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| There is a cost for this project. Below is a list of ingredients.
We will provide everything you need for $1 per student. You must
plan to do the activity outside. You must have at least one volunteer
who has attended the training for this project and at least 4 adults (plus
the coordinator) to assist the children. |
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fine sand (#1 play sand works well)
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cement (portland ( unfortunately it comes in very large bags))
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bonding agent (sold at hardware stores along side the cement products,
also called fortifier)
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plastic wrap
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water (a large cup works well)
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cement/concrete colorant (optional)
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Hosta leaves or other deep veined leaves (start with a little larger than
hand size, dream about the next one you'll make that is bigger)
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mixing container (a flat dishpan/ or wide bucket works well)
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1 1-2" cheap paintbrush
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16 gauge wire
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latex or acrylic paints (vibrant colors look good in the garden)
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a couple old towels/rags
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plastic dish pans work well to mix the concrete.
Instructions
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Place a mound of damp sand on a flat surface (we use boards place over
sawhorses in the parking lot). One mound for each child.
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Place your leaf on the mound, face down.
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Gently press the leaf over the sand. If the mound does not mold to
the curve of the leave, add more where needed.
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Gently remove the leaf, and cover the mound with saran wrap (make sure
there are no wrinkles. This is a good time to get a friend to help.
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Re place the leaf on top of the saran wrap. The wrap must extend out from
the edges of the leaf, as this keeps the concrete from coming into contact
with the sand.
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Now take 3 parts of fine sand, 1 part of portland cement, if using
dry cement colorant add it here, (if using liquid color add to the first
bit of water you put in). Add the fortifier to the first amount of water
that you add. Remember to add water a small amount at a time. Continue
to add water until the mix is the consistency of toothpaste.
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Take a little of the mix and place it on the top of the leaf, then begin
working the blob of mix toward the edge of the leaf, but not quite to the
edge. Put it over all the leaf. Thickness 1/4-3/8".
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If you want the leaf to hang on a fence or railing of some sort, place
a small piece of 16 gauge wire (Coat hanger wire works fine.) that is cut
about two inches, then twisted so it makes a circle with tails. Place this
in the back of the leave a little distance a way from where the stem would
be, wiggle it into the damp concrete and place a little more on the top
of the twist so just the circle shows.
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With the paintbrush dip it into water and shake it so it's not real wet,
now brush from the edge of the leaf to the center gently. This part is
optional but finishes the back of the leaf nicely.
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Cover the leaf with a little plastic loosely or a damp cloth if a warm
day.
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PATIENCE IS CRUCIAL! We leave the leaves in place for two days to be sure
they were dry.
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To un-mold, gently lift up the concrete leaf and all. Turn it over in your
hand and gently peel back the hosta.
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The concrete leaf sculpture can be left natural or painted with latex house
paint or concrete stain/paint if using it outdoors. If it is not
going to be out in the weather, craft paint will work fine. If you like,
a sealant can be applied after 30 days (it takes this long for the concrete
to finish curing)
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Have a volunteer make a couple of extra castings to replace any that may
be broken before the children see them.
Someone must be in charge of seeing to it that the tubs used to mix
the concrete are wiped out then rinsed immediately
after
the class finishes using them - even while the kids are still working on
finishing their creations. Do not hose the concrete into the drains
Wipe it out with newspaper the rinse the residue.
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