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Instructions for Rhubarb Leaf Stepping Stones

You can make one-of-a-kind stepping stones out of the leaves of the rhubarb plant. These stepping stones are easy to mark and only require a few tools. Since rhubarb leaves are all different, no two stepping stones will be alike. Use these stepping stones to create a pathway to your vegetable garden or to add accents to your flower beds. Choose a level work space that will be undisturbed for a few days while your stepping stones dry.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Heavy duty plastic sheeting
  • Dust mask
  • Eye protection
  • Leather gloves
  • Concrete
  • Bucket
  • Concrete color additive
  • Rubber gloves
  • Small trowel
  • Chicken wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Blocks of wood or rocks
  • Old toothbrush
  • Shovel
  • Sand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose sturdy, green rhubarb leaves. Measure the size of your rhubarb leaf. Cut a square of heavy-duty plastic sheeting that is 6 inches larger than your leaf. Lay the plastic on a level surface.

    • 2

      Put on a dust mask, eye protection and leather gloves. Mix the concrete in a bucket by following the manufacturer's instructions. Add concrete color additive by following the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 3

      Lay the leaf on top of the plastic with the back of the leaf facing up. Put on rubber gloves. Spread a 1 to 1½ inch thick layer of concrete on the back of the leaf with a trowel. Spread the concrete 1 inch beyond the edges of the leaf.

    • 4

      Cut chicken wire with wire cutters to a shape 1½ inches smaller than the shape of the leaf. Press the chicken wire into the wet concrete. Spread a 1-inch layer of concrete over the chicken wire by applying slight pressure with the trowel.

    • 5

      Wrap the excess plastic up onto the back of the leaf. Lay a second sheet of plastic sheeting over top of the back. Pack blocks of wood or rocks around the stepping stone to support the sides. Let the concrete dry for two days.

    • 6

      Peel the plastic from the stone. Gently flip it over to the leaf side. Peel the leaf from the stepping stone to reveal the pattern. Brush away the rest of the leaf with an old toothbrush and water.

    • 7

      Cure the stepping stone for a week by misting it with water daily so it does not dry out.

    • 8

      Dig a resting spot for your stepping stone. Dig a 3-inch hole in the shape of the stepping stone. Pour a 1-inch layer of sand into the hole. Gently set the back of the stone overtop of the sand. Make sure the stone sets level and will not move when stepped on.