How to Create Garden Stepping Stones

A simple path

Garden stepping stones are a great way to add interest to your flower beds, plus they take up space where weeds would like to take over!Making stepping stones can be as simple as packing down flat rocks to create a walking path, or as complicated as making mosaic ones.

Things You'll Need

• Cement paving stones
• Quickrete mortar mix
• Duct tape
• Old sponge
• Objects for setting in cement, such as bits of broken tile, sea glass, buttons, small flat stones, flattened marbles, small sea shells

Instructions

1. Set two paver stones side by side; create your design on one of them using little stones, tiles, or sea glass. When you have it just the way you want it, it's time to go to the next step.

2. Wrap duct tape around the edge of the paver stone to create a 3/4 inch lip. This will prevent the mortar mix from dripping over the sides. You should only need one layer of duct tape.

3. Mix the mortar in a plastic pail according to the instructions on the bag. You want a smooth frosting-like consistency that isn't runny. Using a wide putty knife, spread the mortar on the paver up to the edge of the duct tape lip. Smooth it out so that it is level.Transfer the design on the other paver into the mortar on the second paver. Take the time needed to get it right, but keep in mind that the surface is going to harden quite rapidly.

4. 

   After 15 minutes, remove the duct tape. Using a wet sponge, gently round off the edges and wipe the top of the objects until they are slightly above the mortar, frequently wetting your sponge. This smooths out the surface and gives it a finished look.

Tips & Warnings

• These stones are so much fun to do--what a great gift for a gardening friend.

• You should wear a mask when mixing the mortar--the dust is very fine.

• Make sure that sharp objects have their sharp points buried in the mortar.