Stepping stones are a functional way to dress-up your lawn or garden and can be made into fun craft activity for the family to make for your home or as a gift idea.

The basic steps for construction will be the same for all of these craft ideas. The shape of your mold can vary and of course, the final decoration will alter this craft, allowing you to create several other projects.

Basic Stepping Stone Supplies:

Large Plastic Bucket or Wheel Barrow
one 40 Pound bag of pre-mixed concrete
Water
Shovel
Hand Trowel
Plastic Wrap
Mold
Plastic Gloves
Petroleum Jelly

Using the measuring guide on the package, only mix up the amount of cement you will need for your project. This kind of cement mixes easily with water and you can add more water or mix as needed for the desired consistency. You want a thick base but not one that is to dry.

You have several options of material to use for your mold. Disposable aluminum pie tins are available in a deep dish size that works well but avoid the kind of pie tin that has slanted sides. The cement will be to thin on the edges and could break off over time.

Another inexpensive mold option is to purchase the plastic circles that garden centers sell to put under potted plants for drainage. They come in several different sizes. Both of these products make wonderful round stepping stones and can be thrown away after use.

When you cement mix is ready, carefully scoop the mix into the mold. Using a cement hand trowel, tap the cement mixture to break up any air pockets and insure a solid base. Next, use the trowel to smooth the surface. Any excess liquid will automatically come to the surface of the mold during this process.

Handprint Stepping Stones
Cover the children's hands in petroleum jelly to protect them from the harmful lye's that can irritate their skin. Roll up their sleeves and carefully press their hands into the cement. Hand Imprints are a fun way to measure your child's growth and will be a sentimental garden favorite.

Kids could also make a picture on the stone using food coloring to stain the cement. It will also stain your hands so wearing plastic gloves and an apron is a good idea. Don't forget to sign and date it!

Great idea !!

I am helping my older sister Teri this weekend make some for her garden. She purchased the molds this week and materials.

I am going to take pictures with my camera so I can post them!

I love this idea.......I have made retangular stepping stones out of aluminum roasting pans and they turned out great, but I never decorated them I can't wait to see pics Sandra