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Thread: Garden stepping stones

  1. 03-16-2002, 07:38 PM #1
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    Garden stepping stones

    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.
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  2. 03-17-2002, 07:49 AM #2
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    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!
    Always do what you want, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind
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  3. 03-17-2002, 09:14 AM #3
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    Holy cow.... I had no idea concrete was toxic. Thank you for telling me. Do you know what it is that makes it toxic?
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  4. 03-17-2002, 09:24 AM #4
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    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.
    AnnW
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  5. 03-17-2002, 09:40 AM #5
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    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!!!)
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  6. 03-17-2002, 09:46 AM #6
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    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.
    AnnW
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  7. 03-17-2002, 09:52 AM #7
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    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!
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  8. 03-17-2002, 09:57 AM #8
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    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.
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  9. 03-17-2002, 10:01 AM #9
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    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???
    AnnW
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  10. 03-17-2002, 10:08 AM #10
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    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?
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  11. 03-17-2002, 10:11 AM #11
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    ROFLMAO

    Puh-leeeeeeeease say it's okay! It'll just slow her down a little in her cognitive skills...that's all!!!

    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!
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  12. 03-17-2002, 10:17 AM #12
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    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!!!

    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!!!
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  13. 03-17-2002, 10:21 AM #13
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    Hey... I thought we were going to do it together?!!

    Okay, I'm going outside to mix up the concrete... now go ahead Karla, it's your turn.........
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


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  14. 03-17-2002, 10:32 AM #14
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    ROLF You guys crack me up

    I have to be extra cautious because I am dealing with other peoples children

    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.
    Always do what you want, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter, don't mind
    Dr. Seuss
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  15. 03-17-2002, 11:03 AM #15
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    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?
    MRS. imamama! ~~~ a.k.a. Amy D.


    I love cooking with wine... sometimes I even put it in the food
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