How to Create Your Own Stepping Stone

Stepping stones can be simple or elaborate.

Decorate a garden or walkway with a homemade stepping stone. The cement stone lasts many years outside in any weather conditions. The crafting process takes up to two and a half days to complete; cement drying time takes up most of that amount. Customize the stepping stone with stamps, words, rocks, glass and other craft items. Use water-soluble items in the stone. The size of the stone depends on the mold used: a larger mold makes a larger stone.

Things You'll Need

• Large bowl
• Cement mix
• Water
• Paint stirring sticks
• Mold
• Putty knife
• Thin paint brush
• Stamps
• Decorate items

Instructions

1. Pour the cement mix into the bowl. Add the amount of water suggested on the cement mix packaging. Stir the water into the mix with the stick until it's smooth.

2. Pour the wet cement into the mold. Smooth the surface of the cement with the putty knife.

3. Hold the thin paintbrush so the non-bristled end faces down. Use the tip to write a message or draw a design into the wet cement.

4. Insert stamps. Leave the stamp in the wet cement for 20 seconds. Remove by pulling straight up.

5. Insert any decorative items into the cement. Press the item into place with your fingertip, pressing gently until the top of the item sits just below the surface of the cement. This helps keep it in place once outside.

6. Set the wet cement aside to dry for 24-48 hours. Cement lightens in color as it dries.

7. Turn over the cement mold. Keep one hand on the top of the stepping stone. Pull off the mold with the other hand. Turn the stone over and place outside.

Tips & Warnings

• Use different shaped molds to make a variety of stone shapes and sizes.

References

• All Free Crafts: Homemade Garden Stepping Stone