Make Mosaic Step Stones Part 3 of 3


Please note: Thank you for visiting my Cottage Garden topic and reading my columns, published here from February 1997 through spring 2003! This Cottage Garden column was written by Barbara M. Martin and is Copyrighted, including any photos, by Barbara M. Martin. It may not be altered or copied or published elsewhere in whole or in part without specific permission from the author. I regret I am no longer actively editing or contributing to this suite101.com topic as of mid-2003. Happy Gardening!

In Part 1, we covered an overview of how to make these step stones and the basic materials you need. In Part 2, we discussed where and how to find the decorative pieces to use in your mosaic design. Now in Part 3, we hit the big time.

MAKING THE STONES

Assemble all your materials as described in Parts One and Two.

Arrange the mosaic pieces. Play with arranging the mosaic pieces on your stone until you have a design you like. Cover most of the surface with your pieces.

For a more formal effect, you could copy a stained glass design if you know how to follow a pattern and cut glass. You could also purposely purchase mosaic tiles in a pattern you like, mark out some guidelines on the stone with pencil and have at it.

We used the informal approach and just played with the pieces until we liked the way our stones looked. Relax and enjoy the process -- there is no right or wrong way to do this.

Now carefully glue the mosaic pieces in place. This keeps them from shifting around later when you apply the mortar. Follow the use and safety directions on the epoxy label.

Mix the epoxy in small amounts (a few Tablespoons at a time) and use a popsicle stick to apply a tiny dab to the back of each mosaic piece. It doesn't take much to make the pieces stick and the glue dries fast, so work quickly. When you've glued them all on -- check *one* more time because it is easy to miss that last one -- take a break for just a few minutes while the glue sets. Time for lemonade!

Now you are ready to mortar between the pieces. Use a disposable container to mix the mortar; add just enough water to make a thick heavy slurry, then apply this to the surface of the stone. Use an old paintbrush to slop and glop it over top of your design so it runs down in between the mosaic pieces and fills in the gaps. Keep slopping on the goop until all the gaps are filled and the surface of the stone is as level as you can make it. Brush as much off the surface and down in between the decoration pieces as you can, but don't worry about the surface being covered in mortar residue. The next step takes care of that.

The copyright of the article Make Mosaic Step Stones Part 3 of 3 in Cottage Garden is owned by Barbara M. Martin. Permission to republish Make Mosaic Step Stones Part 3 of 3 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic