From Cheesecake to DIY Stepping Stone
by
Rhonda B
(IC: blogger)
11 Materials
Go from this:
To this:
For this project you will need:
Step 4. After the leaf is in place spray the mold with cooking spray (or other mold release).
Add some water and if you are using liquid colorant add it now as specified by the manufacturer.
Keep mixing and adding water until you reached the desired consistency. I prefer a thicker consistency, you should be able to form a ball in your hand and it should hold its shape.
Step 8. Walk away for about 10 minutes and let the mix hydrate (unless you use fast setting concrete-start filling the mold if you did).
Step 11. Add more concrete to fill the mold (remember to press it down as you go).
Step 13. Set the mold in a level place to set up for 24 hours. Don't forget to cover it with plastic to keep it moist.
Step 15. Time to unmold. Place the mold upside down on a soft surface.
Step 16. Cure-you can mist the stone and wrap it in plastic for a week or two to cure, misting daily to keep the stone hydrated or you can give it a water bath. The water bath is the method I prefer and this is how I do it:
After it is done curing I like to do a quick soak in a vinegar bath which is 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar. I let my concrete pieces soak in this mixture for a good 15-20 minutes. After that I let them air dry.
Place it out in your garden and enjoy! For more information and detailed instructions visit my blog:
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Published June 2nd, 2014 12:47 AM
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Pam Galicki on May 13, 2021
@Crumly....you can use several smaller leaves, too. The big leaf is really pretty, though, I don't have any that big, either
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Frequently asked questions
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Why the vinegar bath?
I must try this one! I love how clean it looks! What does the vinegar do to it?
I’ve been doing my grandkids hands in stepping stones for about 10 years now. They’re holding up fine. But I’ve never ever done the water bath or vinegar bath. I’ve never even heard of it. Is it really necessary? What does that accomplish? Thanks. I really love the large leaves. I wish I had some.