How to Make Decorative Mosaic Stepping Stones

If you’re looking for garden decor that will also add important functionality to the space, mosaic stepping stones might be your perfect option. Mosaic is an excellent technique for making your own outdoor decorations as it is extremely tough and weather-resistant. Here are the materials and steps for making mosaic stepping stones for your garden or yard.

Materials & Tools Needed

Non-stick cake tin (any shape)
Cement mix
Ceramic tiles or recycled glass
Sledgehammer
Contact paper
Vaseline
Cloth towel
Paper towel
Pen
Scissors
Container for mixing cement
Protective gear

Why Not Grout?

This particular tutorial will provide the steps for the indirect mosaic method. This method does not require the use of grout, since instead it relies on gravity and the natural cement drying process to adhere the pieces to the stone.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Use your pen to trace around the outline of the cake tin onto the contact paper. Then, cut it to so that it fits inside of the pan.

2. Wipe a layer of Vaseline to the inside edges using a paper towel.

3. Prepare your decorative pieces by placing them between two towels and striking with a sledgehammer.

4. Lay out the pieces face-down onto the sticky side of the paper in the pan to hold them in place.

5. Following the included instructions, mix the cement.

6. Pour the cement carefully and evenly into the pan.

7. Once the cement is in place, tap the sides of the tin a few times to get rid of any air bubbles that might be in the cement.

8. Wait for the cement to harden. This timing will vary depending on environmental conditions and the type of cement you use, but most cement takes between 24 and 48 hours to dry.

9. Turn the entire pan over and release the stone by lifting the edges of the pan.

10. Peel away the contact paper and touch up any leftover cement with a damp paper towel.

Once the cement has cured, your new mosaic stepping stone will be all ready to become part of a beautiful new garden path. Repeat these steps as many times as you want to create your own beautiful and useful garden decor. You can also use this same method for other outdoor items like house number plaques, garden signs or decorative pieces for your porch or patio. Experiment with different varieties and colors of tile, glass and other materials to achieve unique and interesting mosaic designs.