| Author | Content |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 16, 2008
10:55 PM Post #5271745
| Hello, I read in a Trash to Treasure book several years ago about how to make stepping stones with a pizza box,wire clothes hangers,trash bag, and quick drying concrete. I think I remember all the steps but I'm not certain. Does anybody know?
Or, does anybody know how to make them a different way? |
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
July 16, 2008
11:16 PM Post #5271837
| If you don't have a pizza box you can use the plastic saucers that go under plants to made round stepping stones. |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 16, 2008
11:22 PM Post #5271870
| Hi, will the stone just pop out or do you need to put something under it? On the pizza box you line it with the trash bag then pour in the concrete, the bag is supposed to make it pop out. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
11:25 PM Post #5271888
| I'm not sure what you are doing with the clothes hangers, unless you are using it like "rebar" in the stepping stone. I recommend cutting some chicken wire or hardware cloth for that. I have made a lot of cement stepping stones, my first ones were made from Baskin Robbins ice cream tubs. I asked the store to save the empties for me.
Basically you mix up your cement according to directions, pour it into a lightly greased mold, spray like Pam is best. Let it set up for at least a full day and GENTLY turn it over to unmold. I don't know how well the cardboard will release, I'm guessing the original instructions said to use the garbage bag as a liner.
REAL stepping stone molds can be bought inexpensively on ebay and other places. I have several (I just made 5 different this week!). They are a pretty good investment since you can reuse them so many times. This is one of my favorite ebay sellers: http://stores.ebay.com/MOLDS-for-Plaster-Concrete-Cement I am in NO way connected to them, I have bought quite a bit from them and found them to be good people to work with.
If you are careful about the mold size you buy, you can even fit 2 finished cement stepping stones into a flat rate box! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 16, 2008
11:28 PM Post #5271897
| it took me so long to write this up, we cross posted! Be SURE to make them at least an inch thick or they will not be strong enough. Also, be sure to put them on level ground or the uneveness will cause it to break. The chicken wire really helps to "hold it together". Pour some cement in, then put the cut chicken wire in, then more cement. Gently tap the mold, this will get the air bubbles out and give you a smoother finished stepping stone finish. |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 16, 2008
11:57 PM Post #5271959
| Thank you psychw2, I looked at that website for a little bit. I intend to give it a much closer look. Who knew there were so many molds. Seems like making stones could get addicitive! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 17, 2008
12:06 AM Post #5271983
| Oh ya... don't even let me tell you about making GARDEN CEMENT BENCHES!!!! (or birdbaths... well... you get the idea!) I have made a number of benches, I now have two different bench tops. The legs can be difficult to unmold. I am ADDICTED! It had been 4 years since I made any cement crafts until this past week.
Between benches, birdbath, stepping stones, and few other items (like memorial for dog) I have over $200 in molds. For the cost of ONE bench & leg mold, if you make just TWO you have saved more than enough to pay for it. I used my work for gifts for some of my gardener friends and sometimes as a thank you when I was given a plant. |
Bettypauze
Victoria Harbour, ON
(Zone 5b)
July 17, 2008
12:46 PM Post #5274044
| Good instructions psychw2...I use petrolium gelly (vaseline) project seems to drop right out of the mold..that or car oil (yuk-smells horrible).. |
denimangle
Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2008
08:33 PM Post #5276255
| I use petrolium jelly (vaseline) Also
This message was edited Mar 29, 2009 8:14 AM
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Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 17, 2008
09:08 PM Post #5276449
| I looked at work today and the plant saucers are on sale for a quarter. I thought I might get a big one and a bunch of little ones and place it like a flower. Or a coworker suggested making a snowman. Do you use cement paint or is there a better or different kind of paint?
How about raised decorations like shells, is this a good idea? Of course that would be too slippery to walk on. About how long into the drying process would you add stuff like that? |
denimangle
Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2008
09:26 PM Post #5276627
| heres another one 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 17, 2008
09:41 PM Post #5276716
| Those are very nice denimangle! Did you buy that mold from ebay? Does Hobby Lobby sell these types of molds? I found a walkway mold at a store called Attwoods that was hard plastic.
I can't wait to get started. I am going to play with the pizza boxes and plant saucers first. I have a lot of experience mixing that quikcrete as my dad and I built our corral and set all the posts in concrete.
The one thing I am worried about is using all the concrete at once. I'm guessing you would need several molds ready when you mix the concrete? |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
12:56 AM Post #5277908
| Yes, have SEVERAL molds ready and plan for what you are going to do with it if you have more concrete than molds! SOMEBODY on t2t made cute this frogs from leftover cement... you might look for that. |
Bettypauze
Victoria Harbour, ON
(Zone 5b)
July 18, 2008
09:36 AM Post #5278927
| Amber, my girlfriend made me this mushroom with leftover cement..kind of neat way to use it up...she looks at garage sales and $$$ stores for little pieces she can glue to the top... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pinkpoodlegirl
Rock Hill, SC
(Zone 7b)
July 18, 2008
12:11 PM Post #5279818
| If you are using the plant saucers you don't even have to spray them with anything. They will just pop out after they have dried. My master garden group makes stepping stones to sell at our annual plant sale and have used the plant saucers with great success.
