How to Make Elephant Ear Leaf Castings

Creating a lovely elephant ear leaf casting is easier than you might think. With concrete and a leaf, you can make a garden decoration that will last a lifetime. Perfecting your technique, however, will take some practice. Whether you use them as garden accents, hanging ornaments, birdbaths or feeders, elephant ear castings are something the whole family can make together.

Dust mask
Rubber gloves
Safety goggles
Elephant ear leaf
Plastic tablecloth
Garden clippers or knife
Sandbox sand
Mineral oil
Cotton balls
Concrete resurfacer
Bucket
Small mixing bowl
Trowel
Chicken wire
Plastic wrap
Sharp-pointed tool

Instructions

- 1
  
  Use a thick, fresh elephant ear leaf for casting.
  
  Set up a work table with a smooth flat surface in a shady location. Cover the table with plastic. Pick a thick, blemish-free elephant ear leaf with prominent veins. Cut the stem down to 1 inch. Pour sand onto the table in a mound.
- 2
  Place the leaf, underside up, in the center of the sand pile. Manipulate the sand and readjust the leaf until it is supported by the sand in a natural-looking position, especially along the edges and down the center. Dab a very thin layer of oil over the veins of the leaf.
- 3
  Dump dry concrete mix into a bucket and slowly stir in drops of water, according to package directions. Scoop a handful of concrete and place in a bowl. Adding drops of water, mix thoroughly to yield a thin, soupy, creamy mixture.
- 4
  Spread the thin concrete mixture evenly over the leaf. Pack it down firmly. Be careful not to disturb the leaf's position.
- 5
  Put some of the firmer mixed concrete onto the center of your leaf and smooth it to the edges. Place a piece of chicken wire across the concrete-covered leaf. Press it down. Add more concrete to the top of the chicken wire. Firmly pack it and spread it to the edges.
- 6
  Taper the concrete mixture to a thickness of at least 1/4 inch at the edges while keeping the center thickness between 1 and 3 inches in the center. Mist the casting lightly with water and cover the mold securely with plastic wrap to begin the curing process.
- 7
  Uncover the concrete and spray it with a fine mist of water twice a day. If the leaf is small, wait 24 hours before removing it from the concrete. For larger or thicker castings, wait 36 hours before removing the leaf.
- 8
  Turn the casting over carefully. Peel away the leaf. Use any sharp pointed tool to trace and define the veins. Lightly sand or touch up the casing while the concrete is still in this weaker stage. Rinse off any residue with water.
- 9
  Allow the casting to cure and dry in the shade for three weeks. Lightly mist the concrete with water daily for a stronger, crack-free elephant ear casting. Relocate, paint and seal, if desired, after three weeks of curing.

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