|
|
 |
|
|
Tips to Make Your Own Garden Stones by Vicky Smith
|
|
|
Tips to Make Your Own Garden Stones |
|
|
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
Stepping stones are not only aesthetically pleasing, but a practical way to create a personalized garden path. Round, square, rectangular or oval, embellished, engraved or painted, stepping stones are an opportunity to add a customized touch to your garden. Using paving stones in garden beds also helps you avoid compacting soil around tender plant roots -- encouraging healthy vegetables as well as flowers, shrubs and trees. Instructions as follows: Firstly, choose a concrete mix, cement or clay base for the garden stone. Garden stone craft sets that include concrete mix are available at large craft supply and home stores, but can be quite expensive. Concrete and cement can be purchased in small bags from home supply stores. The amount and grade of concrete are up to the individual. If you plan on making more than one stone, it may be cheaper to buy a larger bag of concrete mix. Secondly, choose the mold for the stepping stone. Again, molds come with the stepping stone kits, but can be purchased separately or made from household items. A disposable, but sturdy, plastic container, a round garbage can lid, large plastic plant pot liners, cake pans from the thrift store and wooden trays -- all make suitable stone molds. Make sure molds are clean and dry. Thirdly, mix the concrete following the directions on the outside of the bag. Usually making concrete is a matter of mixing together equal parts of sand and concrete mix or Portland cement with as much water as necessary. Stir the mixture with a disposable spoon. The final consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter. Fourthly, pour the concrete into the mold, filling it to a 1/4-inch away from the top edge. Vibrate or tap the mold repeatedly, to break up any air bubbles in the mix and create a smooth, firm surface. The mold should be on a flat surface, preferably on the ground outside in case of spills and splashes. The garage floor is the perfect place for pouring the concrete garden stones -- and for allowing poured stones to set -- because they are protected from the weather. Fifthly, place decorative stones, marbles and other items in the pattern of your choice into the wet concrete, if desired. Craft stores have a large array of glass stones in different colors that are perfect for decorating stepping stones. Natural pebbles, sturdy sea shells and other natural items are also good choices. Sixthly, wait for the concrete to set firmly before engraving or marking the surface, usually at least two days. If you want to add names or carve decorative lines into the stone, use a sharp plastic stick or a potter's tool for the cleanest finish. Smooth out any nicks or bumps with your fingertip before allowing the stone to set completely. Seventhly, turn over the mold and pop out the completed dry stepping stone. Cure it longer if needed -- follow concrete and mold instructions -- then and place it in the garden or give as a gift. Tips & Warnings Spray the inside of your mold with cooking spray so stepping stones will pop out easily -- a step that will also extend the life of your molds. When using molds with intricate designs, remember that the face-down side of the mold -- the design side -- will be the top of the stepping stone. In short, as an experienced business E-platform of promoting stone industry, we want to become the most professional trade promoting organization and B2B trade platform for stone industry all over the world. If you want to consult us freely, you can also see diamond or become a loyal follower of us by @ https://twitter.com/stonebtb.
Related Articles -
garden stone, diamond,
|
Rate This Article  |
|
|
|
|
|
Do you Agree or Disagree? Have a Comment? POST IT!
| Reader Opinions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Author Login |
|
|
 |
Advertiser Login
ADVERTISE HERE NOW!
Limited Time $60 Offer!
90 Days-1.5 Million Views
|
|
STEPHEN BYE
Stephen Bye is a fiction writer. His most recent novels are a 5-book “The Developer” series which be...more
|
|
|
|
|
TIM FAY
After 60-plus years of living, I am just trying to pass down some of the information that I have lea...more
|
|
|
|
|
GENE MYERS
Author of four books and two screenplays; frequent magazine contributor. I have four other books "in...more
|
|
|
|
|
ADRIAN JOELE
I have been involved in nutrition and weight management for over 12 years and I like to share my kn...more
|
|
|
|
|
LAURA JEEVES
At LeadGenerators, we specialise in content-led Online Marketing Strategies for our clients in the t...more
|
|
|
|
|
MICHAEL BRESCIANI
Rev Bresciani is the author of two Christian books. One book is an important and concisely written b...more
|
|
|
|
|
LEVAL AINAH
I am an internet marketer and also an educator. My goal is to help others who are looking to improve...more
|
|
|
|
|
PAUL PHILIPS
For more articles, blog messages & videos and a free e-book download go to www.NewParadigm.ws your p...more
|
|
|
|
|
ALEX BELSEY
I am the editor of QUAY Magazine, a B2B publication based in the South West of the UK. I am also the...more
|
|
|
|