It is a fun project to make with the kids. |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 18, 2008
12:15 PM Post #5279836
| Has anyone used cake pans in different shapes? I was going to do this project a few years ago but never got around to it. You can find odd shaped pans at thrift stores. Don't know how well they would release from pans. |
Bettypauze
Victoria Harbour, ON
(Zone 5b)
July 18, 2008
12:44 PM Post #5279989
| You could line with saran wrap prior to filling with cement..leaves a few design creases in the cement, but that also adds a bit of texture..make it simple.. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
12:48 PM Post #5280018
| Cake pans should release fine, just spray them first with Pam, or use some other lubricant. If you use a LIGHT spraying of Pam, and tap the mold slightly for a while, you should get a very nice surface finish. Check the "seam" of the pan edge to the pan top. Remember EVERY irregularity will show. |
denimangle
Oakwood (Butler,TX), TX
(Zone 8b)
July 18, 2008
01:06 PM Post #5280156
| The round mold is from Hobby Lobby . TheTexas mold is from a glass shop in Houston . The glass is put in the mold then you pour the cement over the glass
Cheryl |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 18, 2008
02:59 PM Post #5280826
| Thanks gals for the info. How about pouring the cement then press whatever you want to use for design on top, but then you couldn't really step on it unless design was flush with cement. I have a couple of pans I can use, one is heart shaped. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
05:01 PM Post #5281373
| The "stuff" doesn't have to be totally flush. You just want it "in" and well adhered. |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
11:38 PM Post #5283281
| I've learned enough here so far to have the guts to do a project of my own! So, which is the finished side of the stepping stone when you use a box or a pan for the mold? I imagined you would put your decorations in the bottom of the mold before pouring in the concrete?!
Thanks for all the helpful info folks!!! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
11:45 PM Post #5283305
| That depends! Most of the work I have seen that "added" stuff, used the top of the mold for the finished project. In most "mold" situations, the bottom, the part against the mold, is the finished project.
When you place items on the bottom and then pour cement over it, the cement creeps over it and must be cleaned away, that's the disadvantage of trying it on the bottom of the mold. The best advise is simply experiment to get the look you want. (THEN post pics and explaination!) |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 18, 2008
11:52 PM Post #5283335
| OK, thanks psych... I guess I could just make the stepping stones first then add the goodies later with mastic and grout for a finished top! I thought I could save some time glueing and grouting by just assembling the "top" finish in the bottom of the mold... maybe it would also depend on how wet the cement was, too! I can see where a wet cement would creep past the decorations and cover them up on the finished side. |
stellamarina
Laie, HI
July 19, 2008
03:59 AM Post #5283869
| I have seen some with impressions of ferns and other big leaves in them. A construction guy I know finishes off any cement from cement trucks that is not needed by plopping it in cow pattie shapes on the hard ground from the cement truck tube. Makes nice natural looking stepping stones when they are dry. |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 19, 2008
09:04 AM Post #5284342
| A friend had left over cement from a project that did look like a cow pattie so DH bought a can of brown spray paint and you really had what looked like a cow pattie (he put it on the front lawn to see reactions from anyone coming by) Most people ignored it much to his disappointment. |
katiebear
mulege
Mexico
July 19, 2008
12:12 PM Post #5285148
| He probably should have added fragrance.
katiebear |
kimarj
(Kim) Philadelphi, PA
(Zone 6a)
July 19, 2008
12:14 PM Post #5285161
| LMBO!!! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 19, 2008
04:06 PM Post #5286345
| No, no!! A plastic fly or two! THAT would have conviced people! |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 19, 2008
09:03 PM Post #5287735
| oops...wrong thread!
This message was edited Jul 19, 2008 9:06 PM |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 20, 2008
10:55 AM Post #5290231
| My favorite stone molds have been black plastic nursery flats---the ones with the 1"+ diagonal openings. I line them with plastic I cut from trash bags (the heavier ones like for trash compactors work best for me). When I pour the cement mix in, I tamp it quite a bit with the back of my old rake that's just about the same width as the flat.
When they come out, the inside surface is "quilted" and very smooth.
I think pizza boxes would make too thin a stone to hold up without reinforcement. Maybe that's the reason for adding the wire hanger. The nursery flats probably take a bit more concrete than a pizza box, but I've used mine for many years & they've held up well.
This message was edited Jul 20, 2008 9:23 AM |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 20, 2008
12:17 PM Post #5290545
| imapigeon, oooh, great idea and technique! I'll have to try that one! |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 20, 2008
12:23 PM Post #5290572
| If you decide to decorate them, you've got the "up" side, which is flat & smooth, that you can mosaic or whatever.
