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Leafy Concrete: Four Concrete
Creations Inspired by Fall Leaves
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Dear Jim,
When you think of fall, you are likely to envision leaves turning colors and falling to the ground rather than imagining how the beauty of the season can be recreated in decorative concrete. However, many concrete artisans have been inspired by the colors of fall leaves, as well as by their shapes and textures. They have used leaves to make imprints in concrete countertops, patios and fireplace surrounds. Leaves have also inspired unique engraved and stained patterns and cast concrete garden décor. Check out these examples of concrete work that has been inspired by this seasonal color display.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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Engraved and Stained Leaf Patterns
The concrete in the Morton Arboretum's Children's Garden in Lisle, Ill., was engraved and stained to look like fall leaves. A large-scale pattern of overlapping leaves was engraved into the concrete using custom-made templates and then five different colors of stain were applied. See more photos of this nature-inspired project: Arboretum Landscape Design Showcases Benefits of Decorative Concrete.
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Leaf-Imprinted Fireplace
Absolute ConcreteWorks, Poulsbo, Wash., used ferns and maple leaves from the homeowner's property as stamps for thiscustom fireplace surround.Once the plants were removed following casting, concrete dyes were applied to the imprints to make them stand out from the background.
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Maple-Leaf Embellished Desk Top
Coulee Concrete Designs, Lake Oswego, Ore., created counters for a river-themed reception desk
with edges featuring foliage inlays. Plants from the Northwest, including the maple leaf pictured, were set into the mold before the desk top was cast. Once the mold was removed, the leaves were peeled away to reveal a personalized edge. See River-Themed Concrete Countertops.
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Cast Concrete Leaves
Janice Opie of St. Catharine's, Ontario, creates beautiful garden décor using rhubarb leaves that she casts into concrete tables, waterfalls, and hanging garden art. She then hand paints the concrete leaves to emphasize their fine veins. See more photos here: Using Concrete to Create Garden Décor.
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