How to Make Stepping Stones From Scratch

You could buy a kit to make stepping stones, but it's not difficult to do from scratch. Give this method a whirl, and you're sure to be proud of the results.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Molds
• Seashells
• Stirring Stick
• Acrylic Paints
• Clear-coat Spray Paints
• Paintbrushes
• Rocks
• Baking Pans
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Roasting Pans
• Buckets
• WD40
• Cements
• Measuring cups
• tiles, pottery chips, or other mosaic fodder

1. Draw your pattern on paper before you start, to be sure everything fits.

2. Place a couple of layers of newspaper on your work surface.

3. Measure 2 1/2 c. water into a bucket. Stir in 5 lbs. gravel-free cement or mortar. Mix well with a paint-stirring stick.

4. Add another 5 lbs. cement and mix until it's the consistency of brownie mix: smooth and thick.

5. Add more water, 1 tbsp. at a time, if the mixture's too dry. Add more concrete, 1/4 c. at a time, if it's too runny.

6. Position your mold on a flat surface. You can use a store-bought vinyl mold or an aluminum baking or roasting pan.

7. Spray the mold lightly with WD40.

8. Fill the mold halfway.

9. Shake the mold gently to release any bubbles. Pour in the rest of the cement and repeat.

10. Wait 5 minutes before decorating the stepping stone with objects such as shells or mosaic tiles. Place them on the surface and give the mold a couple of gentle shakes to help the cement settle around the objects.

11. Wait 20 minutes before you write or draw in the cement. If the writing fills in with water, smooth it over with the stirring stick and wait a little longer.

12. Wait 30 minutes before making hand- or footprints.

13. Let the stepping stone cure undisturbed in the mold for at least 48 hours.

14. Turn the mold upside down over a thick towel and tap on the back until it releases the stone.

15. Paint the stone if you wish and finish it with a clear acrylic over-spray.

Tips & Warnings

• Measurements may need to be adjusted, depending on the cement manufacturer. Read the directions for your cement or mortar for exact amounts of mix and water.

• Times given are approximate. Humidity and temperature will affect setting times.

• Press a child's hand into the cement (let the cement set for about 20 minutes first).

• Add stone pigment to the cement for a colorful look.

• Be stingy when adding water. If you use too much, your stone will take forever to cure - or it may not cure at all.

• Cement may cause skin and eye irritation. Remember not to breathe cement dust, and always wash your hands after touching cement.