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| Stepping Stones |
| With these simple step-by-step instructions, you can create a gorgeous mosaic. |
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Using a Stepping Stone Kit you can create ornate mosaics - perfect for lifting a dead spot in the garden.
1
Slot the timber mould together and smear the inside with petroleum jelly to ensure easy removal of the finished stepping stone. Tape the paper pattern to the MDF workboard and cover with the self-adhesive vinyl, sticky side up. Position the timber mould over the vinyl-covered paper pattern.
2
Starting from the centre of the pattern, begin to place the pre-cut mosaic glass tiles onto the sticky side of the vinyl. The sticky vinyl prevents the tiles from moving out of position. Leave enough space between each tile for the sand-and-cement mix to fall into. Use the mosaic cutters to trim tiles to fit into any curves or awkward places. Use the pattern as a guide only. Keep applying the glass tiles, changing colours where appropriate, until you have filled in the patterned area, right up to the edge of the timber mould.
3
Gently press the tiles with your fingertips to ensure they are securely stuck to the adhesive vinyl surface. Carefully remove the paper pattern from under the vinyl so it can be re-used.
4
Put on your gloves and dust mask. Into a bucket, pour a small amount of water over 2kg of sand-and-cement mix. Mix with a spatula and slowly add more water until the mix is the consistency of whipped cream. Pour the mix over the tiles. With your fingertips, gently push the mix into all the gaps between the tiles, taking special care in the corners.
5
Mix up the 6kg of concrete mix in the same way and pour it over the wet sand-and-cement mix. Spread the concrete mix with your hands, then level it off with the spatula. Tap the sides of the workboard with a hammer to remove any trapped air bubbles.
6
Let your stepping stone dry for two days and then remove the timber mould. Flip the stepping stone over and remove the self-adhesive vinyl. Your decorative stepping stone is now ready for your garden. Allow at least 20 days for the stepping stone to harden properly. Don't expose it to extreme weather conditions during this time.
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Materials
Glass Craft Australia Stepping Stone Kit, containing a paper pattern, timber frame mould and pre-cut mosaic glass tiles
Workboards (40 x 40cm) made from MDF/craftboard
Self-adhesive vinyl/Contact, slightly larger than the paper pattern sheet
Tape
Petroleum jelly/Vaseline
Mosaic cutters (optional)
Safety goggles
Dust mask
Rubber gloves
Bucket
Spatula/paint stirrer for mixing
Hammer
2kg sand-and-cement mix (acts as grout)
6kg concrete mix (makes up the main body of the stepping stone) |
Cost
The average cost per stepping stone is $30.
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More Info
For your nearest stockist of Stepping Stone kits, call Glass Craft Australia on 1800 635 137.
Craft project consultant: Wendy Straume from Nomad Studio Australia.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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