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.
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 ½ 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!
Deborah Gilbert
What an amazing idea. They look absolutely beautiful. Thank you, for sharing can't wait to try them.
Jonita
I had so much fun putting on the plaster of Paris last night. They turned out great. Thank you for sharing.
SheilaG @ Plum Doodles
Very cool idea- I want to try this for sure!
La Cult Crafting Pot
Great idea!
Traci
I love the Fall leaves and I can't wait to try is out. Thanks for sharing this fun idea.
Traci
Vicky
The leaves you used are oak leaves...not maple. Love the project, though!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage
I adore these and wanted to give them a try myself but time got away from me once again! Gotta start thinking Christmas now!
Kelly
[email protected] This Top That
what a nifty little idea. The gold is a totally awesome touch!
Little Miss Maggie
This is a great idea. I am going to give it a try.
Jean Windham
What 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
I love how that looks! Beautiful!
Mary
Your leaves are wonderful Jane! I love them on your napkins and the gold veins are the perfect complement to your table!
Helen
Jane, 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
Love them! Great idea. They turned out so pretty!
Barbara F.
Wow! Jane, this is a great tutorial. I think even I can make some. They look beautiful, especially with the gold veins. xo
Sue
Jane, this is such a clever idea- perfect for not only the leaves, but a multitude of things!! 🙂 Sue
Ann
So 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
Thanks for the tutorial. Love this idea and think it adds a little something extra to your Thanksgiving table.
Anne @ DesignDreamsbyAnne
Pretty idea! and I LOVE YOUR LUCY!!! What a cutie.
Have a wonderful weekend xox
[email protected] A Pile of Scrap!
This is such a unique and beautiful idea!
Carlene @ Oganized Clutter
Love the plaster leaves. Th gold veining is perdect with your gold trimmed plates.
Danni Baird
These are just gorgeous! Thank you for the tutorial. You weren't kidding, it looks pretty easy!
Emma Briggs
Great Ideas Jane....I will try this one to my Christmas ball for this coming holiday.
Gina
What wonderful leaves! You did an excellent job & I love that they seem simple enough to make.
dawn
OMG how cute are those. I had no idea the plaster would hold up so well. Great tutorial:)
Susan in SC
I will have to try this. Thanks for the tutorial!
Kim
Jane, those are so pretty and I know what you mean about ready to move on from fall color.
debbiedoos
Those leaves are super cute Jane. What a neat idea.
KATHYSUE
Jane, 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
Hi Jane:
Your leaves are so beautiful! Love the gold touches in the leaves, it really sets them off! Thanks for sharing!