Stepping Stone Project

A week or so ago we did stepping stones. My friend wanted to give one to her husband for his birthday and invited us over to do one too.

Materials

• Mold: We used plastic planter saucers
• Concrete: Quickrete
• Embellishments: We used stones
• Newspaper or drop cloth: To protect the work surface. We just did them in the driveway.
• Water: For mixing concrete and rinsing hands and feet
• Sand: To make the planter saucer non-stick
• A Paint Stirring Stick: For mixing
• Plastic Tub: To mix concrete in
• An Old Spoon/Shovel: for scooping
• Baby Oil: to make the feet non-stick

Mix it up

If you're using Quickrete, use five parts water to one part cement mix. If you're using another cement consult the bag. Put sand (or cooking spray) into the mold. Once it looks like cookie dough scoop it into the mold. Tap it to get bubbles out, like a cake. They are not kidding about Quick part either it sets up fast. 30minute was more than enough in our case.

Non-Stick Them

We coated the kids feet in baby oil so the cement wouldn't stick. Make sure you use a generous amount and get it under the nails. My kids were thrilled to receive a foot massage. I don't recommend wearing your fancy new dress, but Riley's did survive the experience unsoiled.

Step Right In

It's best to have an adult to lean against for support for your little celebrities lending their hands and feet to the project. Standing on one foot tends to force them to put all their weight on the one they're stepping down with. They do want to step down with the other foot reflexively after a second or two (so watch out for that if you only want one foot).

Decorate It

I wished I'd swung by the store for some marbles before the project, but the kids were just as happy with stones. They added them in a circle around the edge. The concrete was pretty set up by than so it took a good bit of pressure to press them in. I tried to write with a stick to add the year, but I couldn't make it legible. I figure I'll write on it with a Sharpie at some point or maybe use some paint.

Let Them Dry

That's it. Let them dry and pick a nice spot for them.