http://search.gardenweb.com/search/nph-ind.cgi?term=Quickwall&forum=hypertufa&forum_name=Hypertufa

I think the link may be gone..not having any luck with it. I have been doing lots of internet searches (most without luck) and have the basic idea. In the link I posted, do you have any idea what type of paint would have been used to give the leaves that finish? Approximately how thick should I apply the quickwall? and, how do you get the detailed edges of the leaf? I could see mine looking more like paddles than leaves. Again, thanks for any help.

This post was edited by lisa2004 on Mon, Apr 22, 13 at 21:15

Search on Garden Web for concrete leaf casting and you should find a good tutorial. Here is another website with a good tutorial: http://www.squidoo.com/garden-crafts-birdbath Good luck and have fun.

Thank you so much for the link!!! I love the paint in my original pics...any idea what it might be?

Not sure what was used in your pic but I use watered down acrylic paint one coat at a time until it is the color I want. Experiment with different colors. Don't be afraid. When its done being painted I give it a coat of sealer.

The paint used was probably iridescent or pearlized acrylic paint. Don't know what happened to the link I posted above.
I use a damp pile of sand in a shallow box. Some people lay a clear piece of plastic (dry cleaner bag) over the sand. Place leaf with the back of the leaf facing up on the sand mound. Shape sand the way you want the final shape of the leaf. Remember you are working in reverse, so if you want the tip of the leaf to point down the damp sand at the tip of the leaf has to point up. When you place the mix on the back of the leaf start in the middle, down the center vein, and pat the mix to move it toward the edge. Depending on the size of the leaf you can put down one layer, lay down a layer of mesh tape that they use for dry wall, then add another layer of QuikWall.