I made a bunch when I was experimenting with color recipes for another project, and I have them all over the yard. Only cost was time and concrete, and I learned a LOT about working with concrete! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 20, 2008
01:11 PM Post #5290830
| Imapigeon, why are you lining them with the plastic bag? have you tried just oiling the nursery flat? Just curious because the ONLY time I tried "lining" instead of just spraying oil was a disaster! LOL |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 20, 2008
02:34 PM Post #5291152
| Sorry, I didn't explain well, so I've attached a photo of the flats I use. As you can see, the big holes in the bottom make lining critical (lol)!!
The sides are solid, so the piece of plastic I cut is just big enough to cover the bottom, not go up the sides. I didn't spray anything on the plastic---using the really slick stuff that the compactor bags are made out of, it came off easilly.
Plus these flats are flexible enough that you can move them around to get your piece out. And if you have trouble getting one out, you can just cut up the flat & toss it.
For solid plastic molds, I always spray, too. I use Pam; what do you use? Even then, I usually have to run them under hot water or use a hairdryer to get the finished concrete pieces out...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 20, 2008
02:42 PM Post #5291179
| imapigeon, that flat has a great pattern, too! I only have rectangular one, though, gotta find a square one. One more way to recycle something!
Do you have any photos of the finished stones you can post?? |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 20, 2008
03:42 PM Post #5291420
| Yeah, this flat does have a cool pattern! The ones I used were like the middle section all over. Around here, these square flats are used a lot for groundcover.
Right now my stepping stones are all plain-side up. The early ones didn't turn out so hot on the "quilted" side (my mix was too dry---this was actually an accident when I made the mix a little thin on the last 2 or 3 I made), and I wanted stepping stones that all looked alike. But I really liked walking on the quilty ones in my bare feet!~.
I'll see if I can find one that I can roll over easily & post a photo.
|
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 20, 2008
04:58 PM Post #5291746
| Yes, I use Pam. AND I can't wait to see a finished block, thanks! I was picturing a different kind of nursery flat or I would have understand WHY you needed the liner LOL! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 21, 2008
12:52 PM Post #5296361
| i haven't read the whole thread but i just bought a cement square stepping type stone at home depot for 1.47------------i am going to break tile and put it on top and mosaic it for a stepping stone--for that price i think it would be easier than making them with the pizza boxes-- |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 21, 2008
01:09 PM Post #5296450
| Here's a photo of one of my early attempts with the nursery flat. I used regular black trash bag & didn't tamp.
Later ones came out MUCH nice using a lighter mix, heavier plastic to line the bottom, and tamping a lot.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 21, 2008
02:03 PM Post #5296719
| Linda, for that price I don't blame you, lol.
imapigeon, I can see the potential with your plant tray mold... that could work very well for me! You could even grout the depressions for a more pronounced pattern! I have some round ones to do first ... gonna try the pot saucer or cake pan as molds first. Maybe by the time I find a square plant tray, I'll have the method perfected, haha. Thanks for your help! BTW, checked your Landscape page... you do very nice work!
Amber_Lee, have you made your stepping stones yet? Got any pictures for us? |
Rocco
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 21, 2008
09:02 PM Post #5298952
| Stepping stone forms can be made of wood. The sides may be attached with screws for easy removal of the stepping stone. I have made over a hundred of them that are octagonal, twenty four inches across with a twelve inch round center piece with a leaf pattern. I also insert eight pieces of 3/16" wire in the mold for reinforcement. I have many that have been installed for years and have never cracked. All of the stepping stones are two inches thick. Pictures of my stepping stones and the molds are posted on Dave's Garden but I don't remember where, maybe garden art or garden design. One other thing, I always use a cheap version of Pam for mold release.
This message was edited Jul 21, 2008 8:27 PM
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libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 21, 2008
09:15 PM Post #5299037
| Rocco,
You are very creative. You stepped outside of the simple round and square stepping stone. I'll have to look around for your photo's. |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 21, 2008
09:48 PM Post #5299272
| VERY nice, Rocco! |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
July 21, 2008
10:22 PM Post #5299453
| After reading this whole thread, am very interested in what all of you are talking about!
I build my stepping stones with wooden frames, usually 2 by 2 ft. square x 2 inch deep. Have also made them with the drain pots for plants but they don't seem to hold up as well.
I like to to make my stepping stones with the indentations of the plants I grow in my yard. After filling the form with concrete & tapping to get rid of the air bubbles I take different types of leaves from the plants in my yard, place them bottom side down, & press them into the concrete, first with my hands to get them at the depth I want, then use my concrete tools to level them out. Give them a day or two to dry & you can either pull the leaves out or brush them out--depends on how long you let them dry.
Have built walkways in the front & a small patio using the same technique. |
libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 21, 2008
10:29 PM Post #5299498
| Camillia84,
That sound nice. I was thinking of using the ferns that grow wild to make impressions in some stepping stones but wasn't sure it would work. I've been watching this thread to glean information from everyone that has already made stepping stones.
