Ideas for Stepping Stones

Create molds from wood or heavy duty cardboard.  Dig two to three inch holes in the ground where the stones will be placed.  The holes should fit the molds. Mix cement according to the directions on the bag then pour the mixture into the molds. Allow the cement to set for about two hours. When the cement is ready, press desired outdoor decorations such as pieces of tile, beads or rocks into the cement.  Use decorations that will last through various weather conditions. In order to prevent injury, make sure the stones are smooth before allowing the cement to permanently set.

Give a Memory Stepping Stone as a birthday or anniversary gift. For an anniversary gift, decorate the stone with items that represent special memories for the couple. Add mosaic pieces from their first set of dishes or a small toy that was special to their child. Add CDs or record pieces (for those of us who know what records are) to the stone that represent the most popular music from the year they were married. For a birthday gift, add items that represent the recipients birth year. Make sure the items are small enough to be pressed into the stone so that they form a flat, smooth surface before the cement sets.

Pressing marbles into wet cement creates a stained glass look. Sketch a simple scene into the cement before it sets. Then use colored marbles to "color in" the scene.

Use painted stones. Choose themes for pathways and paint the stones accordingly. Accent the family garden by adding stones painted by each child. If you are creating a pathway through a butterfly garden, paint a different butterfly on each stone. If your garden is accented with birdhouses, paint birds on the stepping stones.

If you plan on painting stones or allowing children to paint stones, make sure the paints are suitable for outdoor use.

Make sure the stones are flat and smooth on the surface before the cement sets.

Remember, stepping stones provide the first welcome into your garden or home so be creative. The stones may be very simple and welcoming or they may be elaborately decorated. The ideas is to make the stepping stones reflect the character of the garden or the home.