Those of us in the colder areas would appreciate this too. Maybe make some to offer on ebay.

How much would you be prepared to pay?
A 'typical' silicone mold is going to cost quite a bit after labor and it's not going to make more than a handful of casts.

Even shipping could be a nightmare for an indidvidual.

I have purchased some silicone molds on eBay of leaves from "queenocrete". Some leaves and I believe I saw a Gunnera leaf on there at one time.
Paws

Oh, man! I just spent an hour looking thru her molds, I suspect I will be exercising my visa soon :)

Hi NMgirl. I wonder if you might have better success by requesting that someone send you an actual leaf--they are very sturdy and would hold up fine in bubble wrap and overnight shipping. Another place to make your request might be the Pacific NW forum's trade page.

Hope this helps!

Deb

davidmcdn - a proper mould should give thousands of casts. I've designed various types of moulds for concrete production (vacuum formed plastic, grp, silicone, timber forms)

Urethane with a fibre-glass or timber casing produces a very durable mould. At the moment I'm making some moulds for a friend who manufactures stepping stones, and I'm using a urethane from the Smooth On people. So if anyone wants to make moulds to sell on e-bay, that's the best route to go. They're not cheap to make, though.

Here is a link that might be useful: Smooth on rubber

Hi Dog
I agree that a non silicone mold designed to make huge numbers of castings can be done. But in the size of a large Gunnera leaf the cost would be way out there.
It might be cheaper to build a greenhouse designed for the plant.:)

Thanks for the input. It looks like getting a leaf shipped might be the way to go. They're really that tough? Amazing.
I do like the suggestion of building a greenhouse to accommodate the plant but I don't think I could afford the a.c.!
Thanks again.

Hi nmgirl

Most greenhouses are made with patio door glass in my area and you get buy these secondhand for anywhere from free (what I paid) to $10 a piece.
The cost of the lumber can also be free.
Check your buy and sell papers and landfills.
We have a fellow up the road with a 8 foot by 20 foot greenhouse made with free glass and poles he cut from the bush.
It's very nice.