Have you ever suddenly realized that it’s been forever since you’ve done something you love? Whether that’s reading a good book, taking a trip, or just cooking your favorite meal, sometimes life gets in the way, doesn’t it?
While in Venice, Florida this past winter, I got involved with a few creative pursuits but since then, not so much.
I realized I’ve been missing it. It’s great to spend lazy days by the lake but sometimes a girl’s gotta say adios to her mani and get her hands dirty.
First up is this concrete leaf Fisherman and I made a couple of weeks ago. It was our first attempt so we knew there would be a learning curve, and we were right.
I won’t go into a full on tutorial, because we basically followed the instructions that came from this video here, so if you’re interested check it out.
I have a large weed that looks very much like a rhubarb plant, so I used one of the larger leaves (22″ wide and about the same height) for the mold. Everything was fine until a couple of days after it was completely dried it broke in half, right down the middle.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is I know why that happened. The video didn’t specify how thick the cement should be laid on the leaf, and I’m certain ours was too thin. Also, we added too much water to the cement which actually weakens the end result.
So we gave it another try, using a smaller, 11″ wide leaf just in case it didn’t work out again, but it did. This one is a lot more substantial (probably about 2″ thick along the spine) and the cement mixture was drier. I also gave it more of a curve so it can hold a decent amount of water.
I feel confident enough to do it again, using a larger leaf. Here’s a tip: when you watch videos on this process, they all mention that it’s difficult to remove the leaf from the cement once it’s set (which is typically 24-72 hours). We decided to leave the leaf on and not even try to remove it because frankly we liked how it looked. But we found that Mother Nature takes care of it for you. In just a couple of days, the leaf starts to dry and peal away by itself, making it much easier for you to remove the rest. I don’t have a picture of the final result without the leaf because I just unmolded it recently, but I’ll be showing you a more in depth process and the final result once we do the larger leaf project.
Here’s a pic of the front of our house and I’ve indicated where our fairy garden is located and where the first cement leaf was placed. We have three tree stumps from some tree removal we had a couple of years ago and rather than roll them into the woods out back we put them to use out front as ‘plant stands’. The one in the middle is reserved for the large leaf once we get to it, which will function as a bird bath.
Speaking of the fairy garden, here’s my latest addition…an outhouse, because let’s face it, we can’t have the fishing fairies going in the pristine lake now, can we??
A few weeks ago I saw this next project on Brenda’s blog and made it right away. Here’s the link if you’d like to take a shot at it, but DON’T use the glue that’s recommended unless you’re a masochist. Just use hot glue and you’ll have this done in minutes, not the hours that it would take using the glue that’s recommended.
After using the same tablecloth on this porch table for three years, I thought it was finally time to change it up. I got this fabric from Ikea years ago and like the way it brightens up this corner. Perfect for summer, and no sewing involved!
This piece of wood has been tucked away for years in my workshop. I’ve kept it all this time because the shape reminds me of a fish but I never knew what to do with it until recently. I had some leftover ‘pour on’ and decided to finish it and use it as a platter.
The wood was soooooo dry it drank it up like crazy, and the parts that are higher are much glossier than the rest, but I actually like that it came out that way and trust me, it looks better in person, and I recommend if you come across an interesting piece of wood don’t pass it by. A few coats of varnish or ‘pour on’ will give it new life and you’ll have a one of a kind piece. I can imagine using this to serve a whole fish, or even as the base for a cheese platter, albeit a large one…but that’s how I roll. I think it would look great with a few modern serving pieces to play off the rustic vibe!
That’s about it for crafts, but don’t go yet :).
The other day we went bike riding and ended up at the Bridge of Flowers in Simsbury, Ct. It’s a small bridge similar to this one maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers and they do an amazing job. There are dozens of lovely hanging baskets that flank the bridge on both sides, but I thought this was the prettiest so I decided to take a pic.
Just as I was about to take the picture, I noticed that Sharene put this one together! What are the odds of that happening? Each basket is dedicated to someone, many of whom have passed. Sharene is dedicating this to her mother and father in law. You remember her from this post and this post maybe? That’s one talented lady my friends!
Here’s my cradle planter, and just look at those potato vines! They’re really taking over, but I’ve noticed we have been getting some slug damage around the garden. If you look closely you can see a leaf with a couple of holes. They completely destroyed my peas and zinnias also. I put out some beer in small containers which killed a great deal of them, but the damage was done.
Here’s a hibiscus flower on the deck. They’re such beautiful blooms, I only wish they lasted more than a day.
