How to Make Leaf Shaped Garden Stepping Stones
Decorative cement stepping stones can be a costly investment for a garden space, but you can create your own with leaves from your garden. This will ensure the stepping stones are not cookie-cutter perfect. Each stone will have a different look, making for special accents for your garden space. Look for large leaves such as rhubarb, hosta, monstera, or philodendron. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Large leaves
- Sand
- Flat container
- Quick-drying cement
- Bucket
- Mixing tools
- Plastic drop cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Eye protection
- Mortar colorant, optional
Instructions
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Making the Stones
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1
Make a mold out of a flat container that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. Fill the container with 3 inches of sand.
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2
Place a drop cloth between the leaf and sand for a clean, smooth look. Using only sand will provide more texture and a rustic look.
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3
Press the leaf 1½ to 2 inches into the sand with the vein side of the leaf facing up. Press the leaf flat into the sand to prevent a cup-shaped stepping stone. Mist the sand with water and pack it in place. The leaf pattern will show more definition when the sand is dampened. Do not remove the leaf.
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4
Prepare the quick-drying cement in a bucket and make enough for the number of stones you will be creating. Pour the cement in the leaf indentation, making it even with the sand layer. Cement that is spilled outside the mold should be wiped immediately before it dries. Let the stone dry completely before removing it. Quick-dry cement will dry in approximately 20 minutes, however, it is best to leave the stone for at least an hour to let it harden.
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5
Remove the stone from the sand mold and clean off any leaf or sand residue. The side the leaf was pulled off is the top of the stone. You can use the stone as is or apply paint or glaze if desired.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The molding container can be a purchased bin, child's sandbox, or wooden box. Do not mix more cement than you need for each stone pouring as the cement will harden when left sitting for long periods of time. A bowl- or cup-shaped stone can be made in the same manner, except press the edges of the leaf deeper than the middle. Make sure the middle is pressed at least ½ inch into the sand for cement coverage. Add mortar colorant to the wet cement when mixing to create different colors.
Wear rubber gloves and eye protection when mixing the cement.
