How to Make a Cement Bird Bath Using Rhubarb Leaves

Add water to sand to moisten it. Sand will form a sturdy shape if it is damp.

Pile moistened sand into a large dome shape. It needs to be big enough to hold the leaf you are working with. The dome will form the depression that holds the water in the finished birdbath.

Cover the dome with plastic. Weigh the edges of the plastic down with rocks or sand.

Choose a large intact rhubarb leaf, and cut the stem close to the bottom of the leaf.

Lay the leaf face down over the plastic wrap.

Pour Portland cement mix into a bucket. Mix in two parts water to one part cement. Add water so the concrete is about the consistency of raw cookie dough. If the mixture is too thin it will run everywhere and not hold a shape; if it is too thick, you will not be able to shape it. When mixing, do so slowly to avoid adding air bubbles.

Scoop concrete onto the center of the leaf.

Spread the concrete around gently so the entire leaf is covered. The concrete in the center should be about 3/4 inch thick and taper to 1/4 inch thick at the outside edges. Smooth the edges with your fingers. Be careful when you are moving the concrete to avoid ripping a hole in the leaf.

Cover the finished project with plastic to help it dry evenly. The concrete should be dry and a dull gray color in about 48 hours.

Turn the leaf over being careful not to break off the edge you are holding. If the leaf is really big, you may need someone to help turn over the birdbath to avoid breaking it.

Pull off the plastic wrap.

Peel off the leaf. You can gently scrub the concrete to remove the leaf debris. If some of the leaf veins will not come off leave them in place for a couple days. When they have dried out you can peel or scrub them off.

Leave the birdbath to cure for a week. Do not let water sit in it during this time. Once the birdbath is finished curing it is ready to seal with concrete sealer or color with paint or dye.