Have you been looking for a fun rainy day craft project to do with your kids that will also leave a lasting memory in your backyard? How to make handprint stepping stones is such a personalized and meaningful way to decorate your outdoor space while creating special keepsakes with little hands. All you need are a few basic materials, some creative inspiration, and a lot of quality time spent bonding during the process.
Not only will your kids love watching their hand and foot imprints set permanently in stone, but years from now, they can look back at these stones and fondly remember the afternoon they spent pressing, painting, and decorating each unique marker of their childhood.
This simple yet sentimental project is guaranteed to bring smiles both during the creation and for seasons to come each time you stroll across the personalized patio.
What Will You Need?
Before you dive into making your handprint stepping stones, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
- Quick-drying cement mix
- Water
- Mixing bucket or wheelbarrow
- Large spoon or trowel for mixing
- Non-stick cooking spray or petroleum jelly
- Protective gloves and goggles
- A large, flat surface (such as a piece of wood or cardboard)
- Decorative items (such as marbles, glass beads, shells, pebbles)
- Paints and brushes
Once you have gathered all your materials, it’s time to get started on this fun and creative project.
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Handprint Stepping Stones
Step 1: Prepare the Mould
To begin, you’ll need to prepare your mold. This will be the shape of your stepping stone. You can use a cake pan, a pizza box, or a custom-made wooden mold. Make sure the mold is sturdy and won’t bend under the weight of the cement. Apply a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray or petroleum jelly to the inside of the mold. This will prevent the glue from sticking to the mold and make it easier to remove when dry.
Step 2: Mix the Cement
Next, put on your protective gloves and goggles, and get ready to mix the cement. Follow the instructions on your chosen cement mix package, but typically, you’ll combine the dry cement mix with water in your bucket or wheelbarrow using the large spoon or trowel. You’re aiming for a consistency akin to thick pancake batter. If it’s too runny, add more cement mix; if it’s too thick, add more water. Make sure to mix thoroughly for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Step 3: Pour the Cement into the Mould
Once your cement mix has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to pour it into your prepared mold. Slowly and carefully pour the cement mix into the mold. Mix the cement evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the mold. Tap the sides of the mold gently to release any trapped air bubbles. This step is crucial for creating a smooth, bubble-free stepping stone. Use your spoon or trowel to smooth the surface of the cement. Allow a few minutes for the glue to set slightly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Make Handprint Impressions
Now comes the fun part of the project—creating handprint impressions. Call the children over and let them press their hands gently into the slightly set cement. Ensure that they press down evenly and firmly but not so hard that they reach the bottom of the mold. For the best results, they should keep their hands in the cement for 10 to 20 seconds. After removing the hand, you should be left with a clear, distinct handprint. If there are siblings, ensure enough space for their handprints, too.
Step 5: Decorate Your Stepping Stone
Once the handprints are set, it’s time to add personal touches to your stepping stone. This could include adding decorative items around the handprints. Use glass beads, marbles, pebbles, or shells to embellish your stepping stone. Press these items firmly into the cement, but only so far that they are partially submerged. This step allows for creativity, so let the kids make unique designs and patterns. Also, ensure the cement is still wet during this process for the decorative items to stick correctly.
Step 6: Let the Stepping Stone Dry
Once you’ve completed decorating your stepping stone, it’s time to let it dry. The drying process is crucial for the durability of your stepping stone, so it should not be rushed. Leave it undisturbed in a safe, dry location for at least 24 to 48 hours. If the weather is humid, it may take longer. Avoid touching or moving the stone during this time, as it could cause cracks or disrupt the embedded decorations.
Step 7: Remove the Stepping Stone from the Mold
After your stepping stone has completely dried, it’s time to remove it from the mold. If you’ve used cooking spray or petroleum jelly, the stone should quickly come out of the mold. Flip over the mold and lightly tap on the bottom until the stone is released. Be careful during this process to avoid damaging the stone. If you’ve used a disposable mold like a pizza box, you can also carefully cut it away. Once removed, let the stepping stone sit for another day or two to ensure it’s thoroughly dried all the way through before moving on to the next step.
Step 8: Sand the Edges
Once your stepping stone is thoroughly dry, rough edges might need to be smoothed out. Wear protective gloves and use sandpaper or a sanding block to gently sand down any rough or sharp edges on the stone. Always rub in a single direction rather than back and forth to avoid chipping. This step will make the stepping stone safer to handle and walk on, especially for children.
Step 9: Paint Your Stepping Stone
With smooth edges, it’s time to bring more life to your stepping stone. Grab your paints and brushes, and let your creativity shine. Paint the handprints and any other designs as per your preference. Acrylic colors are vibrant and long-lasting and work well for this purpose. You can also use patio or outdoor craft paint for added weather resistance. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the last step.
Step 10: Seal Your Stepping Stone
The final step in creating your handprint stepping stone is to seal it. Sealing your stepping stone will help protect the paint and ensure the stepping stone withstands outdoor conditions. Using a clear outdoor sealant, carefully apply a layer over the entire stepping stone. Make sure to cover the handprints and all painted areas. Follow the instructions on your chosen sealant product for the best results. Typically, you must let the sealant dry for at least 24 hours. Once the glue is fully dried, your handprint stepping stone will be placed in your garden or outdoor space.
Following these simple steps, you can easily create a unique and special handprint stepping stone with your children that will be cherished for years.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Stone Material: When making handprint stepping stones, it’s crucial to use a stone material that is sturdy and captures details well. Concrete is popular due to its durability and ability to preserve handprints.
- Prepare the Hands: To get a clear handprint, ensure the hand is clean and dry. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the needle to prevent the concrete from sticking and to ensure an easy release.
- Control the Depth: Press the hand into the concrete properly. If you press too lightly, the print may not appear, but if you press too hard, you may end up with a hole rather than a print.
- Proper Drying: Allow the stepping stone to dry thoroughly. Rushing this process may result in cracks or a distorted handprint.
- Preserve the Stepping Stone: Apply a straightforward, outdoor-friendly sealant to protect the handprint stepping stone from weather elements and extend its longevity.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can ensure a successful and long-lasting handprint stepping-stone project. Remember to have fun and be creative with your designs!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using a Wet Mixture: While it might seem easier to press a handprint into a wetter concrete mixture, the result can be indistinct print and lacking in detail. Aim for a consistency similar to that of brownie batter.
- Remember the Release Agent: Forgetting to apply a release agent like petroleum jelly can lead to the hand sticking to the concrete, which could cause discomfort and affect the print quality.
- Stay Away from Shallow Prints: If the handprint is too shallow, it can fade over time. Ensure the print is deep enough to last but not so profound that it penetrates entirely through the concrete.
- Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Moving the stone before it’s thoroughly dried is tempting, but this can lead to cracks or a distorted handprint. Be patient and let it dry naturally and completely.
- Avoid Skipping the Sealant: The sealant is crucial in preventing weather damage and extending the life of your handprint stepping stone. Be sure to apply it after the stone has completely dried.
Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure a successful and long-lasting handprint stepping-stone project.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to make handprint stepping stones is not only a fun and creative activity but also a meaningful way to preserve and celebrate memories. Following the simple steps outlined in this post, you can easily make unique and personalized stepping stones for your garden or walkway. Remember to use your own personal touches to make them truly special, whether it’s adding colorful mosaic pieces or incorporating inspirational quotes. And don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – after all, that’s what makes these stepping stones so unique!
So go ahead and gather your materials, enlist the help of friends or family members, and let your creativity run wild. These handprint stepping stones will not only enhance your outdoor space’s aesthetic but will also serve as a reminder of precious moments shared with loved ones. Happy crafting!