Mosaic Stepping Stones for Your Garden

In the first article https://www.instructables.com/id/Making-3D-Garden-Stones/ we did a 3D Frog, in this article we are going to use a different and simpler method more suited for younger children to create a Dragonfly Stone. Since children's attention spans are short this method will be much faster to make but will require a longer drying time.

You will need:

7 lbs. of fine cement mix
2 cups of water
12 inch round or hex shaped plastic mold
1 lb. Multi colored bits of glass or Mosaic pieces
White Mosaic pieces (enough to make the dragonfly)
An old wooden spoon (you don't want to reuse)
A cut out pattern to fit inside the frame
An old bucket
A Sturdy Board larger than your mold
An old Toothbrush
A Flathead Screwdriver

Cut your pattern piece out and set aside.

Pour dry cement mix into bucket, add water and stir well. Because I will be laying the Mosaic pieces in place instead of gluing them as I did with the frog I used extra water to extend the setting time.

Pour all of the wet mixture into the mold. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the mixture out as much as possible then lift the board and slap or bounce it on your workspace many times to release air bubbles.

Place your pattern piece in its desired location on top of the wet mixture.

Begin setting Mosaic or Glass pieces on top around the edges of the pattern and gently press them into the mixture until they are level with it.

If you press a piece in too far, lift it out and wiggle the mold to smooth the area then try again. Dont be concerned if the wet mixture gets on the Mosaic pieces or pattern we will clean it up later on.

Work the rest of your Mosaic pieces in place from the center outward. Leave space between the Mosaic pieces and the outer edge.

Lay a paper towel on top and allow it to absorb excess water.

Gently lift the pattern piece to expose the Dragonfly outline underneath.

Fill the dragonfly area with all White Mosaic pieces. Jiggle the mold again to get everything settled and put your stone in a safe place to dry for 24 hours.

After 24 hours leave the stone in the mold and use an old toothbrush with water to gently clean up the Mosaic pieces. Use care as the stone is still breakable at this stage and pieces can be dislodged.

Allow the stone to sit for another 24 hours.

Unmold the stone by lifting it from underneath (not by the sides) and flipping it over onto your board.

Wash it well with dish soap and water and wipe it surface dry.

Use a flathead screwdriver to clean up the outer edges and make them smooth.

Put the stone away in a safe place where it wont get any pressure put on it for one week while it cures and dries out.

Polish it up with windex and a soft cloth and your stone is ready for use.

Note: Keeping a damp cloth over the stone for two days while it cures will make it stronger.