How To Make Cement Garden Stones.
Pick up some cement. Since I didn't want a giant bag, this little 1olb box from Michael's was perfect or have some delivered to you door.
I measured out 2.5lb on my handy food scale. Glad it's finally getting some use.
Add one cup water. Just enough to moisten all of the cement. No more.
Stir until no cement is left dry.
Prepare your mold. If you are using something inflexible these mini loaf pans, coat them with oil or Pam. If you are using a flexible plastic mold or milk carton or such, you shouldn't need to do so.
Add cement to pans and smooth top. Tap mold on hard surface to level and release trapped air, if possible.
If you are going to add tiles to your stone, now is the time to do so.
If you are just going to do the stamped "engraved" letters, set a timer for 30 minutes.
Maybe use this time to clean your tools. Clean cement outside you don't destroy your plumbing.
If you want your stone to look like ours, pick up these Stepping Stone Stamps.
Take a peek at your cement. If water is accumulating on top, dab it dry with a paper towel.
At about 30 minutes, scratch the surface with a toothpick, if it makes a "dry" mark, you are ready. If not, wait about 10-15 more minutes. I did one stone at 30 minutes and one at 40 minutes and the 40 minutes stone held its letter shapes better.
Stamp your letters. You can make small lines to use as guides, to stamp on a straight line or to find your center. Start with the center letters and work your way out to the edge.
Am I a nerd for thinking this is awesome? yes.
Keep stamping. If you mess up, you should be able to smooth out the surface and restamp. At 30 minutes, I was able to do so.
LOVE! But see how the little piece of the "E" broke?
Try to fix with a toothpick.
Worked pretty well!
Now smooth any unwanted marks or guidlines with a clean dry fingertip.
And that's it! Let it dry undisturbed for 24 hours.
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