How to Make Your Own Garden Stones
Stepping stones are not only aesthetically pleasing, but a practical way to create a personalized garden path. Round, square, rectangular or oval, embellished, engraved or painted, stepping stones are an opportunity to add a customized touch to your garden. Using stepping stones in garden beds also helps you avoid compacting soil around tender plant roots -- encouraging healthy vegetables as well as flowers, shrubs and trees. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Quick-setting concrete mix, or concrete, cement and sand to mix yourself
- Spoon (to be thrown away)
- Mold
- Stones
- Marbles
- Shells
- Clay tool
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose a concrete mix, cement or clay base for the garden stone. Garden stone craft sets that include concrete mix are available at large craft supply and home stores, but can be quite expensive. Concrete and cement can be purchased in small bags from home supply stores. The amount and grade of concrete are up to the individual. If you plan on making more than one stone, it may be cheaper to buy a larger bag of concrete mix.
-
2
Choose the mold for the stepping stone. Again, molds come with the stepping stone kits, but can be purchased separately or made from household items. A disposable, but sturdy, plastic container, a round garbage can lid, large plastic plant pot liners, cake pans from the thrift store and wooden trays -- all make suitable stone molds. Make sure molds are clean and dry.
-
-
3
Mix the concrete following the directions on the outside of the bag. Usually making concrete is a matter of mixing together equal parts of sand and concrete mix or Portland cement with as much water as necessary. Stir the mixture with a disposable spoon. The final consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter.
-
4
Pour the concrete into the mold, filling it to a 1/4-inch away from the top edge. Vibrate or tap the mold repeatedly, to break up any air bubbles in the mix and create a smooth, firm surface.
The mold should be on a flat surface, preferably on the ground outside in case of spills and splashes. The garage floor is the perfect place for pouring the concrete stepping stones -- and for allowing poured stones to set -- because they are protected from the weather.
-
5
Place decorative stones, marbles and other items in the pattern of your choice into the wet concrete, if desired. Craft stores have a large array of glass stones in different colors that are perfect for decorating stepping stones. Natural pebbles, sturdy sea shells and other natural items are also good choices.
-
6
Wait for the concrete to set firmly before engraving or marking the surface, usually at least two days. If you want to add names or carve decorative lines into the stone, use a sharp plastic stick or a potter's tool for the cleanest finish. Smooth out any nicks or bumps with your fingertip before allowing the stone to set completely.
-
7
Turn over the mold and pop out the completed dry stepping stone. Cure it longer if needed -- follow concrete and mold instructions -- then and place it in the garden or give as a gift.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Spray the inside of your mold with cooking spray so stepping stones will pop out easily -- a step that will also extend the life of your molds.
When using molds with intricate designs, remember that the face-down side of the mold -- the design side -- will be the top of the stepping stone.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
