I start with a mound of wet sand on a sand table.Leaves are then placed on top and the sand is carved to take on the natural shape of the leaves. I then mix up two blends of concrete. My light weight version that contains vermiculite and fiberglass goes down on the back side of the leaves first. A layer of fiberglass mesh is added and then a stronger blend is then added.
Once the piece cures on the table for a few days, I flip it over and remove as much leaves as possible. The piece then goes for a swim in the kiddie pools for a few days to accelerate curing.
On to the "solar kiln" it goes to bake out the rest of the leaves.
What ever remains of the leaf is power washed away. The piece is then acid stained, neutralized and then sealed. Serving pieces get a food safe sealer and the fountains get a acrylic commercial sealer.
The bowls and serving pieces are even dishwasher safe!