View Full Version : Garden stepping stones
imamama
03-16-2002, 08:38 PM
Very cute idea! Can't wait to do this!
What you'll need:
Molds, such as foil pie tins
newspapers
quick-drying concrete
water
rocks, marbles, small toys, shells, etc
non-stick cooking spray
In a well-ventilated area, place newspapers over work surface. Pour quick-drying concrete into a plastic container. For each tin, you'll need about 8 cups of dry concrete mix. Mix it with water according to package directions. To slow the drying time, add another cup of water. Just before you pour, spray the mold with non-stick cooking spray. When the mixture is the consistency of cake batter, pour it carefully into the mold. Smooth out the concrete and add embellishments, or make hand and foot prints and write the childs name with a stick. Work quickly and wash hands and feet immediately. Let the stone dry. Remove stone from the form. Paint as desired.
Marla
03-17-2002, 08:49 AM
Amy, I was going to make the exact recipe for my art class last year, but had to change it because the concrete was toxic, and we aren't allowed to use it.
Instead, we made a "safer" version, by using plaster of paris. We used plastic plates as our tray, and then added gem-stones, rocks, sticks, etc. The kids loved making them, and were thrilled the next week when we popped them out of their trays!
imamama
03-17-2002, 10:14 AM
Holy cow.... I had no idea concrete was toxic. 8o Thank you for telling me. Do you know what it is that makes it toxic?
What is the mixture in those kits? Is it just toxic if swallowed not with contact? Shoot, I was going to do this with the kids for our garden.
imamama
03-17-2002, 10:40 AM
I know, I'm really bummed about this!:\
We were going to make them for our house, plus for gifts. That's why I'm curious to know what's the toxic part. Is it in all quick-dry concrete? etc. Going to have to do some further research. My guess is plaster of paris won't withstand harsh weather very well.... :(
(Marla, I do appreciate you advising of the toxicity, though!!!)
I am just curious if this is one of those "it's toxic for public institutions but not at home" kind of things..like how schools can't use pesticides to exterminate but homes can.
KarlaB
03-17-2002, 10:52 AM
My step mom got one as a gift from a child, so maybe it's just at public insitutions that they can't use the concrete mix?? Anyway, the stepping stone is adorable - it's the little girl's handprint and it has shells and rocks all around it. I would love to do these with dks!
imamama
03-17-2002, 10:57 AM
That would make sense... seeing as how schools, etc have to have stricter (is that a word?!) regulations.
I'm going to read the contents of the bag before I buy any and see if any of the contents jump out at me as being bad. I hope not... I was really eager to make these! My dad and stepmom are moving into a new house and we were going to make them for a housewarming gift.
ROFL!!! this is kind of funny..we are desparately trying to prove that it is ok to do this!!! Gosh, it won't really hurt little Susie will it??? ;)
KarlaB
03-17-2002, 11:08 AM
Originally posted by AnnW
ROFL!!! this is kind of funny..we are desparately trying to prove that it is ok to do this!!! Gosh, it won't really hurt little Susie will it??? ;)
ROFL!! It's not like they are going to eat it or sit in for 1/2 hour. Should we all just agree to do it so if something bad happens it happens to all of our dks? ;)
imamama
03-17-2002, 11:11 AM
ROFLMAO
Puh-leeeeeeeease say it's okay! It'll just slow her down a little in her cognitive skills...that's all!!! :lol:
Okay, let's all do it, then we'll form a support group for mothers who just wanted to make garden stepping stones with their dk's!
KarlaB
03-17-2002, 11:17 AM
Originally posted by imamama
ROFLMAO
Puh-leeeeeeeease say it's okay! It'll just slow her down a little in her cognitive skills...that's all!!! :lol:
Okay, let's all do it, then we'll form a support group for mothers who just wanted to make garden stepping stones with their dk's!
Deal....now you go first!!! :newwink:
imamama
03-17-2002, 11:21 AM
Hey... I thought we were going to do it together?!! :lol:
Okay, I'm going outside to mix up the concrete... now go ahead Karla, it's your turn.........