It has been very helpful. |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 22, 2008
06:33 AM Post #5300596
| I used some leftover mortar and made a fern "fossil" as an experiment. I liked the look of it, so I want to do some stepping stones with them. Like Camillia84 said, I used the back side of the plant. We've got some big oak leaves I've been eyeing, too. |
libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 22, 2008
06:14 PM Post #5303517
| I'd like to see yours too, Brender. |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 23, 2008
08:40 AM Post #5306375
| Me too, me too... wanna see pix of all the different ideas!
This is a great thread! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
08:43 AM Post #5306392
| bender how did you do the fern fossil? was the imprint set in a stepping stone? |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 23, 2008
09:50 AM Post #5306625
| Here's the "fossil". All I did was cover a piece of plywood with plastic ( no wrinkles), put the fern face down, glopped on mortar (maybe 1/2-3/4 of an inch thick) let it cure overnight and into the next day then while it was still a little workable broke the edges so it looked "found" . I might stain it, not sure. It's not thick enough to use as a stepping stone so I have it propped up, probably not the permanent home but okay for now. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
purpbutfly
(Cindy) Auburn, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 23, 2008
09:56 AM Post #5306645
| I have been wanting to make a birdbath, using an Elephant Ear leaf. I saw it in a magazine. I bet the Elephant Ear would make a great stepping stone also. |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 23, 2008
10:02 AM Post #5306673
| the mortar was leftover from casting a rhubarb leaf for a bird bath! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
11:03 AM Post #5307044
| brender i like the look of your fossil--you made it different than i had thougt--if i understand you--you layered wood (or anything flat?)--plastic wrap--fern--cement?
i would have thougth cement then press in the fern--was it hard to get the fern out? how thick was the cement -i mean what consistancy--pourable?
my ferns are terrible looking--wonder if i can use a plastic store bought?
i bet you could make a leaf collage fossil-
oh i like this new idea |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 23, 2008
11:31 AM Post #5307196
| Actually I just slipped the plywood into a large trash bag (I'd use some kind of plastic of that weight) - you've got the idea just right. I made it like this because I wasn't using a form and I thought I'd have better success covering the fern than imbedding it on the top. I've done stepping stones both ways. Whatever works for you, try both ways and see what you like. The consistency of the mortar was fairly thick - like stiff brownie dough but not quite cookie dough. Was a little bit tough to get the fern out. I've let the rain and time take off what I couldn't get off easily. I didn't want to wreck the look by digging at it or using a brush. You probably could use an artificial leaf if you sprayed it well with pam or something. You could try it. If not, maybe see what they have at a florist shop...or check with neighbors and friends and see what kind of plants they have and are willing to contribute...making one for them of course!! |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 23, 2008
11:45 AM Post #5307250
| Brender, very nice, natural fossil-look you produced!! Thanks for the photo and the procedure info!! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 23, 2008
11:53 AM Post #5307294
| Great looking fossil. One day while staining a newel for a divider I tried some stain on flower pots and it sure makes them look rich. I have a hugh terra cotta planter I was thinking about putting stain on. |
purpbutfly
(Cindy) Auburn, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 23, 2008
11:54 AM Post #5307299
| Let's see some pix. that's interesting idea |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 23, 2008
11:57 AM Post #5307312
| I'll stain my big pot then will take pictures. The pot is so heavy too.
Pegi |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
11:59 AM Post #5307316
| thank you brender--i think i have it now----and great idea of asking the florist!
what color stain for the pots sami? did you stain the whole pot or sort of here and there? did it give it a weathered look? |
Brender
Topsham, ME
(Zone 5a)
July 23, 2008
12:18 PM Post #5307420
| Thanks for the feedback. I made the fossil to please myself so wasn't sure anyone else would find it appealing :-) Cool idea for the stain. Yes, pics please. I'm actually going to take the torch to the back of the fossil and see what that looks like. I think the heat/different minerals might be interesting..just an idea..will see how it looks. It may just look like scorched cement!! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 23, 2008
12:20 PM Post #5307431
| I used MinWax English Chestnut stain and I stained the entire pot. It made the pots a rich dark brown. 3 small pots had roses on them and you can still paint on them with acrylics. I didn't get any of my mom's or sister's talent in the art department so I may just leave it the color of the stain. Sure looks a lot better than a plain old terra cotta pot. It probably would have a weathered look if you just did a hit and miss with the stain. |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
12:30 PM Post #5307489
| thanks brender for giving me something to try today--maybe the stain would work on the fossill too?
sami what a great idea with the stain--i am going to check the garage and see what i have--
i mentioned earlier that i bought a stepping stone in brick red at home depot for 1.47--well i attached my broken tiles this morning and will grout tomarrow-- |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
July 23, 2008
12:49 PM Post #5307571
| I used a very large elephant ear to make the bowl for one of my birdbaths. Will get pics of it for you if it ever stops raining long enough, also pics of stepping stones.
