[bradyfb]

Hows it going? One thing for sure you make me think, things are becoming more clear but I may have to come back to that question in the future...
Yes I did cut that mold in oak and its up in the bathrm even cut side boards. Pics are below;
one thing more, when I use the loft on the leaf I get slopes. In the pics you posted earlier the surfaces look to be curved as they go to the bottom mine all slope (ramps). The inside of the bowl should be dished as well as the outside. Thanks Brady

[Harpye]

First create the ribstructure of the leaf in 3d

expand it so it protrudes the shape of your leaf

connect all the ribs tips so you get a course template of the leaf ( wire mesh)!

Create NURBS surf from that!

Trace the leafs shape

punch out your 3 D template ..

Add thickness with parallel offset surface

Add rim and close the surface group to get a solid - like object!

Add detail

Add a base

Feel well!

Below you will find a quick and dirty proposal

Good luck!
Hj