How to Make Stained Glass Mosaics & Stepping Stones

Making your own stained glass stepping stones is fun and easy way to brighten up your yard. Molds are available in a wide variety of shapes ranging from the classic circle to the more unique hearts and half moons. For the mosaic designs, you can find pattern books or draw your own. The process of creating customized stepping stones is a bit time consuming and can be very messy. You may want to work outside or at least put a drop cloth on the floor.

Things You'll Need

• Stained glass
• Glass cutter
• Stepping stone mold
• Clear contact paper
• Petroleum jelly
• Concrete
• Sealant (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a pattern for your stained glass stepping stone. If using a pattern from a book, ensure that it fits your mold. If this is your first time cutting glass, select a simple pattern to make the process a little easier on yourself.

2. Use a glass cutter to cut the glass, using your pattern as a guide. See the Resources section for more information on glass cutting.

3. Cut a piece of clear contact paper to fit inside your mold. Lay out your mosaic design and press the contact paper down onto the pattern. Ensure that each piece of glass is adhered to the contact paper.

4. Coat the inside of your mold with petroleum jelly.

5. Place your stepping stone mold on a flat surface. Flip the contact paper with the glass on it upside down so that the glass is on top of the paper. Place it in the bottom of the mold.

6. Mix the concrete and pour it slowly or "spoon" it (using a trowel or something similar) into the mold. Fill about halfway, then lift the mold and tap it gently on the ground several times to release any air bubbles. Fill the rest of the mold with concrete and then tap it against the ground a few more times. Smooth the top of the mold to ensure the stone will be flat.

7. Allow the stone to cure undisturbed for at least three days. Leave it somewhere warm and dry.

8. Gently pull the sides of the mold away from the stone slightly. Then turn the mold upside down and slowly lift the mold straight up to remove.

9. Slowly remove the contact paper from the top of the stepping stone. If needed, clean the surface with a damp paper towel.

Tips & Warnings

• You may choose to apply sealant to your new stepping stone, but it is not necessary.

References

• Smallwood's Garden: Making Mosaic Stepping Stones
• Mosaic Smith: How to Make a Poured Concrete Stepping Stone

Resources

• Art of Stained Glass: How to Cut Glass