Garden stones

[la79al]

I am trying to figure out how to make some of those stepping stone things that go in gardens. I figured they would be nice for the kids to make for the grandparents. I have looked at the kits but I know those are just going to result in the kids fighting over the few mosaic tiles that are included. I figured it would make more sense to buy the supplies separately. I am assuming I would use plaster of paris or something similar, right?

 

[ilovecoasters]

I am trying to figure out how to make some of those stepping stone things that go in gardens. I figured they would be nice for the kids to make for the grandparents. I have looked at the kits but I know those are just going to result in the kids fighting over the few mosaic tiles that are included. I figured it would make more sense to buy the supplies separately. I am assuming I would use plaster of paris or something similar, right?

Hi there. I usually just post on the DVC and theme park areas. I never scrolled down far enough to see this wonderful community! I made step stones last summer. They were super easy. I found the 12 X 12 cement blocks at Home Depot to use as a base. I bought a variety of cheap ceramic tiles in various colors and used left over tiles from our pool, put them in a canvas bag and whacked them a few times with a hammer. I placed all of the pieces where I wanted them using tile adhesive and just covered the entire thing with the grout. After they set I used a damp sponge to clean off the tiles. Since I was keeping them outside I sealed them, which was actually the most expensive thing I purchased. They've been outside through two hot Florida summers and actually get used daily. They've held up great. These directions probably sound much more difficult than they really are. I made 4 step stones in under two hours.

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

If you want to do them from scratch, just buy a bag of concrete mix and get some concrete color (if you really want color - not necesary.) You can use almost anything that is flexible plastic for the form.

I bought a "kit" at Michaels that just had a form that you could make different sizes - concrete had to be purchased separately. Then I got a pack of plastic letter & number stamps that I could press into the concrete for words (made by the same manufacturer). You can then use the PP's great ideas of breaking up the cheap tiles (and you can also pick up some of those cheap glass drops/tears that you put in the bottom of fishtanks and vases). After the concrete is poured into the mold, you just press in the tile/glass and make your phrase and let it dry.

If you do just the concrete, you don't have to seal them, but it's not a bad idea for longer life.