Last, but not least, I want to introduce you to my new bff. He/she comes by every day, and lately I noticed a little baby bunny too. We have never seen bunnies before as our area has/had fox and coyote, but for whatever reason they’re no longer around so the bunnies are out in full force. No complaints here.
In other news…
Here by the lake at the height of summer, all is as it should be. The weather has been wonderful (though we desperately need rain) and we’ve been spending our days bike riding, relaxing by the beach and taking care of the garden. We have just booked a few days in Acadia in Maine for September. We will be taking BAM to Vermont for a couple of days with our RV group then heading to Maine from there. If you’ve been and have any suggestions, I’m all ears.
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Sharene Wassell says
Oh, Doreen! I loved this entry today. I think we need a workshop for the leaf project…I want to make it into birdbath. Your yard is putting us all to shame, it’s lovely! And what a surprise to see my inlaw’s basket here! I must say the baskets look good, but this one looks awesome. It’s thriving, and I’m taking it as a sign that they are now happy to be together again!
Cecilia says
Doreen, I love your leaves…I was waiting to hear how you painted it only to find out it was the actual leaf! Very cool…to bad it won’t stay that way. And your fish platter – love it!
I guess most of us need rain but the flowers and containers sure are pretty! Enjoy your summer. I’d like to visit Acadia someday.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen this leaf project is awesome. I love this. You go girl with all your wonderful projects. The gardens and house look so amazing for summer. Enjoy the lake ahhhhhhhh!
Hugs,
Kris
tammy j says
I just love the way you live!
the leaf birdbath is beautiful.
and that fish is perfect for cheese. and figs. and … well…
YOU are MARTHA DOREEN! I don’t have to blab on about it…
non cook that I am!
and I had to visit the faerie garden again of course! LOLOL!
can’t do without a potty!
I think you should be collecting some WINTER accomodations for the faeries.
the fire pit of course… and a little cozy cabin… and… skis up against the cabin wall!
can’t wait for your pictures from maine and vermont! YAYYY!
Mary-the boondocks blog says
Doreen your cement leaf dish is beautiful. Actually, your whole front yard is gorgeous! All that greenery and the flowers in bloom. This is my idea of paradise. Oh and thank goodness for mother nature and the cement dish. I want to see what it looks like without the leaf. Enjoy your summer!
Cindy says
Wow GF, don’t know where to start with this comment. The cement project turned out great. As soon as I saw the piece of wood, the first thing I thought was it looks like. Before I read a word.
This is why we don’t throw certain things away.
I love bunnies. We live in bunnyland, there tons here. We love it. Peanut and Reuses still don’t know what to make of them
Cindy
Pinky says
Doreen, 2 of my neighbors made LOTS of the cement leaves last winter then had a sale this spring. I bought one and used it on my outdoor table but then decided to use it under one of the downspouts! LOVE that look. I may buy a few more from her! Your gardens and flowers look so pretty. I LOVE that candle holder!! Have a great weekend. We are off to an OUTDOOR party and it is BRUTALLY hot here. UGH:(
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
you certainly DID get your craft on…that leaf project is amazing and new to me. Your flowers and yard look gorgeous. It’s been dry here too aside from brief surprise torrential downpours now and again. And now it’s like an oven outside.
I didn’t but an hibiscis this year but have had them off and on…they ARE lovely. Technically my Rose of Sharon bushes are hibiscis but I mean the annual kind.
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I’ll let you get that leaf project perfected before I try it! I like what you did with the marbles/jar. It’s even cuter than the one I showed! I plan, when I get around to making it, to use hot glue too. Which means burned fingers, but, oh well! I just love your place out there. Paradise.
Brenda
Cyn says
Great stuff once again, my dear! I am pea green with envy. My never ending project is cleaning out and packing up another house again. ugh.
It all looks perfect!
kelly says
Your yard is so pretty! I love yards that have lots of interesting flower beds in them. Your projects turned out great. I’ve never seen a leaf bowl like that before. That is so unique. I also love the fish shaped wood being used as a sculpture. I love natural forms of decoration like that. I’ve never been to Maine, so I can’t give you any tips. I’m sure it will be a great trip though!
Debbie from MountainMama says
Lucky dog!! I was just telling my sweetie the other day that Acadia is on my bucket list! It’s such a longgggggg drive from here it’s not happening any time soon, but maybe when I retire! ๐
Karen@ Beatrice Euphemie says
Hi Doreen, your leaf dish turned out wonderful and a nice addition to your gorgeous garden! Love the fish tray, too – what a good idea. I really love the fabric turned tablecloth. Such a pretty place to sit and enjoy a little break in the day. Fairies need so many things, don’t they? Sometimes the hubs just doesn’t understand……I’ve never seen such a gorgeous hanging basket! Slugs are the bane of my existence. My dogs like beer so I can’t put out trays of it. Lol! Have fun at the lake! xx Karen
Cindi says
I love this post!
