SUPPLIESLarge leaf1 bag of sand (at least 20 lbs.)2 bags of concrete (at least 10 lbs.)WaterPlastic wrapTubular concrete formPaint or concrete dye (optional)Concrete sealerBucket or mixing tray for concreteTrowel for mixingScrub brushPaintbrush and/or foam brushContainers for paint and sealer

1. Make a sand pile large enough to support an entire leaf, plus extra around the edges. Form a dome shape to create a dip in the finished product to hold water or birdseed, or leave sand mostly flat to create a steppingstone or decoration.2. Cover the sand with plastic and weigh down the edges.3. Position the leaf on the plastic-covered sand pile, keeping a ridge of sand around the edges.4. Mix the concrete to a brownie batterlike consistency with a trowel or small shovel. For her demonstration, Fusilli used Sakrete, a fast-drying weatherproof concrete meant to patch cracks at least an inch deep. There are dozens of products on the market and people can even make their own concrete, she said.5. Spread concrete over the entire leaf, thicker in the middle and over the leaf's stem.6. Cover the concrete-covered leaf with plastic and weigh down the edges.7. Once dried, uncover and remove leaf from concrete. Bits of leaf stuck to the concrete can be cleaned off with a scrub brush.8. Paint with acrylic paint, let dry. Finish with a coat of concrete sealer.9. The same concrete can be used to make a birdbath stand. Pour concrete into a cardboard tube, PVC pipe or other form that can be cut away once the concrete dries. Fusilli also likes to use terra cotta flowerpots as a base.10. Birdbaths should be cleaned with a mild detergent and stored in a dry place during the winter. In the spring, apply a fresh coat of concrete sealer to protect the birdbath before displaying.