Time and Materials Needed:

Time: approximately 1/2 hour per stone

Cost: from $1.00 to $5.00 per stone, depending upon materials

Materials:

1. Wheelbarrow or all-purpose plastic utility tub (found in any hardware or home improvement center)
2. 60# bag of pre-mix cement, mortar or stucco mix. One 60# bag should yield approximately 3 stepping stones.
3. Shovel
4. Gloves- rubber or work gloves
5. Towels and plastic sheeting
6. Mold release. This includes silicone spray, vegetable cooking spray, vegetable, mineral or motor oil. Apply oil with an inexpensive paint brush, removing excess oil with a paper towel or dry paint brush.
7. Optional: cement pigments. Cement pigments can be purchased at home improvement centers, building materials suppliers and mason's supply stores.
8. Optional: wire fence/rebar material. Wire fence/rebar material embedded into the stepping stone will reinforce the concrete and decrease chance of cracks. Readily available in rolls from your local home improvement center.

Stepping Stone Instructions:

1. Thoroughly coat inner mold surface with mold release.
2. In a wheelbarrow or utility tub, blend concrete, mortar or stucco mix with water according to directions on bag. You may need to add a little extra water; the goal is to create a mix resembling thick pancake batter. If using pigments, they can be added to either the water (before it's mixed with concrete) or to the wet concrete "batter." Be sure to take notes on how much pigment was added to your first stepping stone, providing you want to duplicate this color in future pourings. Note: if using a mechanical mixer, add liquids to the mixer first, then the dry ingredients.
3. Fill mold approximately 1/3 full, then gently shake or tap on the ground to remove air bubbles; this also allows the mix to better settle into the detailed surfaces of the mold. If using wire reinforcement, this is the time to place it into your mold. Now fill mold to the top, covering the wire and gently shaking to level cement.
   Note: To extend mold life, try to avoid lifting filled molds by the mold rim. Either fill them in the location they'll be curing, or slip a piece of plywood under the filled mold and use the plywood to carry the mold.
4. Cover with damp towels and plastic sheeting and allow to harden for 2 days. Unmold and allow to cure for another week before adding any surface finishes such as stains and paints. Then allow painted stones a couple more weeks of drying before sealing.