How to Make Stepping Stone Molds From Pie Tins

Cover your work area with newspaper or a plastic sheet. Wear old clothes, disposable gloves and goggles. Work outside if possible because mixing concrete is messy.

Coat the inside of the pie tins with petroleum jelly or cooking spray. Choose the decorative items for each stone and decide how to arrange the pieces. You will have to work quickly after pouring the concrete, as it hardens fast.

Mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow or bucket according to package instructions and the number of stones you want to make. Stir with a paint stick or shovel and test the consistency by shoving the tip of the shovel or stick into the mix. Ideally, the line made by the shovel or stick should hold its shape when you pull the shovel or stick out of the mix. Add more water if the mixture crumbles around the line or more concrete if the mix is too wet to hold the line.

Pour the concrete into prepared pie tins to a depth of 2 inches. Use the trowel or small shovel to pat down and smooth the concrete in the tins. Gently shake the tins to break any air bubbles on the surface.

Let the concrete rest for 10 to 30 minutes before you decorate it. Heavy objects, like marbles, may sink if you start to decorate before the concrete has firmed up a bit. Press the decorative items into the concrete, making sure to push them down far enough that they are flush with the top of the stone.

Air dry the stones for two or three days. Gently tap the dried stone out of the mold. If desired, apply concrete sealant or clear acrylic spray to improve the durability of the stone.