How to Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement

Sculpting is yet another form of art that is slowly gaining in popularity. Create your first a piece of art, by sculpting a leaf, or a combination of leaves and you will start to look for more intricate and difficult pieces.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Portland Cement
• Silica sand
• Play sand
• Cement Bonding agent
• Cement coloring
• Water
• Heavy Duty Saran Wrap
• Disposable Gloves
• Leaves (such as Large Hosta)
• Container to use for mixing
• Trowel
• Level working surface
• Files
• Cement sealer – optional
• Measuring cup

1. Moisten the play sand with a few drops of water at a time until the sand becomes the texture similar to that used for creating a beach sculpture. Put it onto a level surface.
2. Shape a mound of that sand to be the same size of the leaf and cover it with plastic wrap making sure that it's veins are facing you.
3. Mix the cement by measuring an equal amount of Portland cement with the silica sand and then adding the cement bonding agent by using about 1/4 to 3/8th of a cup per quart of the cement and sand mixture. Mix well.
4. Add cement coloring, a few drops at a time while you continue to stir with your trowel until the mixture holds its shape, and is not thin.
5. Use either a trowel or if more comfortable, your gloved hand, and place a small amount of the cement mixture into the center of the leaf.
6. Slowly and carefully, using your fingers move the cement from the middle of the leaf to the edges of the leaf, making sure not to go beyond the edges of the leaf.
7. Keep the center of the veins thicker, while tapering the cement mixture towards the edges. The thickest area should be approximately ¼ inch to ½ inch depending on size and type of leaf that you are sculpting.
8. Place plastic wrap over the entire leaf, and allow it to set about 36 to 72 hours. Make sure it is completely dry before you slowly and gently remove the plastic wrap from the sand mound.
9. Use great care as you file and taper the cement around the outer edges of the leaf to give it a realistic look.
10. Finally peel the leaf from the cement sculpture and admire your piece of art.
11. Make another sculpture using a different shaped Hosta leaf if you prefer.

Tips & Warnings

• While waiting for the cement to dry, start sculpting other varieties of veined leaves to start a collection,
• Use different cement colors or a mixture of colors.