Today we are making a faux purple leaf cabbage head from a Styrofoam ball, recycled paper and acrylic paint.

Faux food can be used in a museum or restaurant, store displays, stage productions, at home in a basket, or anywhere real food is not practical.

In this first photograph, you will see the  completed faux cabbage head next to a real leaf of purple cabbage.

Directions for Making a Purple Faux Cabbage Head

To begin this project, use a round 6-inch Styrofoam ball as the base for the cabbage head.  As you layer on the paper leaves, the cabbage will become much larger.  If you want a smaller cabbage head, use a smaller Styrofoam ball.

Recycled packing paper was used for making the cabbage leaves.  The packing paper was a little heavier than regular paper and sturdier than tissue paper.

The first step is to lightly crush the packing paper.  Then smooth the paper out leaving in some wrinkles.  The wrinkles in the paper will give the appearance of veins in the leaves.

You might also be able to use a paper bag or possibly wrapping paper to make the cabbage leaves.  It all depends on the thickness of the paper and how pliable the paper is.  However, do not use shiny paper.

Base of Faux Cabbage Forming Faux Cabbage Leaves

Use white all-purpose household glue to attach the “cabbage” leaves to the base.

Layer subsequent leaves in a cabbage-like pattern around the base gluing each leaf as you go.

Do not use scissors to cut out the lettuce leaves.  It is better just to rip the leaves in sizes and shapes you need.

Add Paper Leaves and then Paint

Allow the glue to totally dry before painting.

Use green and purple acrylic paints to paint the leaves.  You will probably need to blend and mix the colors to get the most realistic look.

It is, also, helpful to use an actual cabbage leaf to compare the colors.

Lightly paint each cabbage leaf.  I allowed some of the white paper to show through to give the leaves a little “lightness” like a real cabbage leaf.

I highlighted some of the cabbage leaf edges with a little dark green paint.

Faux Painted Purple Cabbage Head

After the paint is dry, be sure to bend, wrinkle, and adjust the cabbage leaves to simulate a real cabbage head.

This photograph shows the completed faux head of purple cabbage.

I love the fact that the faux cabbage head was made from inexpensive materials showing it doesn’t cost a lot of money to craft something beautiful and unique.

Faux Purple Cabbage

Painting Tip. . .

When mixing acrylic paints, use a real cabbage leaf for comparison to get a good color match.