DIY Garden Stepping Stones

A sunny summer day is perfect for creating DIY garden stepping stones! Kids will love creating their own designs and these flat stones can decorate a garden, walkway, or anywhere outside that needs a little love or personalization.

 

Why this tutorial works

This project is an easy introduction to mosaics, which means it’s a great craft for kids or for anyone who is new to this process. That’s why you’ll find this listed in our adult craft projects as well.

In mosaics, you use tiny tiles or embellishments to create a design, usually on a wooden base, which then gets grouted and sealed.

Our stone projects are created using the “direct” method of placing tiles or embellishments on top of the mortar (which is in a mold) to create a design. No grout is needed as the mortar sets and holds the pieces in place.

The sky is the limit with these garden stones, you can decorate them in any way your heart desires. I think our DIY Pebble Art design would look absolutely adorable on these stones!

Craft supplies you will need

For embellishment ideas you can use sea glass, glass beads, small crystal pieces, glitter, buttons, or seashells.

Craft information

• Age Level: 5+
• Mess Factor: Moderate
• Time to Complete: 1 hour plus dry time of 24 hours
• Cost estimate: 10 lbs of quick set mortar is $7.85

How to Make DIY Garden Stepping Stones

1. Trace your mold shape (we used plastic flower pot saucers) onto the scrap paper using a pencil.
2. Cut out the circle.

3. Figure out your design by laying out your embellishments on the scrap paper.

4. Once you have finalized your design, mix up the mortar following the manufacturer’s directions and pour about 1- 1 1/2″ into the mold. Tap the side of the mold to get any air bubbles out. Let the mortar “set” in the mold long enough so you can gently push your embellishments into the material. A good rule is to mix more mortar than you think you need so that each mold can be filled to 1 or 1 1/2″ high.

5. Add your embellishments to the mortar by taking them off the scrap paper, following the design you made, and gently pressing the pieces into the “material”. Some mortars set more quickly than others so be sure to check all your mixing directions so you know that ahead of time.

Note: You can also “draw” designs into the mortar as it sets – use your pencil! Test first in a corner and leave at least a 1″ border around the edges. Drawing too close to the edge can cause cracking.

6. Once all your embellishments are placed, let the entire piece dry thoroughly in a warm dry place. 24 hours is a safe bet although some may be dry before then.

7. Once dry, carefully pop the stones out of the molds and if needed, use a little sandpaper (do this outside) to take any rough edges off.

8. This step is optional as the concrete will hold up fine outside. But if you like you can coat your stones with a layer of Outdoor formula Mod Podge.

Expert Craft Tips

• Use your phone to take a picture after arranging your designs in step #2. That way you can refer back to the photo in addition to using the template. This is helpful if you have any mishaps, like accidentally bumping the template and moving your designs.
• DO NOT wash any mortar down your sink! Scrape unused mortar into a plastic bag and throw away. Use a hose or a bucket of water outside to wash hands and tools.
• If you are working with young kids, you should premix the mortar. Follow the manufacturer’s mixing directions.
• You can make a bunch of stones from a 10-pound container of quick set mortar, making this a great group project (like summer camp or scouts, or even with the elderly!).
• Use embellishments you have on hand and look in your recycle bin for plastic containers you can use as molds.
• If anyone has sensitive skin, I’d recommend wearing plastic gloves as the mortar may dry skin.
• Use your imagination! An old plastic ice cube tray would make 12 perfect stepping stones in a fairy garden (I’d only pour these to 1/2″ thick due to their size)!
• Save molds to use again to make more stones! Do not use molds again for making/storing food.

Garden stones are a great way to use pretty tiles and embellishments you may have around the house to create a unique piece of outdoor artwork! Sprinkle a little glitter on the top of the design while the mortar is still setting for extra sparkle!

More Garden Crafts

• Watering Can That Pours Crystals
• Beaded Garden Sparkler
• Cheese Grater Owl
• Beaded Decorative Garden Stakes
• Clay Pot Lighthouse
• Clay Pots Toadstools

Print Project

5 from 10 votes

DIY Garden Stepping Stones

Garden stones are a great way to use pretty tiles and embellishments you may have around the house and create a unique piece of outdoor artwork at the same time!

Crafting Time1 hour hr

1 day d

Total Time1 day d 1 hour hr

Age Group: Adult Crafts, Kids Crafts

Project Type: Summer

Supplies

• Quick set Mortar
• Mold for Stone shape old pie tin, round plastic container, plastic flower pot saucers, something that is strong but flexible
• Embellishments for stone design: shells tile pieces, sea glass, beads, small stones, glitter, buttons
• Outdoor Mod Podge sealer optional

Craft tools

• Pencils
• Scrap paper
• Bucket or plastic bowl for mixing mortar
• Plastic spoon
• Covered work surface
• Fine Grit Sandpaper

Instructions

• Trace your mold shape on the scrap paper using the pencil.
  
• Figure out your design by laying out your embellishments on the scrap paper
  
• Once you have finalized your design, mix up the mortar following the manufacturer’s directions. Tap the side of the mold to get any air bubbles out. Let the mortar “set” in the mold long enough so you can gently push your embellishments into the material. I’d mix up enough material so you have about a 1- 1 1/2” thick stone.
  
• Add your embellishments to the mortar by taking them off the scrap paper, following the design you made, and gently pressing the pieces into the “material”. Some mortars set more quickly than others so be sure to check all your mixing directions so you know that ahead of time.
Note: You can also “draw” designs into the mortar as it sets – use your pencil! Test first in a corner and leave at least a 1" border around the edges. Drawing too close to the edge can cause cracking.
  
• Once all your embellishments are placed, let the entire piece dry thoroughly in a warm dry place. 24 hours is a safe bet although some may be dry before then.
  
• Once dry, carefully pop the stones out of the molds and if needed, use a little sandpaper (do this outside) to take any rough edges off.
  
• This step is optional as the concrete will hold up fine outside. But if you like you can coat your stones with a layer of Outdoor formula Mod Podge.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• Use your phone to take a picture after arranging your designs in step #2. That way you can refer back to the photo in addition to using the template. This is helpful if you have any mishaps, like accidentally bumping the template and moving your designs.
• DO NOT wash any mortar down your sink! Scrape unused mortar into a plastic bag and throw away. Use a hose or a bucket of water outside to wash hands and tools.
• If you are working with young kids, you should premix the mortar. Follow the manufacturer’s mixing directions.
• You can make a bunch of stones from a 10 pound container of quick set mortar, making this a great group project (like summer camp or scouts, or even with the elderly!).
• Use embellishments you have on hand and look in your recycle bin for plastic containers you can use as molds.
• If anyone has sensitive skin, I’d recommend wearing plastic gloves as the mortar may dry skin.
• Use your imagination! An old plastic ice cube tray would make 12 perfect stepping stones in a fairy garden (I’d only pour these to 1/2″ thick due to their size)!
• Save molds to use again to make more stones! Do not use molds again for making/storing food.

This post originally appeared here on July 20, 2022.