Stepping stones are a practical and decorative way to create a path through your yard or garden. From ornamental to functional, their uses are numerous and creating your own is a project that is easy enough for little kids and fun enough to keep older kids and adults interested.
There are many variations on a basic theme when it comes to creating stepping stones. You will need cement, a mold, and if you so choose something to decorate your stone with.
Cement can be found at any hardware store and some craft supply stores. Cement comes in different grades, and it’s important to choose a finer grade of cement when making stepping stones (unless of course you are going for a rougher stone, in which case coarse cement will work great). Fine grade cement will have few big chunks of rock and will create a nice, smooth surface when it dries perfect for handprints or other forms of decorating. In addition to decorating the surface of the cement, it can also be died to create a colored stone! Cement dye can be found at craft stores and hardware stores and comes in a powdered form that is mixed with the cement.
Molds can be made out of many, many things. Sturdy square or rectangular molds can me made out of 2x4 boards. Cut the boards to the desired shape, and screw together at the ends with wood screws. Line the molds with heavy plastic (a painters drop sheet is an excellent, inexpensive liner) and set on a level surface before pouring the cement. When the stepping stone is dry they simple pop out of the mold, or unscrew if the stone won’t easily pop out. Another alternative is to purchase molds specifically designed for making stepping stones. These come in a variety of sizes and patterns and can create very beautiful and intricate stepping stones. They can be found at craft stores and some hardware stores. For the creative and thrifty, numerous common household items make excellent molds! The tops of plastic pie and cake containers, a pizza box, old frying pans, plastic storage containers, lids, and anything else that appeals to you! Remember that if the item you are using as a mold is not water proof (for example, the paper pizza box) be sure to line it with plastic before pouring the cement!
Decorations for your stone can be anything that appeals to you! Children’s handprints, hand written messages, pretty stones, marbles, tile, broken bits of pretty china, shells, and so on can all be used.
To make the stepping stone begin by preparing your mold. It should be placed on a level surface and lined with plastic if necessary. Spray the inside of the mold with cooking spray to help the finished stone release easily!
Next, get your cement ready. You will need a large bucket to mix your cement in. Simply follow the manufactures directions on the bag. If you are adding a dye to your cement add it once the cement mixture has been thoroughly mixed. Add a little bit of dye at a time until the color you desire has been achieved. Remember, the stone will be lighter when it dries! Carefully pour the cement into your stone mold to a thickness of 1 ½ to 2 inches. Smooth the surface and remove air bubbles by gently tapping the sides of the mold.
Allow the cement to set up for a couple minutes, and then decorate your stone. Push decorations firmly into the cement so they will be well set.
When you are done decorating the stone allow it to dry for a full 24 hours, do not move it during this time period or it may crack!
Once the stone is dry remove it from the mold. Place it in your garden to enjoy or give it away as a gift!
