How do you make garden stepping stones?

I am wanting to make stepping stones, with my kids hand or foot prints, for my parents for Christmas. I want to be more for garden decoration than for stepping on, but also want them to hold up in weather conditions. Does anyone know of such a way for me to do this?

How do you make garden stepping stones?
There are nice kits for this available at the hobby store. If you plan to make a bunch, it is a lot more economical to buy the ingredients without a kit. One thing the kit will provide you with is a form. If you are doing it on your own, you need a cardboard box or something of the right size for your form. Line it with heavy plastic. Plan to make the stone about 1 1/2 inches thick. You will need play sand and Portland cement. For the stones, mix 1/3 part Portland cement, 2/3 part sand in a bucket. (To know how much sand you will need, fill the mold with sand, pack it and then add a little more. ) To the dry mixture add enough water to make it like muffin dough. Mix well and pour into the mold. Shake it so that water and bubbles come to the surface. Allow it to set about a half hour and decorate with handprints, colored marbles, etc. Allow to cure without moving for a week. While curing the surface should be kept damp - put a rag on top and keep it wet.





Whatever you do, don't get the pre-mixed concrete and use that. It is a coarse mix that is not good for stepping stones.
Reply:make your form in the shape you want...buy bag concrete mix...mix and pour in ...add handprint when almost set...wash their hands well as this may burn tender skin...when set , strip and make another one...just mix enough for one at a time...may add 1/4 in. screen to help hold it together ...
Reply:check out your local arts and craft store. they should be able to tell you what to apply to the stones to make them ready to withstand the outside temperatures and keep them safe.


good luck...