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Instructions for Mosaic Stepping Stones

Display your creativity and style by making mosaic stepping stones using materials from your local hardware store. Make your own designs by drawing out your own patterns and add some broken tiles, glass, old jewelry, stones and other found objects.

Things You'll Need

  • Drop cloth
  • Decorative pieces of tiles, stones, shells
  • Rubber gloves
  • Small bucket
  • Paint stick
  • Thinset
  • Trowel with 1/4 inch notches
  • Sponge
  • Utility knife
  • Grout
  • Grout float
  • Tile sealer
  • Sponge brush
  • Mold
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Paper towels
  • Quick drying concrete
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread the drop cloth over a stable work surface. This will make clean up easier.

    • 2

      Gather the decorative pieces of tiles, glass, stones, shells, old china or whatever you want to use for your mosaic. Lay out your design ahead of time if you want a specific pattern. You can also place pieces randomly without a design.

    • 3

      Set the mold on the work area. You can use a store bought mold, plastic planter saucer, aluminum roasting pan, pie tin or a cake pan.

    • 4

      Use a paper towel to rub a thin layer of the petroleum jelly on the inside of the mold. This will act as a concrete release agent, making it easier to remove your stepping stone once it has dried.

    • 5

      Pour quick drying concrete into a clean bucket. One bag will be enough to make six stepping stones.

    • 6

      Add water following the amount stated in the concrete manufacture's instructions. Stir with a wooden paint stick to mix. Let the mixed concrete rest for 15 minutes.

    • 7

      Pour approximately two inches of concrete mixture into the mold, then tap the sides of the mold to even out the concrete and release any air bubbles.

    • 8

      Let the concrete set for 30 minutes, or until it is not watery. Test this by placing a tile piece on top of the mold and pressing down to see if water surrounds the tile. If there is still a lot of water, remove the tile and tap the side of the mold to even out the concrete. Let it set for another five minutes then check again.

    • 9

      Following the pattern of your choice set decorative pieces on top of the cement. Press them firmly into the cement, so that each piece is even and level and allow the mosaic to dry in a spot with little or no humidity.

    • 10

      Remove the mosaic stepping stone from the mold by gently sliding it out and clean any concrete residue left on the mosaic with a damp sponge.

    • 11

      Dip a sponge brush in tile sealer. Wipe the sealer across the finished stepping stone and allow it dry before walking on the stone.