forever.

To make the Lacy Leaves Concrete Circle:

You will need:

  • leaves with a good vein pattern
  • RapidSet Cementall
  • Rubber gloves & Dust mask
  • Mixing container, utensil, water
  • balloons or other deflatable ball
  • drywall mesh
  • ‘Sharpie’ Marking Pen
  • xacto knife/butane lighter

 

Step #1: The Leaves

I like to use fresh leaves and have found a bush that is not that dear to me. You do not want to completely strip a plant as that will jeopardize it.

Step #2: The Form

As with many of my sphere projects (ya, I’m a bit obsessed) you start with a deflatable form, this time it’s a balloon. To make this project unique I have decided to not complete the sphere and only make a ring shape.

Decide how much of a sphere you’d like and mark your form with the ‘Sharpie’. You will need some sort of vessel to hold the form while you work on it. A bucket or bowl works well.

Hint: If your balloon keeps flying away, add water before you blow it up (ya, ask me why I know that…)

Once marked, cut strips of drywall mesh and zigzag them across the form. They do not need to entirely cover but should overlap quite well. My initial trial was made without any mesh and did not hold up that well. You could substitute some other type of string as well since it will be embedded in concrete.

Step #3: Applying the concrete:

I have used this RapidSet Mix quite a bit and it is great! It does mix a bit differently than most though. I add the water first and then the dry mix until I have the consistency that I like. Mix small quantities as it has a very quick working time of less that 10 minutes, so be ready.

Once you have a consistency of pancake batter, let it sit for half a minute and it will already have changed to about ‘soft ice cream’ consistency. Plop a bit on the BACK of the leaf and slightly spread to cover it.

Slap that leaf on to the form before the concrete falls off. It’s really not that difficult. Press it a bit to spread the concrete to the edges. Ta-da! One leaf done…

Keep adding leaves working from the top and outwards. They stay quite nicely since the mesh prevents them from sliding. When overlapping for strength, lift the leaf edge so the concrete is not on top to provide good adhesion between them.

Hint: Make sure that you have a good overlapping structure. That will give it more stability. (You can add more later on if you would need another layer, after leaves removed)

The shape of a leaf is perfect for turning and making a lacy affect with plenty of empty parts. The concrete picks up great detail form them as well.

The thickness is about 1/8″ to 3/16″ as this mix is quite strong.


Since the mix sets quickly, you can take a quick break and then continue on to the adjacent sides. It will be a hard set after one hour (24 hour cure) but I would continue as soon as it was hard enough to gently turn the form.

If you let it set hard before continuing, spritz with some water to add more concrete to set concrete.

Step #4: Removing the leaves

This Lacy Leaves Concrete circle project is one of my favourites as it is such small steps. It could be an entire sphere, just a ring, or even a bowl.

Once you have the form as you like, let it cure for 24 hours and then peel the leaves off.

It is a bit tedious to get all the bits out, soaking in water can help as well as a stiff brush. I have a set of dentist tools that helps or toothpicks.

Any areas that have mesh visible can be cut or singed off with a lighter or butane mini-torch. (use lighter with caution)

This one had seemed a bit frail, so I had added another layer once I had taken the leaves off. It makes for some great texture and shapes!

Step #5: Finishing

You many options here but I like the look of concrete so I only use minimal finishes. Concrete is absorbent so if you use less paint it will stick better than many thick layers.

As with my leaf trivet dry brushing technique is the best. The above circle only has a bit of silver dry brushing of acrylic ink to bring out the texture and add some subtle shine.

 

We really can’t compare with what ‘Mother nature’ makes! Each shape has such character.

Use as a vessel for candle surrounds and it will through interesting light patterns.

Concrete is weather resistant and does not burn. If you would like to start super-simple try this project first.

Or you can use it as planter cover… Endless possibilities

Add different specimens of leaves. Happy 150th Canada with the maple leaf! Check how to make it look metallic here.

Happy concreting! Dazzle your friends… I know you can.

I'm an artist & I make things... all kinds of things.

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48 Comments

          1. Beautiful arts & crafts made from cement.I just am really amazed at how beautiful all you’ve made with cement.Im brand new beginner.🙂Age 56.The pandemic is keeping us all busy staying at home and being creative by others arts and crafts.Yours are amazing.Thank you for shareing.Yes,You are very creative.
            Thank you,Linda Roberts

  2. These are gorgeous…thanks so much for sharing. I play around with cement and never thought of doing this. Love it.

    Reply

    1. Thank you! Nature affords us so many textures and forms. My silly brain is always on fire with ideas… if only my body could keep up! Happy ‘concreteing’!

      Reply

  4. I love all your projects….I am a bit skeptical using concrete since I have never used it before, but I am going to try, seeing actually a tutorial on your projects is really very helpful!
    thank you, and keep doing it!

    Reply

    1. I think it is quite easy with a bit of planning. You have given me an idea; I should make a tips and tricks post. If you are just starting, then this is a great one to try with since it involves little supplies and is quick. It will give you the knack of mixing etc… And each uses so little mix!

      I liken it to making a cake, but even easier as you don’t bake it!

      Reply

      1. Love your work, do you have pics to share. I’m hooked on concreting. My kitchen has been robbed of anything old or chipped that can be used as molds.
        Would love pictures of your work!
        Jp

        Reply

  5. another great project … reminding me of one I did in a program called Art Fundamentals years and years and years ago … we did it with clay over a form 😉

    Reply

  6. I love this! I tried my first cement project last summer (a big rhubarb leaf slightly dished for our water fountain to trickle down) and I’ve been thinking about trying some more cement projects in the spring, this will be the first one I try this year! Thank you for the very helpful tutorial and inspiration! Very appreciated 🙂

    Reply

  7. Hi, Barb.
    I have made two concrete balls and my next project will be your leafy ball.
    So looking forward to this !
    Cheers, Judy.

    Reply

  8. Hello
    I recently tried this and failed badly
    I use a gym ball but everything fell of. You mentioned mesh is it plastic ?
    Can you see it once finished?
    Maggie

    Reply

    1. Oh dear! Yes, if you followed the instruction you see the mesh and a link for it. It is fiberglass mesh. I also used it for the other orb If you layer it like the large one it will not be visible and if it is you can burn it away or paint over. Also use an extra strong concrete mix. Hope that helps!

      Reply