Rhubarb Leaf Birdbath

[frugalfranny]

If you want and birdbath and have rhubarb this could be a cheaper way of getting one rather than buying. These have been selling at our craft shows here for $35 and up, depending on size. The concrete sealer will be the most expense....the sand and concrete will probably be under $10...depending on your area.

Read all instructions before starting and do not pick the rhubarb leaf until ready to use.

Make a birdbath out of a rhubarb leaf

Materials:
1 large rhubarb leaf (do no pick until needed)
1 40 lb. bag of sand
1 40 lb. bag of premixed concrete
1 roll plastic wrap (won't use it all, but need a lot)
Concrete sealer (this will help hold the water in so concrete won't 'absorb' but I have skipped it and painted instead)
Paint (optional, acrylic will work, do not need to buy 'concrete paint')
Water

Tools:
Scrub Brush
Bucket, or something to mix concrete in
Trowel
Paint brush


Step 1 (if you pick your leaf now, keep it in a bucket of water so it won't wilt)
Make a dome shape pile of sand big enough for entire leaf to rest on plus a couple inches.
The sand is the support for the leaf and creates the depression for the water.
Cover the sand dome with plastic wrap...this keeps sand from sticking to any concrete that runs past the leaf edge.

Step 2
Pick leaf, if you haven't. Cut stem off close to base of leaf.
Put the leaf on the sand pile. Make sure sand extends couple inches beyond edge of leaf.
Adjust sand pile if needed.
Patch any holes in the leaf with another piece from different leaf. Lay it over the hole as a patch.

Step 3
Mix concrete until 'thick brownie mix' consistency. (may take 3/4 of bag or more)
Scoop concrete onto center of leaf and work it toward the outer edges.
Make it about 3/4 inch thick in middle, or whatever it takes to cover the veins.
Taper to about 1/4 inch at edges.
When leaf is covered with concrete, cover with plastic wrap.
(if doing this on a hot day put a moist burlap bag or something that will breathe over the leaf so the concrete dries evenly.)
ALLOW AT LEAST 48 HOURS TO DRY.

Step 4
When dry, remove the top layer of plastic and turn concrete leaf over.
(if not dry, the leaf edge could break, 2 people turning together can help prevent this)
To turn, work your hand under the sand and turn from the center.
When turned, peel off second layer of plastic, and start pulling out the leaf.
May have to use the scrub brush to remove parts of leaf....CAREFULLY.
Let the concrete cure for a week. DO NOT PAINT OR ADD WATER.

Step 5
Either paint or use a concrete sealer (to use 'as is') after one week of cure time.
Acrylic paint will work or use an acrylic 'wash'.
An acrylic wash is accomplished by mixing 3-4 drops of paint in 2 cups of water.
The wash dries fast and it will be dry almost when finished painting so can apply aother coat right away.
Apply concrete sealer after painting (optional but makes a better finish.)

[madhen]

Neat idea!! Thank you!

[oneloopykat]

What a great idea! I can't wait to try it. Would you happen to have any pictures to share of the finished product? Thanks for sharing!

[frugalfranny]

Yes, oneloopycat, I have pics and will try to get them downsized this weekend. Not sure how to load them on here and might have to put them in my album as I have done that. Will try on here first........

[frugalfranny]

Here is an example of the leaf.

Will try this picture thing and see if I can get the leaf on here...

[oneloopykat]

Thanks so much! I can't wait to try this!

[Debbie-cat]

What a great idea! Thanks for the detailed directions!