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 hourhr
1 dayd
Total Time1 dayd1 hourhr
Age Group: Adult Crafts, Kids Crafts
Project Type: Summer
Supplies
Quick set Mortar
Mold for Stone shapeold pie tin, round plastic container, plastic flower pot saucers, something that is strong but flexible
Embellishments for stone design: shellstile pieces, sea glass, beads, small stones, glitter, buttons
Outdoor Mod Podge sealeroptional
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.