Instead of staining my concrete creations all of the time, I will sometimes use old water base paint in the mortar mix to obtain certain colors ( use less water). |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 23, 2008
01:19 PM Post #5307729
| I'm getting so many ideas here, someone gave DH so many 12 x 12 red pavers and I may have to "borrow" some to put broken tiles on. When he does get around to his project he may have to use decorated ones. Also another DG member said to use acrylic paint in grout which I would have never thought of doing. Have a bag of ivory grout here waiting for me to get busy. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 23, 2008
01:32 PM Post #5307769
| Yes, try the paint. REAL cement dyes are EXPENSIVE! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 23, 2008
01:57 PM Post #5307881
| Thanks for info psychw2, I'm always looking for a cheap way to go. I would pass up the real cement dyes for sure.
|
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 23, 2008
01:57 PM Post #5307884
| i have lots of soap dyes (i make soap too) and tried some of the powdered but it wasn't dark enough to show-- |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 24, 2008
11:03 AM Post #5311990
| I use iron oxide powder, which I get pretty cheap from a ceramic supply place, mixed with water, to either stain already-poured concrete pieces, or to color concrete mix.
There are other colors that I've blended into my concrete mix to get specific colors (brown, gold, etc). My stepping stones were actually color tests to get the "recipe" right for the color I wanted. The nice thing about that is that the color goes all the way through, and it's permanent. I've also sprayed the iron oxide mixed with water onto already-poured pieces to stain them. But seeing what others have been able to do with acrylics, I think that technique looks great, and I want to try it!
Concrete colorants are really expensive, and I've had excellent results with using these other materials. |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 24, 2008
01:22 PM Post #5312768
| imapigeon, you're a wealth of great info! Thanks for sharing the iron oxide powder tip!!
I may have to print out this thread for future reference with all the good tips from everyone's experiences. |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 24, 2008
02:31 PM Post #5313065
| i made two stepping stones this morning--used the store bought pavers -both in brick red and did broken kitchen tile mosaic on the square one and then used octogon shaped sheet of blue bath tiles (small) all on a sheet for the round one--the sheet was so easy! slap on the adhesive to the connected backing and attach and grout! i still need to seal--i try to keep my grout wet for a while is that correct? kind of like cement but not as long? |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 24, 2008
02:54 PM Post #5313150
| linda, having just finished grouting my life away for much of the past 4 weekends, I can give you FRESH insight LOL!
Grout will set up pretty quickly; I keep a slightly damp (not wet) towel over it for several hours so it cures slowly. I start my cleanup with a dry towel as soon as the haze forms on the surface of the tiles. Grout will shrink slightly in the joints (more or less depending on what kind of grout you use, how wide your grout lines are, etc.) and form a slight "dip" in the middle.
For cleanup on my not-slick tiles, I keet a spray bottle of water, and another one of vinegar handy. I used it after a few hours. You shouldn't need vinegar on shiny (glazed) tiles, though, as the grout shouldn't have penetrated the tile surface.
Pictures----we want to see PICTURES! |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 24, 2008
03:23 PM Post #5313306
| thanks --i have been sponging water on them all morning so now i will let them start to dry i think--slowly--so what have you been grouting the last 4 weekends? |
purpbutfly
(Cindy) Auburn, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 24, 2008
03:24 PM Post #5313311
| I've been watching this thread for a few days and was just wondering if any of you weather condition your stepping stones before decorating them?
I've made a few in the past and I always condition them with Thompson's Water sealer. They will last longer and won't start falling apart after being wet. My late husband was a Masonry, he was the one who told me this.
The same goes for grouting. There is a special sealer for grout. I had made a stepping stone using those color glass round thingies that are flat on one side. I did not condition it good enough and it fell apart, but the stepping stone is still intact. |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 24, 2008
03:32 PM Post #5313357
| funny you should mention thompsons sealer--i used it to seal my tile grouted pots and shallow saucers--only i used the sealer AFTER making the whole thing--final step--i put several coats on even--you said BEFORE decorating them--but with mosaic wouldn't it be after? also thanks for posting that and including your husband being a masonry--i was kind of wondering if i was correct in using it--i know a grout sealer would be the likely thing to use but i had the thompsons already and it did say cement and porous material-- |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 24, 2008
08:40 PM Post #5314979
| Hello, no Sundownr I haven't made my stepping stones yet. I have been ill and after working in the heat all day I haven't much felt like braving it in the evening. But I am gathering all kinds of molds after reading all the info on this thread.
|
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 24, 2008
09:06 PM Post #5315145
| linda, here's what I have been grouting, and which still needs to be cleaned up & sealed. It's such a big job that I had to do it in sections, and it's taken me since Memorial Day weekend to get it finished.