Marla
03-17-2002, 11:32 AM
ROLF You guys crack me up :bounce:
I have to be extra cautious because I am dealing with other peoples children :nervous:
I am sure that what they use in the stepping stone kits is safe. I had to purchase enough concrete for 40 children, so I went to home depot and the bags that they have are toxic.
Where were you going to buy the concrete from? Just make sure that it isn't toxic/poisonous.
I think it's a great idea, and you are right, the plaster of paris isn't strong enough to be left outside :( . It is definately any indoor stepping stone.
imamama
03-17-2002, 12:03 PM
I was planning on getting a bag from Lowe's or Home Depot b/c we were going to make a few. Do you know what's toxic about it?
Diane
03-17-2002, 12:46 PM
Geeze... now I'm really feeling bad because last summer I had my day care kids make these... and never even thought about them being toxic. 8o Nothing happened to any of them... and none of the parents ever complained (they LOVED them) or said anything, if that's any consolation. LOL
Diane... :wave:
littlesista06
03-17-2002, 01:42 PM
Dd and I have made these for a couple of years and we've used the big bags of concrete mix from Home Depot and we're both fine... I wouldn't worry about doing a couple of them our in your yard... you're not inhaling/ingesting/saturating yourself with it.
imamama
04-07-2002, 07:33 PM
Hee hee hee! LMBO reading this post again!!
Dd and I finally got around to making these and she's fine! LOL But come to think of it, she's been a little cranky today.... :lol:
They look like they'll be really cute once we paint them. I bought some colored glass stones for her to add to the stepping stones! It was a lot of fun!
ROFL!!!!!!!!!! no convulsions yet??????? LOL
imamama
04-07-2002, 07:56 PM
:biglaugh: So far, so good!!
littlesista06
04-07-2002, 11:32 PM
Amy, what type of paint will you use? I've never painted them, only 'stuck stuff' in them .... dd would love to get into the paint!!
Lynda-WA
04-08-2002, 02:09 AM
I just went and skimmed over a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for the brand of concrete I think we've used before (QuickCrete). I wouldn't worry about anything.
Looks like there are two main things. Inhaling the dust isn't something you want to do. It may be a carcenegenic (sp). I'd do it outside. What isn't cancer causing these days?
And there is something in it (Silica?) that can make it an alkaline when moist. That means it could burn. Honestly, I have yet to meet anyone that said they were burned by concrete! That may be one of those could happen but probably won't. The MSDS recommends using a protective lotion, or gloves. And it says to wash with soap and water after. Can't imagine anyone letting their child wallow in concrete. I'd take the washing up as a given!
I think it's a really cute idea. And if I was doing it at home I'd use the concrete since it's got more longevity when exposed to the elements.
Marla
04-08-2002, 10:41 AM
Originally posted by imamama
Hee hee hee! LMBO reading this post again!!
Dd and I finally got around to making these and she's fine! LOL But come to think of it, she's been a little cranky today.... :lol:
Are you guys making fun of me :\ ?( :( ;)
imamama
04-08-2002, 07:05 PM
Originally posted by Marla
Are you guys making fun of me :\ ?( :( ;)
No! I'm LMBO at us trying to rationalize the potential dangers so we can make stepping stones!! :biglaugh: !!!! Not laughing at you. I appreciate the heads up.
Lynda, thanks for checking on that. I made dd stay inside while I mixed it. And she didn't get burned, whew!! :lol: We used QuickCrete, too!
Jennifer, I'll probably use Apple Barrel brand craft paints (all-purpose acrylic paint). I have just about every color there is! Don't know if it will be durable, but it'll be fun to do!! I'll let you know how it goes!!
littlesista06
04-08-2002, 10:51 PM
Sounds great!
There is an all-purpose paint called "Painter's Touch" by Rust-Oleum that is a sealant of sorts made for indoor/outdoor use - might help your paint job hold up.
I used it on dd's birdhouse after she painted it...
Have fun!
imamama
04-09-2002, 09:05 AM
Originally posted by littlesista06
Sounds great!
There is an all-purpose paint called "Painter's Touch" by Rust-Oleum that is a sealant of sorts made for indoor/outdoor use - might help your paint job hold up.
I used it on dd's birdhouse after she painted it...
Have fun!
Ooh, sounds good! Think I'll try it! Thanks! ;)
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