Looking to bring a natural, artistic touch to your garden? Try this easy DIY using just a rhubarb leaf and cement patcher! A beginner-friendly craft that turns an ordinary leaf into the cutest garden decor.
Materials:
- 1 large rhubarb leaf (fresh, not wilted)
- Cement patcher (Rapid Set or similar)
- Mixing container (bucket or tub)
- Water and stirring stick/trowel
- Plastic sheeting or trash bags
- Rubber gloves
Instructions:
On a flat surface outdoors, lay down your plastic sheeting.
Place your rhubarb leaf vein-side up on the sheeting. You want the veining exposed so it presses into the cement.
Wearing gloves, mix the cement patcher with water in a bucket according to the instructions. Stir quickly—the patcher sets fast! Aim for a thick but spreadable consistency (like smooth peanut butter).
Working quickly, spread the cement over the back of the rhubarb leaf, starting from the center and working out. Press gently to fill in all the textures. Build up to 1–1.5 inches thick, especially in the center, for strength.
Smooth the surface with your gloved hands or a small trowel. Let it sit undisturbed and covered with plastic to retain moisture during curing.
Cement patcher sets fast, so within 1–2 hours, it’ll be hard to the touch. However, let it fully cure for 24 hours before attempting to move or remove the leaf.
Gently peel away the rhubarb leaf. If parts are stuck, rinse gently or scrub with a soft brush. You’ll see incredible detail from the leaf’s veins and texture.
DIY Concrete Rhubarb Leaf
Looking to bring a natural, artistic touch to your garden? Try this easy DIY using just a rhubarb leaf and cement patcher!
Materials
- 1 large rhubarb leaf (fresh, not wilted)
- Cement patcher (Rapid Set or similar)
- Mixing container (bucket or tub)
- Water and stirring stick/trowel
- Plastic sheeting or trash bags
- Rubber gloves
Tools
Instructions
On a flat surface outdoors, lay down your plastic sheeting.
Place your rhubarb leaf vein-side up on the mound. You want the veining exposed so it presses into the cement.
Wearing gloves, mix the cement patcher with water in a bucket according to the instructions. Stir quickly—the patcher sets fast! Aim for a thick but spreadable consistency (like smooth peanut butter).
Working quickly, spread the cement over the back of the rhubarb leaf, starting from the center and working out. Press gently to fill in all the textures. Build up to 1–1.5 inches thick, especially in the center, for strength.
Smooth the surface with your gloved hands or a small trowel.
Cement patcher sets fast, so within 1–2 hours, it’ll be hard to the touch. However, let it fully cure for 24 hours before attempting to move or remove the leaf.
Gently peel away the rhubarb leaf. If parts are stuck, rinse gently or scrub with a soft brush. You’ll see incredible detail from the leaf’s veins and texture.