Creating your own, personal stepping stones is great fun, something you can do in an afternoon. These are for decoration only, and not intended for walking on.The materials list can be simple or as detailed as you want, and the designs are only limited by your imagination. If you are handy, building your own wooden molds are the least expensive way to go, but if you want to get to the fun part quicker, check your local crafts or home improvement store for prefab molds. There is also a wide selection available online.
Basic Materials List
To get started, you will need molds, concrete mix, wheelbarrow, hoe or shovel, and assorted decorations. The Here are the basics of what you need to make 5 to 6 stepping stones:
5 to 6 concrete molds (purchased or make from 2 inch by 2 inch laths). Heavy plastic (5 mil) (omit if molds have a bottom) 1 80 pound bag concrete mix Wheelbarrow (to mix concrete) Hoe and shovel Trowel Large sponge Concrete sealer Assorted decorations:
Marbles
Sea shells
Decorative tiles
Cut tiles
Tumbled glass
Mirrored tiles
Glass beads
Copper Wire
Large decorative leaves (for imprinting only)
Making your Stepping Stones
Before you mix any concrete, layout your basic design with suggested materials or anything else you want to set into the wet concrete. Laying the design out on the cardboard the same size and dimensions of your molds will make the process much easier.
Work in a shady area so your concrete does not dry out too quickly. Lay a sheet of plastic on the ground and place molds on plastic. This is for molds without bottoms, and will keep the bottom of your stepping stone clean. Lay the molds on the plastic leaving room to work around each.
Mix the concrete in the wheelbarrow with a little water at a time, using the hoe to stir. You want a fairly loose mixture; too thick will be hard to work with. Shovel concrete into the mold so it is even with the edges. With a trowel, tamp the concrete until stones settle, and you have a layer of fine cement on top. Place your decorations in the wet concrete, pressing in slightly. Don’t push too hard or they will get lost. Smooth the surface with a wet sponge. Repeat for all molds.
Cover with plastic so they stay clean and cure slowly. In a few days, you can unmold them and clean off any excess concrete stuck to the tiles or glass. It is a good idea to seal them with concrete sealer so they don’t crack.
Once you get started, you won’t be able to stop! This project makes great gifts, and personalizing them for friends and family makes them even more special.
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