This is the second required photo for the contest. This shot shows one leaf after extensive hand sanding (with the torn up hands to prove it) and about 4 coats of pre-cat lacquer.
This is the same wood as the plate I showed in Richmond. These trees line our street. So I grabbed a leaf off mine in the front yard as a template. I thought I should use the same species of leaf as the wood.
The wood had sections of punk and it is amazing that all the peaks made it.
I have a few more ideas on this so I just may just submit another entry. This is a really cool technique and I'm having lots of fun with it.