A garden stepping stone is easy to make and can be personalized with the deceased pet's name and dates. Sturdy enough to be placed outdoors, it can also be used as a decorative item inside.
The making of the memorial stone is simple and a project for the whole family.
Choosing the Stepping Stone Kit
Stepping stone kits are readily available at craft stores in a variety of shapes and designs. All the supplies to make the example on the cover of the box are included in the kit, but depending on the type of pet, mixing and matching supplies may be necessary. (One kit, though, will make a stone in the shape of a dog bone and includes a frame to hold a picture.) If looking for a headstone to mark a burial site, there is a kit with a simple rectangular template with a sturdy piece of wire so it can be stuck in the ground upright. If appropriate, the pet's favorite toy can be embedded in the stone.
If no single kit meets all the design requirements, items can be purchased separately to personalize the stone. Stencils, glass mosaic tile, marbles, ceramic pieces, stones, stepping stone mix and other plastic molds are also available. If using stained glass, tile cutters may be needed. The gray concrete-looking or tan material can be stained by adding color packets. If selecting marbles or stones, choose the half-round or flat ones rather than full round pieces for they adhere better. But if any fall off later, there is glue available for purchase to replace them.
Other useful items are:
- Paper and pencil to draw out the design
- Bucket for mixing the concrete
- Dust mask (optional)
- Rubber gloves for mixing the stone material (optional)
- Sandpaper to sand off the rough edges after curing (optional)
Drawing Out the Design
After purchasing a kit or the materials a la carte, trace around the plastic mold to make a design template.
Lay out the pieces of the design on the paper template. There will be a limited amount of time to place the pieces in the concrete once the mix is poured, so finalize the layout first. If using glass tiles, cut them and lay them out. If adding lettering, locate the exact letters and trace them in. Once satisfied with the placement, set aside.
Preparing the Stepping Stone Material
- Although the whole family can participate, it is highly recommended an adult prepare the mix.
- When adding the mix to the bucket, pour slowly to avoid inhaling. Wearing a dust mask will help. Add water and any coloring according to the instructions and mix well.
- Pour the thick mixture into the mold and smooth out the top. Let stand as per the instructions before adding the decorations according to the design. Press the pieces into the mold deep enough to be covered on three sides. If there are any bubbles, bounce the plastic mold gently on the table or pop the bubbles with a knife. Add the lettering last. If making a standing marker, insert the wire into the mold evenly.
- Put the stone out of the way to harden according to the instructions. Rinse out the bucket before the concrete-like material hardens.
- When the stone has cured, remove from the mold carefully. The plastic form can be reused. Lightly sand the edges of the stepping stone to smooth out the rough edges.
- Check for any loose pieces and glue back on.
- Admire a job well done.
After the loss of a pet, this custom designed and handmade garden stepping stone will serve as a lasting remembrance of a loyal member of the family. The stone can be placed indoors or outdoors as a decorative item, perhaps in one of the pet's favorite resting spots, and enjoyed.
Candice Kramer - As a content creator, Candee has investigated various forms of writing resulting in two feature length scripts. One, a comedy, placed in ...
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