This stepping stone has been created using a stepping stone mold or cake tin and the indirect method of mosaics. With this method the tiles are embedded into the stepping stone as opposed to being placed on top and grouted. Project Instructions Materials List Stepping stone mold or non stick cake tin (any shape) Cement Tiles & tesserae - Ive used a selection of tiles & tesserae. Tile nipper Contact paper Vaseline Paper towel Pen Scissors Container & spoon for mixing cement Dust mask Chicken wire Grout grout or cement oxide No gluing or grouting is required as this stepping stone is made using the indirect method of mosaics. Directions Trace an outline of the mold onto the contact paper, trim it to the size of the mould or tin. The contact paper needs to be smooth & free from ceases, it must also fit closely inside the mold or tin. Prepare your design, cut tiles & place face down on the sticky side of the contact paper. Make sure all the pieces are adhered securely to the contact paper and that you have a gap between each piece for the cement. Using paper towel, apply a thin coat of vaseline along the inner edges of the empty mold or tin. Mix cement following the directions on the packet. If you wish to colour your cement you can add a cement oxide. Wear a dust mask while mixing the cement. Ive used an off white cement & charcoal cement oxide. Pour the cement slowly and evenly into the mold / tin. Do not move the mold / tin when the cement is drying. To make the stepping stone more durable you place a piece of chicken wire to the mold / tin half way through pouring the cement. Tap the sides of the mold / tin for 2 or 3 minutes to release any air bubbles in the cement. Wait for the cement to harden, this will vary depending upon the type of cement, the cements consistency & weather conditions. Remove the stone by turning it over & lifting up the edges of the mold. Peel off the contact paper and clean off any excess cement. You may need a paper towel, sponge or craft knife. Fill any remaining air holes by mixing a small amount of cement and rubbing it into the holes in a circular motion. If your project gets any marks or you have lines in the cement, sandpaper should be able to smooth them out. When mixing your cement (prior to adding water) it is a good idea to set aside a small amount of dry cement for this purpose, particularly if youve added an oxide. All the cement to cure completely
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 09:01:38 +0000