DIY Network

Steppingstones From "DIY Kids" episode DIK-106

advertisement

Making garden steppingstones is a great family project. Create a path through your garden with a custom-made stone for every member of the family Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F

Steppingstones are very popular garden decorations. You can make one to personalize your garden with your favorite things -- or you and your family can make several to create a garden path.

Materials:

Disposable cake pan
Mask
Gloves
Plastic or StyrofoamB. cup
Sieve
Garden hose with a spray attachment or a watering can
Bag of quick-setting concrete mix
Decorative stuff for your steppingstone

1. Concrete mix is made from a mixture of cement, sand and gravel. Fill your cake pan with dry concrete mix (figure A). Wear gloves to protect your hands from the concrete mix and a mask so you won't breath in the dust.
   

2. If you want the concrete to be rough-textured, fill the cake pan to the rim. If you would prefer a smoother surface, sift the mix through a sieve when the concrete reaches about 1/2" from the top of the cake pan (figure B). The sieve will prevent gravel from getting into the concrete near the top of the pan so your steppingstone will have a smoother surface.
   

3. Because concrete mix sets up quickly, you should work out your design ahead of time. To personalize your design, use some of your favorite stuff: maybe you've collected seashells at the beach or have glow-in-the dark stars because you like astronomy. You could use pennies from the year you were born. Once you've poured the concrete, arrange your decorations on top until the design looks good to you (figure C).
   

4. When the design is ready, gently press the decorations into the concrete mix so they'll stick in the concrete when you add water (figure D).
   

5. Have a parent show you where you should set the pan, then gently apply water to the concrete mix, using a watering can or a gentle spray from a garden hose (figure E). You'll know you've added enough water when the water just begins to puddle. Put the pan aside, and wait 30 to 45 minutes for the concrete to set.
   

6. If you want to make a steppingstone with a handprint or your initials, don't use quick-setting concrete. Instead, you'll need the kind that sets up in a couple of hours. Follow the directions on the bag, and wait a few hours for the concrete to thicken a little, or set up. Make your imprint, or use a stick to write your name or initials. Wash your hands right away. In a day or two, your steppingstone will be rock-hard.

7. When your steppingstone is set, take it out of the pan. Just pull the rim of the pan away from the edge of the stone (figure F), turn the pan over, and gently take out your customized garden steppingstone. This is a great project for a party because it's a great way to use up a big bag of concrete mix, and it's more fun to take home a steppingstone than a goody bag.