In my last post about our Thanksgiving tablescape, I promised that I’d show you how to make these plaster leaves. They are so easy to do, and they can not only be used to dress up a napkin, but they could also be used to make place cards on a table.
I got the idea to make them when I saw this beautiful leaf garland on the blog Sweet Something Designs. You see, I fully embrace the beautiful colors of fall and use them in my home, but by November I’m ready for a little change. So my idea was to do a neutral table for Thanksgiving, and I thought these white leaves would be beautiful on my table. So here are Michelle’s (and my) directions for making these leaves.
You will need some silk leaves. I actually tried making plaster leaves from real leaves from my yard, but the plaster did not adhere very well.
You will need some Plaster of Paris and an old brush. You can buy Plaster of Paris at Lowe’s. This just happens to be some that I had left over from making homemade chalk paint.
You will also need a disposable container. A plastic bowl such as this works great. Place about 1/2 cup of plaster in the bowl and add a small amount of water. Stir until it is mixed thoroughly. Add more water if you think it’s too thick. Be careful with the amount of water that you add because you don’t want your plaster too thin. If it is, just add some more plaster, but work fast because the plaster starts setting up quickly.
Spread out some waxed paper.
Brush the plaster on the leaf. You can use the stem as a handle to hold the leaf while you are brushing it on the leaf. I only did the front side of the leaves because of the way that I was going to use them, but you can do both sides.
Lay the plastered leaves on waxed paper to dry. At this point, some of the original color of the leaves is showing through the wet plaster, but it doesn’t when it dries.
The white plastered leaf looked beautiful with the neutral items I planned to use in my tablescape, but then I got the idea to glam it up a bit since I was using some china with a gold rim.
So I pulled out some gold leaf Rub n’ Buff that I had won in a giveaway from Vicky at Decor and Harmony a few months ago to outline the veins of the leaves. I really liked how it looked with all the other metallic colors I was using on the table.
So there you have it. I told you that it was easy!
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Inspiration Friday@At the Picket Fence
Metamorphosis Monday@Between Naps on the Porch
Jonita says
August 31, 2016 at 1:36 pmI had so much fun putting on the plaster of Paris last night. They turned out great. Thank you for sharing.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles says
October 19, 2015 at 4:26 pmVery cool idea- I want to try this for sure!
La Cult Crafting Pot says
January 24, 2014 at 11:11 amGreat idea!
Traci says
August 30, 2013 at 2:39 amI love the Fall leaves and I can’t wait to try is out. Thanks for sharing this fun idea.
Traci
Vicky says
August 29, 2013 at 5:01 pmThe leaves you used are oak leaves…not maple. Love the project, though!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says
November 15, 2012 at 4:26 pmI adore these and wanted to give them a try myself but time got away from me once again! Gotta start thinking Christmas now!
Kelly
laura@Top This Top That says
November 12, 2012 at 3:47 pmwhat a nifty little idea. The gold is a totally awesome touch!
Little Miss Maggie says
November 12, 2012 at 11:21 amThis is a great idea. I am going to give it a try.
Jean Windham says
November 11, 2012 at 7:25 pmWhat a beautiful idea and could be used in so many different applications. The combination of the neutral napkins with the gold leaf application….. Love it…. Jean
Kathleen says
November 11, 2012 at 5:33 pmI love how that looks! Beautiful!
Mary says
November 11, 2012 at 6:18 amYour leaves are wonderful Jane! I love them on your napkins and the gold veins are the perfect complement to your table!
Helen says
November 9, 2012 at 11:24 pmJane, you know that I’m a fan of Rub ‘N Buff from way back. I’ve used it a lot, but truthfully have used it mostly with my fingers or a Q-tip. I had not even thought about trying a brush! Your leaves are gorgeous and unique…how fun for your family celebration. Thanks for sharing, Helen
DesignedDecor says
November 9, 2012 at 4:38 pmLove them! Great idea. They turned out so pretty!
Barbara F. says
November 9, 2012 at 11:04 amWow! Jane, this is a great tutorial. I think even I can make some. They look beautiful, especially with the gold veins. xo
Sue says
November 9, 2012 at 11:02 amJane, this is such a clever idea- perfect for not only the leaves, but a multitude of things!! 🙂 Sue
Ann says
November 9, 2012 at 9:42 amSo pretty and your pics are incredible. What a relief that your table is finished too. Hope you and Leo have a fabulous weekend…good luck with the dedication activities!
Beckie says
November 9, 2012 at 8:22 amThanks for the tutorial. Love this idea and think it adds a little something extra to your Thanksgiving table.
Anne @ DesignDreamsbyAnne says
November 9, 2012 at 8:22 amPretty idea! and I LOVE YOUR LUCY!!! What a cutie.
Have a wonderful weekend xox
BethM@Under A Pile of Scrap! says
November 9, 2012 at 7:50 amThis is such a unique and beautiful idea!
Carlene @ Oganized Clutter says
November 9, 2012 at 7:02 amLove the plaster leaves. Th gold veining is perdect with your gold trimmed plates.
Danni Baird says
November 9, 2012 at 5:45 amThese are just gorgeous! Thank you for the tutorial. You weren’t kidding, it looks pretty easy!
Emma Briggs says
November 9, 2012 at 1:28 amGreat Ideas Jane….I will try this one to my Christmas ball for this coming holiday.
Gina says
November 8, 2012 at 10:00 pmWhat wonderful leaves! You did an excellent job & I love that they seem simple enough to make.
dawn says
November 8, 2012 at 7:14 pmOMG how cute are those. I had no idea the plaster would hold up so well. Great tutorial:)
Susan in SC says
November 8, 2012 at 6:54 pmI will have to try this. Thanks for the tutorial!
Kim says
November 8, 2012 at 5:26 pmJane, those are so pretty and I know what you mean about ready to move on from fall color.
debbiedoos says
November 8, 2012 at 4:12 pmThose leaves are super cute Jane. What a neat idea.
KATHYSUE says
November 8, 2012 at 3:50 pmJane, this is a great idea and one worth trying for sure. I love them all white!! So many possibilities!! Thanks for sharing. I did a post today on ways to display your silverware and napkins for your Holiday table,
happy Thursday,
Kathysue
Kelly says
November 8, 2012 at 2:43 pmHi Jane:
Your leaves are so beautiful! Love the gold touches in the leaves, it really sets them off! Thanks for sharing!