by Jana Barrett

Created on: July 06, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

As a middle school art teacher, I find myself struggling to find projects that teens enjoy. Children this age are very self conscious and often "hold back" when creating rather than risk drawing attention to themselves or their work. Another thing that turns teens off is traditional art history lessons. I prefer to introduce the "project" and then sprinkle facts on them while they are working. It is amazing what they retain as they work and listen.

One project teens enjoy is making stepping stones. It is cheap, easy, fun and relatively quick - usually the stone is set enough to remove from the mold within 24 hours.

Material List includes:

The material list includes, mortar mix (cement mix has gravel in it and makes it difficult to push marbles into it surface);

Tin foil pie or cake pans shape and size is determined by the artist's preference.

Various objects to use as a design element, such as marbles, pieces of cut colored glass, sea shells, unusual stones, or even broken shards of old china or ceramic dishes.

Water; A five gallon bucket full is ideal

Stirring sticks; these could be old rulers, paint stirrers, or discarded spoons. (Once you have used utensils for this project do not use with food again)

Begin by working the design out on a piece of paper the same size as the mold (tin pan). This is a very important (and time consuming) process as it is difficult to change the design once you have begun. As students are working on their designs, I might discuss Native American designs and their meaning, or talk about the Mosaics of Tuscany. If this is a project the teen is doing at home, a parent and child could talk about family trees, crests, and other symbols that relate to their heritage.

Next, fill the mold within 1/2 of the rim with dry mortar mix. Add water to the mix until it is the consistency of a cheesecake. Do not use too much water. If water sits on the surface, drain off by firmly holding on the sides of the pan and pouring the excess water off.

Pick the pan up and drop carefully; drop it several times until all the air bubbles stop coming to the top and the surface is smooth and level.

Transfer the stones, rocks, shells, and other items from the table to the cement. Push the objects in very lightly, but well enough that they are embedded into the mortar mix. If mix gets on the objects carefully wipe them off with a damp sponge after all the pieces are in place. You may also clean the surface when you remove the stone from the mold.

Place is a safe out of the way place to dry. Especially store them away from curious pets, lest you wake up to a stepping stone bearing paw prints, or that has stones missing.

Once the stone has been removed from the mold it is ready to set outside. Stones may be stepped on only if they are thick enough. A stone that is 2-3 or more thick will stand up to traffic better than one that is thinner, so make sure your stone is substantial.

Stepping stones also make beautiful markers for pet graves and for decorating graves of loved ones (make sure to check with cemetery guidelines before placing stepping stones. Stepping stones also make great gifts.

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