DIY: Distressed leaf bowl tutorial

I’m back with something exciting!

So, I just wrote about how organic textures were taking over our homes but whilst I researched that post, there seemed to be one specific decor item everywhere. I just had to have it but I wanted to make it my own. If you didn’t already guess from the title that item was….The leaf bowl.
Here’s a rundown of how I got to the idea of this DIY with a tutorial video on how to make it. (bonus content: scroll to the bottom for a video blooper!)

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So, I found a specific leaf bowl from Nordic house that I loved but it was £43. It’s made of polyresin which is probably what makes the price point and the quality looks great. I just couldn’t justify it because I have commitment issues to decor, i’m constantly re-styling so look for affordability.

Then I was on the hunt for a different option. Something that still had all the charm of the Nordic house piece that started this journey but was more of an IKEA price point. Unfortunately, IKEA didn’t stock anything similar and all of the alternatives I saw that matched the size were upwards of £22. The options I found were made up of different materials and the craftsmanship is amazing but I didn’t get that rustic feel that I did from the original.

If you’re curious these are the ones I found below;

Leticia green ceramic leaf bowl - Oliver Bonas

Leticia green ceramic leaf bowl - Oliver Bonas

Libra antique bronze leaf platter - Olivia’s

Libra antique bronze leaf platter - Olivia’s

Gold metal leaf bowl - Willowbay

Gold metal leaf bowl - Willowbay

Setsuko oak leaf ornament - Astier de Villatte sold at Sue Fisher King

Setsuko oak leaf ornament - Astier de Villatte sold at Sue Fisher King

Metal tray - ZARA Home

Metal tray - ZARA Home

Velvet leaf sculpture - BoConcept

Velvet leaf sculpture - BoConcept

This is when I realised that it’s definitely a trend piece and I can see why. Perfect for the summer time when we want to try to bring more of the outside, in. Plants are still having their moment in our homes and setting them forever in a decor piece adds a statement to your space. Not only that, it can fit in a variety of rooms, no matter what your style.

 
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So, I made one! Seeing how I don’t have tools to make something from metal and I’m not a pro at resin, I opted for the clay route. It’s easy to work with and can be done at home with no specialist equipment. Using air dry clay and a sea cabbage leaf, I created a similar item for under £5. I’m not joking, it literally cost me the price of the clay!

 

Best of all I have a video for it 👏🏻👏🏻

Check out the tutorial down below. I’m so pleased with how it turned out, its exactly what I was hoping for!
If you give this project a try then get in touch with me and let me know how you get on.

@the_coastal_native on Instagram
#thecoastalnative to show me your creations!


 
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BLOOPER!

I laughed at this a lot longer than I should have. 😂😂
Let me tell you, behind the scenes it doesn’t always go to plan guys!

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