The creative energy is just exploding out at your place.
I will DEFINITELY be doing the leaf thing.
I’ve been wanting something pretty and unique to place among my flowers
(and help keep the weeds away)
and this is IT!
Thank you!
Love everything!
XOXOXO
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Oh good gravy Lady – look at all of the fun you’ve been up to lately! I bet your Fisherman idulges you in all of these pursuits to keep you out of trouble, right? (at least that’s what my hubby does) ๐
Will you pretty please make me a giant leaf bird bath?? I’m in LOVE!! And a fairy outhouse- oh goodness I can’t stand the cute!!!!!
I love the new table cover too. And your flowers look absolutely amazeballs – you green Goddess you!! I’m impressed Doll – keep up the great work! And how cool about the flower coincidence. Love it!!
We’ve had the exact same issue here in my northwoods. We would see foxes almost every day the past few summers. And even had an issue with a coyote that needed to be trapped. But this summer nothing – but holy moly bunny explosion! I see them everytime I turn around in my yard and twice have almost run one over for being on the back roads by our house. Is this a conspiracy theory issue? Weird.
Oh and you wouldn’t mind a third wheel on your RV trip – would you? Mommy could use a break! (is it back to school yet? ::sigh::)
Blessings to you Lovie! Chat soon. ๐ xoxo
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
What a beautiful yard and wonderland you have there! A..a.a.a.h.h.h.h.h to be by a lake she said. Would be so wonderful. Your leaf turned out so pretty. We have a rhubarb festival every year in a town not too far from here, and a couple of years ago, someone had made many many rhubarb leaf cement castings, to use for bird baths or other fun “bowls”. I thought it was such a great idea and there you go, making one yourself! We need to get our craft on now and then… although having such a beautiful yard is also a delightful and fun craft (and sure does keep us busy!). Take care.. Marilyn
Olympia says
Such a creative mind Doreen! So inventive, so talented and a real nature lover. Well done to you! Everything around seems to be beautifully arranged standing there and love and care.
Wishing you all the best and wonderful summer days ahead.
Olympia
Emily says
Hi Doreen, boy you have been busy! I love all the crafty things you’ve been doing. The concrete was an amazing project and I look forward to seeing more of that. What I really love is the piece of wood that is shaped like a fish, awesome! Love your idea to use the tree stumps as stands, perfect for the fairy garden. You have really had a whirlwind the past couple of years with all you accomplished with the cabin and yard and your fabulous trips. Can’t wait to see what you are up to next! Have a great weekโฆโฆโฆ..
AnnMarie says
I have always wanted to try making those cement leaves but I am useless at that stuff so I haven’t tried. Yours looks fabulous and I love how the leaf looks on it. Too bad it has to come off. Your garden in front is lovely…love the outhouse! I would love to have sweet bunnies visit everyday. We just have annoying squirrels!
Linda says
Doreen,
I love your yard! It’s beautiful plus the log home just makes it all so country, back to nature gorgeous! The leaf project is very neat! I would love to try that. I have never dabbled in cement though it certainly intrigues me!
Your new tablecloth brightens up the porch. So pretty! I have seen those pretty jar lights that you made, but I am wondering does the heat of a candle soften the hot glue. I definitely would like to make one!
Beautiful flowers too!Have a lovely week!
Linda
Jess says
Wow…this is so pretty!! Everything looks so cute! ๐
I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for crafts, recipes, and tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
susan says
Love all your crafts – the beautiful tablecloth, the cement leaf, the fish platter. And the latest addition to your fairy garden. Do you ever sleep?
sandy says
Wonderful pics! I am going to try the cement leaf this weekend while we have a break in the heat and humidity! Thanks for posting.
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I love all the projects you shared. The concrete leaves are such a good idea!
Amy says
Oooohh, loving your cement leaf, Doreen! The beaded just is really pretty – I’m tempted to give that one a try. The cradle planter is stunning. I’m sorry I didn’t plant any potato vine this year. Sounds like you are having a perfectly wonderful summer! Enjoy your time in Vermont and Maine!
Vashti Q says
Hello Doreen! I love the cement leaf as a bird bathโโgreat idea. You’re so right about not passing up an interestingly shaped piece of wood. That fish tray looks magnificent. I’m going to be on the look out. ๐