So what leaf did you cast and did you make any more?
Don't you love all the classes you can take at botanical gardens. I live pretty close to Longwood Gardens and they always have interesting classes. Billie

Here is a link that might be useful: Longwood Gardens

I did a Sum and Substance hosta leaf. It was about 18" long and 15 inches wide. It didn't do exactly like I wanted, I couldn't get the shape just right, so I have a couple of folds. But it turned out well. I missed the Hypertufa class they did last month, am hoping they will do another one soon.

Here is a link that might be useful: Huntsville Botanical Gardens

Did they teach this using a damp sand mound to shape the leaf?
Don't you love Sum and Substance? I have one but have never seen it in it's full glory, the deer eat it. I've got woods on two sides and a creek so the deer are always wandering through. Billie

Yes, we used damp sand. They did a nice job on the class. Each person had a concrete mixing pan, the rectangle kind with sand in it for making the support. And then there was a small pan for mixing the concrete. They provided the trowel for mixing and the mask and gloves. They also cut leaves from the garden for us.

My Sum and Substance is growing in a pot on my porch. I don't have enough shade for it. So it's struggling too. The BG's are fabulous.

Glenda

Glenda, There are so many ways that you can use leaves, as wallhangings, birdbaths, fountain components, adding to planters or lamp bases. I've been adding leaf casting to my jewelry. Can't wait to see your leaves. Billie

Recently I did two concrete leaf classes for 40 kids. Parents were there to help. Some parents even wanted to make their own. I used a technique Billie taught me. Put the portland, sand and water in a ziploc frezer bag and zip it closed - mix and then I cut a hole in the corner of the bag and had them squezze it out of the hole onto the leaf. Like frosting, They used plastic knives and spoons to smooth. They did a great job. Not all of them kept the mix close to the edge of the leaf. But they all had fun.
It does not have to be perfect - that is ok.

I amnot sure how they turned out but they liked the activity.
It is ok to have fun
Mike