Amy Clifford
Stepping stones can add a finishing touch to the look as your garden, as well as a way to get from here to there without getting mud on your shoes. Making your own stepping stones is easy and inexpensive. All you need is a bag of quick-set cement, a simple mold and some items to personalize your stepping stones. With a few safety precautions, this is also a perfect project for children.
Step 1
Spread tarp over your work area to protect it from wet cement and cement dust.
Step 2
Set out cake pans, plastic trays or other items to use as molds for your stepping stones.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of cement mix and water into a wheelbarrow or large bucket (follow instructions on the bag for the correct ration of mix to water). Stir the cement and water mixture while adding more cement and water until you have the right amount for your molds and the mixture is the consistency of cooked oatmeal.
Step 4
Pour or scoop wet cement into molds. Wear rubber or plastic gloves while handling wet cement because it contains lye that can burn sensitive skin. Use a cement trowel to smooth out the cement in the top of the mold. Press in small items to decorate the stepping stones if desired - pebbles, marbles, coins, glass beads, costume jewelry, even small toys work well.
Step 5
Let cement dry in molds for three days. After the first 24 hours lightly spray the molds with water so the cement does not dry too fast and crack. When the cement dries it should be easy to remove from the molds by turning them over and letting the stepping stones fall out.
Step 1
Spread tarp over your work area to protect it from wet cement and cement dust.
Step 2
Set out cake pans, plastic trays or other items to use as molds for your stepping stones.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of cement mix and water into a wheelbarrow or large bucket (follow instructions on the bag for the correct ration of mix to water). Stir the cement and water mixture while adding more cement and water until you have the right amount for your molds and the mixture is the consistency of cooked oatmeal.
Step 4
Pour or scoop wet cement into molds. Wear rubber or plastic gloves while handling wet cement because it contains lye that can burn sensitive skin. Use a cement trowel to smooth out the cement in the top of the mold. Press in small items to decorate the stepping stones if desired - pebbles, marbles, coins, glass beads, costume jewelry, even small toys work well.
Step 5
Let cement dry in molds for three days. After the first 24 hours lightly spray the molds with water so the cement does not dry too fast and crack. When the cement dries it should be easy to remove from the molds by turning them over and letting the stepping stones fall out.