It's the final installation on this project that I started 2 years ago.
http://landscaping.com/ls/view/32/
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 24, 2008
09:08 PM Post #5315156
| Here's a better picture 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
mgh
Willamette Valley, OR
(Zone 8a)
July 24, 2008
09:11 PM Post #5315183
| Wow! That's gorgeous! |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
July 24, 2008
09:48 PM Post #5315457
| Great job! That big a project would overwhelm me. I did help a friend lay ceramic tile in a bathroom and think we did a good job. I liked playing in the grout, but don't think I would take it up as a profession. LOL |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
July 24, 2008
09:54 PM Post #5315506
| Oh my GOODNESS!!! THAT is beautiful! I have a serious case of walk-way envy!! Right now I'm living with weed cloth over newspaper and cardboard!! LOL, as you can see I have LOTS of room for improvement (and very little money or time!) |
Sundownr
(Bev) Wytheville, VA
(Zone 6a)
July 24, 2008
10:58 PM Post #5315886
| Amber_lee, I haven't had time to make any stepping stones either, but all this does make you look at things differently doesn't it?! There are a lot of potential "molds" sitting around... at least at my house! Like, how much do I really use my cake pans, and wouldn't the wicker laundry basket make a cool design, lol!!
imapigeon, that walkway is a work of art, and as I've said before, you have a lot of patience girl! And talent!! |
purpbutfly
(Cindy) Auburn, CA
(Zone 10a)
July 25, 2008
09:10 AM Post #5317198
| imapigeon,
How far is Gilroy from Marysville? Would come make me a beautifl sidewalk like that LOL Great job!!!! |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 25, 2008
11:26 AM Post #5317859
| Thanks, all! It's been in my head for 20 years since we moved into the house. It's nice to have it finally on the ground! My DH did a lot of work on the computer so I could get the layout just right. Otherwise it would have been totally wonky.
purp, Marysville isnt' that far, if you have a guest room where you can put me up for 6 months. When I get the inside of my courtyard all tiled (see photo), and tiles all across the back of my patio sliders, and tiles around the hot tub base, and the garden shelf outside the bedroom window tiled, you'll be at the top of my list...LOL!!!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
July 25, 2008
02:19 PM Post #5318563
| imapigeon that is as pretty as anything I've ever seen. I cannot imaging doing so much work. you have to be bursting at the seams with pride. Being on "Your list" would definately be worth the wait.
Faye
|
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 25, 2008
03:40 PM Post #5318883
| Thank you so much for the compliments-----but now take a look at THIS tile project!
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/824513/
I'm suffering from REALLY SERIOUS artistic envy!!~~~ |
planolinda
Plano, TX
July 25, 2008
03:53 PM Post #5318940
| imapigion thanks for explaining how you did it in stages--it is of course just beautiful! after all that planning and time it must be so nice to have it and jusst look at it and enjoy!
i had looked at the other site before--kitchen tiles- and they are beautiful also--i see you both used blue tiles in your work--such a pretty blue too |
dahtzu
(Faye) Henderson, NC
(Zone 7b)
July 25, 2008
03:58 PM Post #5318960
| imapigeon, checked out the link, but that has nothing on you..yours is beautiful.
|
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 25, 2008
05:57 PM Post #5319450
| Thanks---I'm really pleased with the way it's turning out. Our housing tract is kind of Mediterranean style, and I think the "hacienda" vibe works! |
BriarRose74
Moon Twp, PA
(Zone 6a)
July 26, 2008
02:08 PM Post #5323087
| Very nice!!! ~ Suzi :) |
gardengirl1960
La Porte, TX
(Zone 9a)
July 26, 2008
08:44 PM Post #5324719
| Awesome Picture imapigeon should be on the front page of magazine --it is that pretty! |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
July 26, 2008
09:48 PM Post #5324970
| Imapigeon, that is really nice work! I love the picture of your courtyard. Did you have your wood furniture made? I love the look of the wood and the size of the "couch" is just awesome and so are the lounge chairs. The whole courtyard has a very inviting look, it will look absolutely awesome when you get the tiles down. |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
July 26, 2008
11:49 PM Post #5325552
| Thank you all for the lovely compliments! I'm excited that I found out today the guy who helped my friend do her new industrial-strength drip & irrigation system is coming on Thursday to start on mine. Much as I love a little hand-watering, there are times it just gets out of control with all the container plants I have in the courtyard and temps routinely in the 100s here in the summer. I love a lush, "secret garden" feel inside the walls, and if the plants aren't happy, I'm not happy!
