How to Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement

By Sondrac

Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement

Rate: (6 Ratings)

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

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
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.
Step4
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.
Step5
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.
Step6
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.
Step7
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.
Step8
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.
Step9
Use great care as you file and taper the cement around the outer edges of the leaf to give it a realistic look.
Step10
Finally peel the leaf from the cement sculpture and admire your piece of art.
Step11
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.

Photo/Video Credit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andreweason/1215005802/, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Hosta_%27Royal_Standard%27_Leaf_2800px.jpg, http://www.kcgardenclub.org/Leaf%20Making.htm

Comments

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welch said

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on 4/18/2008 This is great!

AbbeAnn said

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on 1/8/2008 This is great idea. I can't wait to make one myself

AbbeAnn said

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on 1/8/2008 This is a great idea. Looks like alot of fun to make.

grouch said

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on 1/7/2008 This is the first time I have seen this type of art but the leaf is so pretty I want to try it as soon as I can. Thanks for the great step by step.

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on 1/7/2008 I am so glad someone finally wrote this article. I was wondering how it was done! Sounds like a fun hobby.

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eHow Article:  How to Sculpt Using Sand and Portland Cement

eHow Member: Sondrac

Sondrac

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Category: Arts & Entertainment

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