All of your leaves are beautiful, Glenda.

What are you using to get such lovely subtle colors?

HI Star!!!! My colours are all just completely random. I use the little bottles of craft paint from MIchaels, and I sometimes use full strength, sometimes it gets watered down. I use brushes, sponges, cloths, and just keep adding until I like the results. Usually for the last coat, I use full strength of the colour that I want in the ribs, then paint it all over, let it set a bit, then wipe it all off. This leaves paint in the ribs and indents and looks better than trying to indivially paint each one.. Thanks for your compliment. I have no idea how I even got into doing these, but I love them, and keep making them. I guess one day I will have to move out of my house because there will be too many leaves!!!!

Glenda

Glenda,
Beautiful leaf. I am new to the site and learning to make the leaves. I was wondering if you put some kind of sealer on your leaf after you paint them? Also, do you leave them outside in the winter?
Thanks,
Carol

HI Carol. Thanks for the compliment. Yes, I seal the leaves with an indoor/outdoor matte sealer, that I buy at Michaels. It's about 14.99 for a small bottle, but it goes a really long way. I thought I might use Thompson's Water Seal, but it has a smell that doens't go away quickly so I decided not to do that.
I haven't left my painted leaves out in the winter, but I do have three large gunnera leaves in front of my kitchen window that stay out all year. I haven't painted them yet though. I hope to get to it this year. It's almost time to start making more!!! I have some brugmansiea leaves ready to get going on, also some small hydrangeas.

Glenda