Amber_lee, the teak chaise lounges were from Overstock.com, and we were lucky enough to find the "couch" at a garage sale. What really did the trick for me was the outdoor rug (from Penney's catalog)---it really makes it feel like a room! However, if I were buying outdoor furniture again I would buy from eBay from one of the Amish vendors who make great stuff out of plastic wood. These teak chaise lounges, while pretty, haven't been the greatest quality. DH has has to do several repairs both on the wood and hardware in the 3 years we've had them. On the other hand, I got a VERY nice, comfortable glider from the Amish vendor 2 years ago for my birthday, and it looks brand new and has never had a single thing go wrong with it. It was a little more expensive than the bargain I got on the teak from Overstock, but was well worth the difference in price. And it sits outside year-round and has required zero maintenance. |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
August 03, 2008
10:20 PM Post #5365169
| Here is a picture of terra cotta pot DH sand blasted to get the old chipped white paint off. I had stained small pots with MinWax stain and thought about staining the big pot. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
August 03, 2008
10:24 PM Post #5365192
| Well, I finally stained it, but not happy with it. I should have just going over the raised parts and it would have been better. Learned a lesson here. Don't know if I will let it like this or try something else. I did stain the small cowboy boot and I liked how it turned out. Very hard to get the stain in all the nocks and crannies. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
August 03, 2008
11:41 PM Post #5365520
| Samigal,
I like the look of the stain on your boot and pot.
I found when I had trouble getting into those little nooks and crannies that a soft makeup brush brushed over it after you apply the stain, or paint, spreads it out a bit.
It should be a brush you can throw away, especially with stain, because it'll be useless afterward.
Jackie |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
August 04, 2008
12:53 AM Post #5365717
| Jackie, thanks a lot for that tip. I probably would have tried a Q tip, but a brush sounds much easier. Will get back to that pot and work on the nooks and crannies.
Pegi |
libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
August 04, 2008
05:56 AM Post #5365943
| You're welcome.
I think the Q-tip might pick up too much of the stain and then you'd be restaining things all over again. :(
I am picking up alot of tips over here for when I ever get busy doing things like this again. I should be werll prepared. |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA
(Zone 10b)
August 04, 2008
11:19 AM Post #5366943
| I didn't think I would get back into crafts again, but because I got addicted to this forum I decided trying my hand at doing a few things. I had been getting rid of things and now I'm back to adding more thrift store finds. |
libellule
Fountain, FL
(Zone 8b)
August 04, 2008
04:27 PM Post #5368165
| Thrift store treasures...wow, I can get lost in a thrift store. |
Heidillyho
Stanwood, IA
August 04, 2008
05:31 PM Post #5368398
| Is there an easy (and cheap) way to color the cement stepping stones AFTER they've been cast? My husband and I cast all the pavers for our patio ourselves two years ago, and at the time we wanted to color the cement but I forgot to get it and didn't even think about it until we'd already cast the first four or five batches. The patio is all installed, and I'd still like some color if there were an easy way to do it. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
August 04, 2008
05:34 PM Post #5368414
| I don't know how "inexpensive" it is but there is cement paint. Then seal it well. |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
August 04, 2008
06:47 PM Post #5368752
| There's acid-washing and staining. Haven't tried it yet myself (plan to do my driveway) but here's a link to some info.
http://www.concrete-stain.com/ |
JuneyBug
Dongducheon CpCasey
South Korea
(Zone 4b)
August 04, 2008
07:00 PM Post #5368833
| I actually used the stain for my wooden deck on the concrete landing pad at the bottom of the stairs and it has held up for three years and one power-washing. I wouldn't recomend it tho...
The concrete stain that my sister used was some sort of acid that she bought at the hardware store and sprayed on with a garden sprayer. She said that it only did yellows to redish like terra cotta. |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
August 04, 2008
08:11 PM Post #5369227
| I believe there are also green, blue and brown tones, but the wider range of colors may only be available from specialty suppliers. I've seen some stuff on HGTV makeover shows, but of course they were all done by commercial companies. |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 04, 2008
08:43 PM Post #5369360
| I asked the hardware guy at the local Walmart and he said they had cement paint but it was around $15.00 or more a gallon. |
Heidillyho
Stanwood, IA
August 04, 2008
11:24 PM Post #5369987
| Thanks! I think the acid washing is more what I had in mind. The cement paint they sell at our wal-mart is more like the stuff you'd use to paint your basement. |
Rocco
Tulsa, OK
(Zone 7a)
August 05, 2008
09:09 AM Post #5371203
| I had posted a picture of a stepping stone walk that I made early in this forum. The round center inserts were painted with a Glidden outdoor oil-acrylic stain. I painted them eight years ago and they still look fine. Glidden has several types of paint-stain in many colors suitable for painting stone, brick or concrete. |
WUVIE
Hulbert, OK
(Zone 7a)
March 22, 2009
10:09 PM Post #6306064
|
It's that time of the year again, and this thread is well worth a bump! |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 23, 2009
08:38 AM Post #6307224
| I had posted much earlier in the forum about a birdbath I had made using an elephant ear leaf, never did post the pics.
It has been in the weather now for about 7 years & has held up very well.
