DIY Concrete Leaf Bird Bath
Concrete leaf bird baths can be decorative accents for flower beds, patios, lawns and gardens. You can make these decorative bird baths by using a large leaves as the casting mold. Elephant ear, banana and gunnera leaves are examples of the types of leaves you can use to make a concrete bird bath. After casting the bird bath, decorate it with acrylic paints to highlight the leaf veins or leave it natural.
Things You'll Need
- Sand
- Plastic wrap
- Large leaf
- Concrete topping mix
- Bucket
- Hoe
- Oil or non-stick cooking spray
- Scrub brush
Instructions
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1
Cut a large leaf to use as a mold. Cut the stem to extend only 1 or 2 inches beyond the edge of the leaf. The leaf should not be wilted; cut it just before you make the bird bath. If a fresh cut is not possible, keep the leaf moist until you are ready to cast it.
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2
Make a 4-inch thick layer of sand with width and length dimensions 3 inches larger than the leaf. Make a pile in the center of the large sand layer that is 2 inches tall and 3 inches wide. The center sand pile will create the depression in the concrete bird bath mold that will allow the leaf bird bath to hold water.
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3
Cover the entire section of sand with plastic wrap. Position the leaf face down on the plastic wrap so that the center of the leaf is directly over the center sand pile.
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4
Follow the package directions to mix the concrete topping mix. Topping mix is the best choice for casting bird baths and other garden décor as it does not contain rocks, so the finish will be smooth.
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5
Cover the back of the leaf with oil or non-stick cooking spray.
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Place a small amount of mixed concrete topping in the center of the leaf. Spread the concrete mix out toward the edge of the leaf. The concrete in the center of the leaf should be 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Continue spreading concrete until the back of the leaf is covered. Taper the thickness down from the center to about 1/4-inch around the perimeter edge.
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7
Cover the concrete with plastic wrap. Allow the material to dry for two to three days.
Remove the plastic wrap and flip the concrete leaf over. Peel the plastic wrap and the original leaf from the concrete leaf. Remove stubborn particles with a scrub brush. Let the concrete cure at least one week before you paint or fill the bird bath with water.
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