How to Make a Stone Handprint for the Garden

When decorating your garden, you can purchase various items to complement your flowers, ranging from arches to small ponds and garden gnomes. Children's handprints are keepsakes that, if designed appropriately, can last a lifetime and make excellent stepping stones. They can be taken from one place to another if you move, and you can even make one every year as your child ages to show growth over the years. Instead of purchasing a kit from a retailer, make the handprint using ingredients you can buy from a general hardware store.

Cement
Bucket
Trowel
Plant Saucer
Vegetable or baby oil

Instructions

- 1
  Mix cement and water in a large bucket with a trowel. Continue to add water to the powdered cement until you have a mixture that is similar to cake or brownie batter. You don't want it to be so thick that you can't stir it, but making it too watery will create a poor handprint.
- 2
  Pour the cement mixture into a plant saucer or stepping stone mold. Smooth the top of it with a stiff spatula or old gift card. Work quickly before the cement begins to harden.
- 3
  Dip your child's hand in the oil. Instruct him to spread his fingers out completely to get a good impression and press his hand or hands into the mold. If you don't get a good impression the first time, smooth the concrete out and repeat the process.
- 4
  Add gems, decorative stones or words to the mold to make it more personal.
- 5
  Remove the stone from the saucer after several days. Wait until the cement is completely dry.

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