First pic: Front view
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 23, 2009
08:46 AM Post #6307251
| Top 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
JuneyBug
Dongducheon CpCasey
South Korea
(Zone 4b)
March 23, 2009
02:39 PM Post #6308773
| Love the birdbath! |
tubbytee
Ames, NE
(Zone 5b)
March 23, 2009
07:29 PM Post #6309966
| DW will love seeing birdbath..Oh I like it too |
kimarj
(Kim) Philadelphi, PA
(Zone 6a)
March 23, 2009
08:13 PM Post #6310116
| Nice!! |
Amber_lee
Seminole, OK
(Zone 7a)
March 24, 2009
07:07 PM Post #6314647
| That birdbath is very pretty. |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 24, 2009
08:56 PM Post #6315154
| THANKS ALL.
Took advantage of the vegi garden being reworked for spring & used the ground to form the top, just shaped it with my hands, covered it with plastic & added the leaf, river rock, & concrete.
The base is made with coquina rock. |
tubbytee
Ames, NE
(Zone 5b)
March 24, 2009
09:04 PM Post #6315193
| Camillia84 would you please tell us a little about how & what you used.
Recipe is it concrete only.ect????
DW loves it.!!!! |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
March 24, 2009
09:57 PM Post #6315410
| tubbytee,
The concrete I used is just Quick-Crete mortar mix--added a little water based paint to color it.
Picked a leaf about the size I wanted the bowl to be, dug the dirt into the shape I wanted with a mound in the center for the leaf.
I then used painter's plastic to cover the form, pushing it in to contour to the form.
I then placed the leaf over the mound, put a few river rocks around the perimeter of the form & poured the concrete.
The concrete I used were 60lb. bags, one per top if no larger than 2x3'. Let dry for a day or two as the dampness of the soil will effect the drying time of the concrete, even with the plastic.
When dry, the leaf should peel out of the form, if not, let dry completely & it can be scrubbed out with a hard dry scrub brush. Any excess plastic stuck in crevices can be pulled out or burnt out with a lighter.
Hope you try this---is well worth the time!!!
|
tubbytee
Ames, NE
(Zone 5b)
March 24, 2009
10:39 PM Post #6315600
| Camillia84 Thanks a lot..Appreciate your response..Shirley has been wanting to do this..I'm sure this is the push WE needed..
Tubby |
phkat
Reubens, ID
(Zone 5b)
October 05, 2009
01:41 PM Post #7137657
| I'm going to bump this also since it was exactly what I was looking for. :-) thanks everyone! |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 05, 2009
03:09 PM Post #7137916
| I had Baskin & Robbins save their emptied round ice cream containers and used those for a set of stepping stones. My favorites though are the commerical molds I bought online at Ebay. |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
October 05, 2009
07:41 PM Post #7138793
| Ive been toying with an idea and need some advice from you, if you think it will work. In thisw pic Ive put some floor and wall ceramic tile adhesive on a board, then stamped leaves in it, and ran some paint threw it Linda 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
October 05, 2009
07:51 PM Post #7138833
| And this pic is one of the strofoam cooler I get from work. My ? is can I take 2 of these coolers, wrap in chicken wire, smear bag cement on it and do the same thing I did to the board.? Then spread the 2 collers out and put a board on them for a bench? If I screw the board to the strofoam will it hold? It will go outside, so what do I seal it with. Sure could use some help
Linda
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 05, 2009
07:59 PM Post #7138858
| Linda, you probably want to go over to the hypertufa forums, your project is better suited for that mixture, not straight cement.
You could put a "rim" completely under the board that is just slightly smaller than the inside of the cement box. the rim will keep the board from slipping. You will not get strofoam to "hold". It is not dense enough to hold a screw. |
imapigeon
Gilroy (Sunset Z14), CA
(Zone 9a)
October 05, 2009
08:47 PM Post #7139111
| Linda, check out this thread that's one of my faves from the concrete/'tufa forum. Azreno has done some fantastic things just like what you want to do, using boxes and concrete and mortar---she can give you lots of pointers!
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/641023/ |
lindawin58
Ewing, NE
October 05, 2009
08:50 PM Post #7139126
| Psychw2 can I see some of your benches please? Linda |
Camillia84
Jacksonville, FL
(Zone 9a)
October 05, 2009
09:10 PM Post #7139221
| One of the best stepping stone forms I have found, are the large drip pans for planters.
Have been doing a lot of work with concrete lately, & any I have left over, I pour into the drip pans for planters. ( Make sure you work them as you would any concrete!)
They work very well for stepping stones or bases for small figurines in your yard. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 05, 2009
09:12 PM Post #7139227
| Send me a dmail reminder, I'm headed out of town now Linda. My benches are cement from molds. I have a few pictures posted on DG. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 05, 2009
09:12 PM Post #7139228
| Send me a dmail reminder, I'm headed out of town now Linda. My benches are cement from molds. I have a few pictures posted on DG. |
psychw2
Boise, ID
(Zone 6a)
October 05, 2009
09:12 PM Post #7139229
| Send me a dmail reminder, I'm headed out of town now Linda. My benches are cement from molds. I have a few pictures posted on DG. |
