How to Make Customized Stepping Stones

Purchase a do-it-yourself stepping stone or cement kit as well as any tools, molds, stamps, glass pieces, tile pieces or letter-making accessories that you desire for your project.

Mix the cement according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir it using the trowel or a small shovel. If the cement stepping stones will be customized using color, follow the directions on the dye or stain to mix in the cement.

Prep the mold using the lubricant supplied, or use a little cheap vegetable or cooking oil. Get the oil in the small places where the mold bends; use a cotton swab if necessary.

Pour or scoop the cement or stone mix into the mold. For a mold that has a shape, form or design, smooth the back using the trowel and let the stepping stone dry. If you are pressing glass, broken tile or mosaic pieces into the cement to customize the stepping stone, smooth the mix, and then press the pieces in lightly.

Use a pencil to create your text or outlines for an image. Use a sharpened but dull tip for finer lines. Use a new, not sharpened, blunt-end pencil to create fat lines. Some customized stepping stone kits will come with stamps and pre-made letters to push into the mix to create designs and text.

Let the customized stepping stones dry completely following the manufacturer's directions for the cement mix. Then gently slide the stepping stone out of the mold. If you flip the mold upside-down to release the customized stepping stone, do this over soft grass or a folded towel to soften the fall to prevent any chipping or cracking of your finish customized stepping stone.

Follow the manufacturer's suggestions for final curing procedures. Some may suggest keeping the stone covered with plastic and in the shade until completely cured.