Make Your Own Stepping Stone

I am now the proud owner of a Betsy Gruy stepping stone. The photos do not do it justice! The colors are so vivid in person. I have been pinning away for a stone of my own since I saw her work at the South of Basse Art Walk. She also teaches classes if you are local and really want to make your own in a fancy, fabulous way.

I also received another stepping stone recently from the lovely Dirtiest Kid in the World. Here is how we make our own stones- easy enough for a 4 year old (with an adult cement mixer).


We received a make your own stepping stone kit a few years ago and saved the mold. We have also tried using other miscellaneous plastic containers from around the house but they really do not have the structure of the store molds. (IE Plastic food take out containers, weird sized plastic pots...) Our found mold stones don't hold up as well. These stone kits only come with enough cement for one stone but we went to Home Depot and asked for the smallest grain cement they had. You can get a giant bag for cheap. We sift out the larger stones that are still left and then mix the cement according to the directions on the bag. This step is best done by an adult because of the cement dust. Then you pore the cement into your mold.

Now here's some insight into our lives. We break a lot of dishes. Not on purpose mind you. But I keep a collection of my favorite pottery that has broken over the years in a shoe box in the garage. I cant bear to throw away our broken wedding pottery so you may see a gift you once gave us turn up in a stepping stone. (Say you are not the kind of family that breaks a lot of dishes- you can always buy cheap, but fun ceramics from a thrift store to break.) We then take our broken dishes, wrap them in a towel and let DKITW hit them with a small hammer. 4 year olds love breaking things with a hammer. It is the pinnacle of everything they are not normally allowed to do. Then you have pieces you can use to press into your cement. Caution: some of the pieces can be very sharp so use your adult supervision when letting kids pick out the pieces they want to use and discard any that are too jagged. Let dry at least one day- we usually err on the side of caution and leave it two days. Then your very own stone is ready for its place in the garden. This is also a fun activity for adults. I was making stones for awhile before DKITW asked to be allowed to try. One cement bag can last a really long time. Enjoy artists!

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. - Pablo Picasso