DIY Project

Garden

Garden stepping stones

Concrete stepping stones pressed with handprints, pebbles and initials to mark the garden spot you share with the grandkids.

Garden stepping stones
LevelAdvanced
AgesWith grandkids ages 6 and up
Time1 hour 30 minutes plus 2 days to cure
Cost$15 to $30

What you'll need

Materials

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Tools

How to make it

Safety

Wet concrete can burn skin, so everyone wears rubber gloves, and kids press hands in through a plastic bag.

  1. Step 1: Grease the mold
    1

    Grease the mold

    Spray the inside of the saucer with cooking spray so the stone pops out later.

  2. Step 2: Grown-up step: mix the concrete
    2

    Grown-up step: mix the concrete

    With gloves and a mask on, mix concrete and water in the bucket outside until it's like thick brownie batter.

  3. Step 3: Fill the mold
    3

    Fill the mold

    Scoop the mix into the mold about 2 in deep. Tap the sides to bring up air bubbles.

  4. Step 4: Wait 30 minutes
    4

    Wait 30 minutes

    Let it firm up a little so prints hold their shape.

  5. Step 5: Press the prints
    5

    Press the prints

    Press hands in gently, then decorate with pebbles. Write names and the year with a stick.

  6. Step 6: Let it cure
    6

    Let it cure

    Cover with plastic and leave it 48 hours in shade. Pop it out and let it dry another week.

Edie's tip

Concrete is heavy. Have a helper mix and carry it, and do all the decorating at a garden table.

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