Althea, I'd forgotten how beautiful your leaves are. Thanks for re-posting. Billie

Beautiful, Althea! Could you explain how you did the painting on your leafs? They are so pretty!

And how you got them to have such attractive shapes, too please. I can't even get a flat one to look the way I want it to.

Thanks Billie. I was hoping this wouldn't bore people who have already seen the pictures.

Thanks Puddle. I use watercolors to paint them. I experimented and found color combinations I liked. After the water color is dry I seal them with first a coat of acrylic varnish then a coat of acrylic gel medium. These are available in art supply stores. The varnish & gel medium prevent the watercolor from washing off.

GreenFeet, I spend a lot of time making the sand mold to capture as much of the leaves natural shape as possible. I try not to force them into a shape which can break the veins.

I just gave one from last year that hasn't been painted to a friend from art school to paint. I can't wait to see what she comes up with.

Althea, your beautiful leaves seem incredibly thin... and how do you get that great detail? Please, what formula do you use? You are an inspiration!

~ Robin

Thanks Robin. Maybe the detail is sharper because I used only fine quartz as the aggregate in the samller leaves. I used play sand which has mixed sizes of pebbles only on the larger rhubarb leaves. I followed the faq's advice to keep the mix the consistency of toothpaste which seems to work well.

Althea, You have a wonderful assortment of leaves. I really love the way you painted them.
Especially the burdock!
I think burdock casts wonderfully, and I really like the detail that comes through. Great job!
Mertie

Thanks Mertie. Burdock is my favorite. I love the reactions from people when I tell them it is burdock, which most people consider a noxious weed!

Your burdock is my favorite. The coloring you have done is fantastic. And how you have managed to capture the ruffles, just has me baffled. I know now I need more practice. Thank you for sharing.

Althea...I once tried a watercolor, applied opaque like on a poured and fired ceramic piece...when I tried to spray on the sealant with an acrylic sealant it ran all the colors right off.

I can see how the watercolors were obsorbed and dried, did you only use stains in watercolors?