How to Make a Birdbath Out of a Giant Leaf

Create your sand mold. Do this by making a mound to place your leaf onto. This hill will create the depression in your bath where the water will be placed.

Cut a ring two inches wide from the end of the concrete form. This will create a ring for the lip on the bottom of your bird bath.

Cover your mound with plastic wrap, securing it in place with some sand, and place your leaf on top with the top side facing down. It's best to harvest your leaf just before this step to prevent wilting.

Mix the concrete with the hoe. The desired consistency is that of brownie mix, doughy and not too runny. Carefully smooth the concrete over the leaf, starting in the center and working your way out to the edges, keeping it as even as possible.

Set the cardboard ring you have made toward the back center of the concrete, where it is thickest. Press the ring in gently. Add small bits of the extra concrete, smoothing as you go around the ring to create a concrete lip.

Cover your creation in plastic wrap and wait about 48 hours before handling. Carefully turn your bird bath over after unwrapping and clean off the leaf residue. For stubborn pieces, use the scrub brush. Turn the bath back over and remove the cardboard ring. Allow the concrete to cure a week longer.

Paint your leaf. If you would like to add color, do so now and then finish in a concrete sealer. Even if you want the color as is, it is best to use a sealer to preserve the concrete.