My first attempt was UGLY. I figured out what I did wrong and tried 2 more. Ahhh... so much better... but then, I don't think they are deep enough. One is probably good but the other is too flat. It MIGHT be suited for a hummingbird! Actually, I'll probably just put it on the ground and set a potted plant on it. They don't compare to the beautiful one's Donna made... or the super big nice one that Carolyn showed us.. but it's a start! Bird baths - still learning ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) I painted the leaf first like Carolyn did... I liked the way that came out. After I get them all cleaned up, I'll put on that sealant and then paint the underside. Now... I need to baby my Elephant ears so they will grow some more big leaves. I want to try at least two more now that I think I figured it out.
Those look pretty good Cherylad! When I made mine, I made a mound of sand and put the leaf face down so that it would be deeper. Seemed to work well
Netty... I made a mound of sand also... but it just wasn't deep enough. It usually takes me at least 3 times to get something right. Thanks Barb... you should try. It's easy and fun. AND cheap... so if you mess up not a big deal.
You did a great job Cheryl. They look really good. I've thought of making some flat ones and using them for a garden path. Have to wait till next year as I'm out of big leaves.
Thanks everyone. I'm determined to make at least two REALLY good ones. Mine can be a little "ugly"... I don't mind. Donna S... I was thinking about that very thing (stepping stones) last night. Wonder how they would hold up?
They look perfect to me. I love them. I saw this someplace on the net, and will have to look for that site again. They will be pretty in your garden, and don't worry if they are "flawed". Just stick them in a corner of your garden for the birds and little animals to enjoy.
Here's Carolyn's fabulous instructions. http://www.gardenstew.com/about22738.html The only things I'd add from my failures would be... make sure to keep your concrete "inside" of the leaf's edge so you don't end up with an ugly edge of concrete. Also, make sure you have a good mound of concrete to make the "bowl" so you don't get an almost flat one like I did. I also found that when I put the paint on the leaf before putting on the concrete... it just peeled off super easy in one big piece. No need for scraping and picking out leaf pieces... like I have to do with the latest attempt. This weekend's project... get them sealed and painted. Hmmm... or painted and sealed.
I love what you've done and would have lots of those around my garden. I'd use some as bird baths and feeders. I'd have paths made of flat ones or even use them as plant stands. The list of things you can do with them is almost endless. :-D
