How to Create A Stained Glass Stepping Stone

Garden art gives your garden or landscape a personality and stained glass stepping stones provide that personality a unique look all its own. This afternoon craft project is easy to create and will last for years of enjoyment. Let's get started on a stained glass stepping stone.

Instructions

1. Draw A Stained Glass Pattern

   Draw your stained glass pattern and size it to fit into the stained glass stepping stone mold you are using. This wolf head will be used in a 14" round mold. Print out two copies of the stained glass pattern. One print out normal and one printed as a reversed image. If you can not print a reversed image then print out two normal patterns. Turn one pattern over and trace the pattern on the back. This will be used to assemble your stained glass pieces in Step #3.

2. 

   Stained Glass Stepping Stone Pattern Pieces

   Number and color code each piece of your pattern and cut the pattern pieces out. Use these stained glass pattern pieces to cut your stained glass pieces. Number the pieces and grind as needed.

3. 

   Assembling Your Stained Glass Stepping Stone Pieces

   Take the reversed copy of your stepping stone pattern and tape it down to your work table. Cut a piece of clear contact paper the exact size of the stepping stone mold. Place the contact paper over your reversed pattern, stick side up, and use masking tape to tape it down. Match each stained glass piece with the corresponding number on the pattern and place it, upside down to fit the reversed pattern, on to the contact paper. This process will assemble your stained glass stepping stone pattern reversed and ready to transfer to the mold.

4. 

   Stained Glass Stepping Stone Mold Process

   Take petroleum jelly and put a light coating on the side of your mold. This will ensure the stepping stone will easily come when ready. Untape the contact paper with the stained glass pieces on it and carefully transfer it to the mold. Press each piece of your stained glass down to ensure it is stuck tightly to the contact paper. Mix the Dura-Crete craft cement according to the directions on the box and pour the cement into the mold. Tap on the side of the mold for a minute or two to get all the bubbles to the top. Let sit for 20-30 minutes. As soon as the cement is hard to the touch carefully turn the mold over and let the stepping stone come out of the mold.

5. 

   Clean Up Your New Stained Glass Stepping Stone

   Carefully remove the contact paper from the stepping stone and use a clothes pin, cut in half, to clean the cement off your stained glass pieces. This should be done quickly since the cement will dry fast when exposed to air. Let your new stained glass stepping stone sit for 15 - 20 days to ensure it cures thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Stained glass stepping stones are a unique piece of garden art that will bring enjoyment for you, and those visiting your garden or landscape, for many years.

• Coat the stained glass stepping stone with Thompson sealer to help protect it from weather.

Resources

• How to Find and Use Free Virtual Hairstyles Software
• How to Create Stunning Stained Glass Patterns