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.
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
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.
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.
Wipe a layer of Vaseline to the inside edges using a paper towel.
Prepare your decorative pieces by placing them between two towels and striking with a sledgehammer.
Lay out the pieces face-down onto the sticky side of the paper in the pan to hold them in place.
Following the included instructions, mix the cement.
Pour the cement carefully and evenly into the pan.
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.
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.
Turn the entire pan over and release the stone by lifting the edges of the pan.
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.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
