After you have learned how to create a basic garden stepping stone from scratch, try a few of these decorating ideas to spice up your yard.
Embellishment Ideas For A Garden Stepping Stone
- Family or pet photos
- Hand and feet impressions
- Rocks or stones
- Beach glass
- Seashells
- Paint
- Keys
- Dog Biscuits
- Uncooked macaroni
- Coins
- Old toys
- Glitter
- Cookie cutters
- Refrigerator magnets
- Beads
- Old or broken jewelry
- Glow-in-the-dark shapes
- Broken bits of plates, CD’s or other household items
Basic Steps For Decorating and Painting A Stepping Stone
After the mold is full with concrete mix, wait about 5-10 minutes before pressing embellishments into the concrete. With any combination of solid items listed above, use your imagination to design the stone. Press items into the concrete and be sure they are embedded. If the items are not pushed in tightly, they may fall out later.
To add color to the concrete, use acrylic paint. You can write names or phrases with the paint, draw pictures or just cover a large area to add a splash of color. Let the paint dry completely and then coat the entire stone with clear acrylic spray sealer.
Creating A Photo Stepping Stone
Pick a favorite family or pet photo and encase it in glass, plastic, plexiglass or laminate the photo. Whatever you choose to encase the photo with, be sure to leave about ½” of room around all edges to seal it properly and embed into the concrete without covering part of the photo.
Lamination is simplest, but if you do not have access to a laminator, try pressing the photo between two sheets of plexiglass, clear plastic or glass. Spread a thin layer of glue on both sides of the photo before pressing it. The glue should dry clear and the photo will be sealed. For extra security, put a thin strip of waterproof tape, like duct tape, along the edges to close off any openings where the two pieces of glass or plastic meet.
Press the photo into the concrete and make sure the edges are secure under the concrete with the photo area still showing.
Imprints and Engraving
When making hand or foot imprints in your stone, wait about 30 minutes after pouring the concrete before trying you try to make the imprint. To avoid getting dirty, place plastic wrap over the hand or foot before pressing down into the concrete. Leave the plastic wrap in place on the stone surface and remove it when the concrete is dry.
If you want to write in the concrete, 30 minutes is also a good wait time. When writing in the concrete, if your letters fill with water, smooth out the area to erase the writing, wait a bit longer and then try it again. You can use an ordinary household tool to write with, an old pencil or a small tree branch.
Try using stencils as well for a more defined pattern. Cookie cutters or refrigerator magnets in the shape of letters also work very well for spelling out names and phrases.
The most important detail when decorating your stepping stone is to use your creativity and design a stone that reflects your personality. Have fun!
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