How to Make Steppingstones

As you're roaming your garden or yard, imagine following a path of decorated stones to your favorite bench or coming upon a stone surprise tucked in a wildflower patch. Our do-it-yourself steppingstones can be as simple or elaborate, as practical or whimsical as you wish — and they can be created in a few hours. This year, instead of stepping in the mud to avoid trampling your basil, you could be standing on an original work of art.

Materials Needed:

• a mold — a plastic plant tray or pizza box
• Quikcrete mortar mix
• bucket
• rubber gloves
• mixing tool
• trowel

• paper mask
• protective eyewear
• paper towels
• craft sticks
• decorative items

Step 1:

Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom of your plastic plant tray or reinforce your pizza box with tape.

Step 2:

Plan your design using a paper template. (Mortar hardens quickly, so it's important to plan first, and mix and pour second.)

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Step 3:

Mix the mortar with water until it's the consistency of thick frosting. We found it best to start with water and pour in the mortar a cup at a time, stirring as you go (wear protective eyewear and a paper mask so you don't inhale the concrete dust).