Concrete Stepping Stones With Tile Mosaic

A simple way to design and make a tiled mosaic and concrete stepping stone with a specific design pattern.

This process is great because you can take as much time as you want designing and placing your tiles perfectly. You don't have to hurry placing tiles before the cement sets.

• 5-gallon bucket
• Hand-powered hacksaw
• Circle compass
• Ruler
• Square
• Paper
• Tile cutting tool
• Tiles
• Your Favorite Water Based Glue
• Water sprayer
• Mixing bucket
• Concrete or mortar mix
• Safety goggles
• Gloves (mortar mix really dries your skin)

Using a hand-powered hacksaw, saw off the bottom couple (2) inches of your 5-gallon bucket. This process is quick and easy. Discard the top part of the bucket, or repurpose it for another project. (Feel free to share your creative ideas on 'Instructables'!)

Using your circle compass, measure the diameter of the inside of your new stepping stone mold. Ensure the measurement is accurate.

Transfer the measurements to the paper.

Add some concentric circles and use your square to draw a perfect '+' or crosshairs. These lines will help you place your tiles precisely and keep your design centered correctly.

It's advisable to create two of these paper circles.

Cut them along the perimeter circle so that they fit perfectly inside the bottom of our bucket mold.

Use your circle compass and ruler to sketch your design onto both paper circles.

Next, lay out the tile squares you previously cut with your tile cutting tool to ensure they fit properly.

After arranging the tiles to your satisfaction, take the other paper circle and transfer the tiles one at a time, applying just a dab of glue to each and placing them topside down onto the paper.

Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding.

Once dry, carefully place the paper with the upside-down glued tiles into the bottom of your bucket mold.

Choose a flat, level surface outdoors for working with the cement mix.

Prepare the concrete or mortar according to the directions on the bag. (I typically use about three large yogurt containers full of powdered mortar mix per stepping stone.)

Before pouring the prepared concrete mix onto the tiles, lightly spray them with water to facilitate good bonding.

After pouring the mix into the mold, tap it on the ground to release any trapped air bubbles and allow it to sit overnight until the concrete sets.

Remember, it's essential to work with cement mix outdoors to avoid clogging sinks.