How to Make DIY Mosaic Stepping Stones
DIY mosaic stepping stones are a lot easier to make than you think! The trick is having the right supplies and a good plan. This fun craft will make your garden our outdoor space look gorgeous just in time for summer.
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DIY Mosaic Stepping Stones
After making my DIY mosaic flower pots, I have to admit I’m on a mosaic kick! I feel like I’m seeing my world through stained-glass-colored glasses now.
Unlike my prior mosaic project, there’s no need for tile nippers or grout for this craft. All you need is a good mold, the right concrete mix, and some pretty tiles.
Note: Some stores also sell a complete stepping stone kit that comes with pre-printed designs.
Supplies
- Stepping stone mold
- Stepping stone mix or sand-mix concrete
- Precut mosaic pattern
- Mosaic tiles of stained glass
- Dropcloth or cardboard for work surface
- Protective mask and gloves
- Bucket
- Paint stir stick
- Putty knife or wooden craft stick
- Toothbrush or soft bristle brush
Safety Tips for Making DIY Stepping Stones
- Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. This will prevent you from inhaling the stepping stone mix particles.
- Always use protective gear when mixing concrete, including a face mask and gloves. You want to avoid skin contact with the concrete mix.
- Adult supervision is required for this project. Kids can definitely help with placing the mosaic tiles, but an adult should always supervise this activity.
Step 1: Design your Mosaic Pattern
If you own a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo cutting machine, I highly recommend using it to print and cut your pattern beforehand. It’s a big time-saver!
Otherwise, you can cut out basic shapes in a piece of cardstock paper or use a freehand pattern.
If you’re using a specific design, it’s helpful to trace the shape of your stepping stone mold onto the design. Then, you arrange your tiles beforehand, as shown above.
Step 2: Mix the Concrete and Pour into Mold
Once you have your tiles ready, mix the concrete or stepping stone mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always wear a mask and gloves for this part.
Once the mix reaches a cookie batter consistency, you can pour it into your mold.
Use a putty knife to smooth the surface of the concrete. Then, gently tap the edges of the mold to release any air bubbles.
Step 3: Apply Mosaic Tiles to the Stone
After about 10 minutes, you can begin placing your tiles onto the concrete mix.
It helps to place the paper pattern onto the mold first. Then you can outline the pattern with tiles before placing the main pattern tiles.
Make sure the mosaic pieces are firmly set into the concrete so they won’t fall out later.
Step 4: Polish the Stepping Stone
After 24 hours, polish the mosaic tiles with a wet toothbrush and remove the stone from the mold.
You can continue polishing the stone with a soft cloth and use sandpaper to file any sharp edges.
Now you’re reading to decorate your garden or outdoor patio space with your DIY mosaic art!
Note: Wait 7-10 days before applying pressure to the stone.
5 Tips for Getting the Best Results
Before you begin prepping your materials to create DIY mosaic stepping stones, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- The temperature and humidity may affect drying times for your concrete mix. Ideally, make your stepping stones on a day with lower humidity and moderate temperatures (around 60-70°F).
- Add water very gradually when stirring your concrete. A little water goes a long way!
- Dab off any excess water on the surface of your mix with a paper towel before applying your design.
- Be sure to press the tiles in place gently so the concrete rises slightly between the tiles.
- If any tiles do not adhere after the stone has dried, you can always secure them in place with E6000 or mosaic tile adhesive.
If you have questions or tips to share, leave a comment below!
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How to Make DIY Mosaic Stepping Stones
Equipment
- Bucket
- Paint stir stick
- Putty knife or wooden craft stick
- Toothbrush or soft bristle brush
Supplies
- Stepping stone mold
- Stepping stone mix or sand-mix concrete
- Precut mosaic pattern
- Mosaic tiles of stained glass
- Dropcloth or cardboard for work surface
- Protective mask and gloves
Instructions
- Create your mosaic design to fit the size of your stepping stone mold. You can use a pattern from a stepping stone kit or create your own pattern. You also have the option to create a freestyle design without a pattern.
- If using a specific pattern, print one copy of the pattern, and cut out a separate copy. (You can use a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo cutting machine for this step, if available.)
- Arrange the mosaic tiles on the printout of your pattern. This helps to ensure you have enough tiles for your design and makes it easier to place the tiles later.
- Wearing gloves and a mask, mix 2 cups of water per 7 lbs of stone mix. Add more water (if needed) until the mix is the consistency of cookie batter.
- Pour the mix into your mold. Use a putty knife or wooden craft stick to smooth the surface of the mix.
- Let the stone mix has dried slightly (about 10 minutes). Then, apply your cut paper design on top if using a pattern. Add mosaic tiles around the main pattern.
- Remove the paper pattern, and add the remaining tiles.
- After placing all the tiles, gently push the tiles down into the concrete mix to ensure they are secure.
- Let the stone dry 24 hours. Then, use a toothbrush and water to clean the tiles.
- Carefully remove the stone from the mold, and polish it with a soft cloth.
- Wait 7-10 days before applying pressure to the stone.
Wow! Your stepping stone is truly the prettiest one that I’ve ever seen. I love the pattern and the colors you use to make this.
What a compliment, Paula. Thank you! I think I’m going to buy more of the concrete mix to make a few more. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be.