Make Your Own Stepping Stones

If your yard already has stepping stones or sidewalk blocks, perhaps you want to add a little pizzaz to them. Creating embelished stepping stones the easy way can be a lot of fun and cost very little.

Materials

• Precast concrete garden stones (shape & size up to you)
• Ceramic tiles, ceramic plates, or colored glass NOTE (1)(2)
• Thin-set mortar
• Poly-blend sanded tile grout (optional)
• 3/16 inch notched tile trowel
• Rubber tile trowel or large square rubber spatula without a handle
• Hammer or tile pincers
• Safety glasses
• Cardboard box or other container to break ceramic in
• Old cloth or drop sheet to cover ceramic while breaking
• Large bucket
• Sponge
• Rubber gloves (the heavy type you do dishes with will work)
• Large pan or container (used to fill with water to submerge garden stones in)

In a large pan filled with water, immerse one concrete stone at a time to wet thoroughly NOTE (3).
Mix thin-set mortar according to package directions (consistency should be similar to slightly runny peanut butter). Using a notched trowel, spread a layer of mortar onto PART of the stone to a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Arrange pieces as desired, pressing them lightly into the mortar. Leave spaces between the pieces for the grout. Add extra mortar under pieces as needed to create a fairly even surface. Clean away excess mortar from the surface and let dry overnight.
Mix grout according to package directions. Scoop a large amount onto the stone and using a spatula or trowel so spread it out and push it into gaps. Add more as needed and removing excess as you go. Smooth grout on the sides of the stone as well. Using a wet sponge, wipe down the top, going over the surface in both directions and rinsing the sponge often. Repeat, taking care not to remove too much grout from the gaps. Let the stone dry for 24 to 48 hours, buff with a dry cloth and place in the garden.

NOTE (1)~ Old plates, tiles and colored bottles broken in various shapes are some items that canmake up the decorative tops. To break these materials safely, put them in a shallow box or container and cover with a cloth to prevent shards from scattering. Wear safety glasses and using a hammer or tile pincers to break the materials into pieces.
NOTE (2)~ Use items such as shells, marbles, colored pebbles, jewels, china and ceramics to create your stepping stones. Mix, match and use your imagination.
NOTE (3)~ While working on one stone, place the next one in the water to soak.