You are off to a great start! Thanks for posting the photo.... it will be great to see your leaf finished.
Laura

Looks great for your first project. If you make larger ones don't be in a hurry to turn them and clean them up, be patient. It is so dissapointing to have them break when you handle them too early.
Cindy

I haven't did the large one yet. I figured I would just play with the smaller ones til I get the hang of it, then venture to the big one. Dh was very impressed.
How long do they need to cure before I could paint?

Ok I have now painted it. What do you think?

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:70993}}

That paint job is awesome!

Carey

Carey,
Thank you very much, I enjoy painting & do ceramics as well.
Shellie

wow- great paint job. How did you do that? layers of washes, one main coat, drybrushing, spraygun...?????
Laura

I had to laugh at your enthusiasm. You pobably set a new record for casting & finishing a leaf in record time. It looks very very nice. Looking forward to seeing more.....

Summer

I agree, you're fast!!!! What a good job you did. Hard to believe it's a first.

Love the leaf and paint job. What did you use to seal it? You are really fast. It took me 4 months or so for me to paint my first leaf. I was afraid that I would ruin it so I waited and waited. Your leaf looks great. Congrats.

SereneSeen

This cement mix did not have peat moss added to it. Just used the cement/sand mix.
I never painted the back side of the leaf so it can still cure. A friend of mine in the concrete business said he saw no reason as to why I couldn't paint it after at least 24 hrs. So I did & it is now ornamental in my garden to do what it needs to do.
I sealed it with Industrial clear Spray by Plasti-Kote.
I used the paints I normally use on my ceramics.I used the natural leaf as my guide to paint.
I applied a base coat of mixing several colors till I got a green that matched the leaf. I then dry brush a yellow(Goldenrod) over the leaf to help bring out detail, then I painted the viening in.
Once this was dry. about 2 hrs later. I sprayed with the Clear enamel spray.
Thank you all for your compliments.
I have several casting right now but won't be able to paint them til later this week. House work must be done.

This cement mix did not have peat moss added to it. Just used the cement/sand mix.
I never painted the back side of the leaf so it can still cure. A friend of mine in the concrete business said he saw no reason as to why I couldn't paint it after at least 24 hrs. So I did & it is now ornamental in my garden to do what it needs to do.
I sealed it with Industrial clear Spray by Plasti-Kote.
I used the paints I normally use on my ceramics.I used the natural leaf as my guide to paint.
I applied a base coat of mixing several colors till I got a green that matched the leaf. I then dry brush a yellow(Goldenrod) over the leaf to help bring out detail, then I painted the viening in.
Once this was dry. about 2 hrs later. I sprayed with the Clear enamel spray.
Thank you all for your compliments.
I have several casting right now but won't be able to paint them til later this week. House work must be done.

fantastic job!

what is the paint you use, I'm not familiar with ceramic painting, only with pottery glaze, and it is very different.

Kobold,
I use Duncan Paints. I buy from a local ceramic supply shop here where I live. You might can find them here online.
Thank you for your wonderful compliment.
Shellie

Shellie
Your leaf is lovely.
Debbie

Shellie
Great job on your leaf. Where were you able to purchase the plasti-kote? I did a search and saw it only available in the UK.
Thanks
Carol

Wish so much I could see your pictures. Have they been removed? Thanks