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How to Design Mosaic Stepping Stones

Contributor
By Hannah Smith
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Mosaic stepping stones make a beautiful addition to a garden or yard. Designing and making the stepping stones yourself can be a great way to add a personal touch and keep costs low. Mosaics can be made with a variety of materials ranging from ceramic tiles to natural stones you find in your backyard. Stones can be personalized with names and designs or assembled randomly for a natural look.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Ceramic tiles or stones
  • Quick-setting cement
  • Bucket
  • Stick
  • Water
  • Stepping stone mold
  • Pencil and paper
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Plastic Spoon
  • Waterproof clear varnish
  1. Step 1

    Decide what kind of stones you are going to mosaic. Square ceramic tiles are the easiest to work with because they are all the same size and depth, but natural stones or broken ceramics are acceptable as well. Whatever you choose should be waterproof and able to stand up to the elements.

  2. Step 2

    Measure your mold and cut the paper to the same size. Carefully lay out the tiles or stones in a design. If using natural stones, a random layout is the most aesthetically pleasing. For tiles, if working with only two colors, making a geometric pattern around the edges of the stone and filling it in with the other color is very pretty. Designs can be as intricate or as plain as desired. Leave the stones on the paper and be careful not to disturb them once you've decided on the design.

  3. Step 3

    Rub petroleum jelly on the inside of the mold. Mix the cement in the bucket with the stick, following manufacturers' instructions and pour about an inch and a half into the mold. Even out the cement and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour.

  4. Step 4

    Being careful not to disturb your design, transfer the stones one by one to the cement. Press the stones or tiles into the cement, but don't push them in too deep. Make sure all stones are at about the same level. If you make a mistake, pull out the stone and smooth the cement back down with the back of a plastic spoon.

  5. Step 5

    Allow the cement to dry according to the manufacturers' instructions and then carefully pull out the stepping stone. A light, waterproof, clear varnish can be applied if desired.

Tips & Warnings
  • Choosing high-grade cement will eliminate large stones and pebbles from the mix, making for a more even finish.
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