Re: stepping stones

Posted by Angel on December 10, 2001 at 15:05:52:

In Reply to: stepping stones posted by Mary H. on December 04, 2001 at 14:52:23:

: I have a question about stepping stones. I plan on making some for gifts. Do you need to fill around the entire outside of the main pattern with mosaic glass before cementing? Also,is it neccessary to bring the stones inside in the winter since I live in Wisconsin. What type of cement do you use?
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Mary, there are 2 basic methods for making stepping stones. The DIRECT Method is done by gluing mosaic or cut glass pattern pieces on a pre-made stone just as you would make any mosaic on wood or glass etc. It's then grouted. It takes a bit of skill and practice to get the grouting smooth on the sides or know where to stop on the edges, but in the hands of a skilled person Direct stones can be lovely. If done haphazardly, they look very amateurish. Their resistance to climate depends on the quality of the base paver stone used and how well you seal them.

The INDIRECT method is done by placing the pattern face side down on contact paper that has been cut to EXACTLY fit the mold. The pattern can completely fill the surface, be centralized with a plain background or have mosaic pieces added to the background. Concrete is poured over the pattern and when unmolded will be smooth and even on the surface and sides.

Silicon Folly is my website which began as a place to post the Stepping Stone Manual that I wrote to utilize Cole Sonafrank's concrete formula. It's just my way of giving something back. I sent out 350 copies of the Manual on private request before I got smart enough to post it. There are other free methods there as well now, like the Copper tube method for framing garden stakes. The website is totaly NON-COMMERCIAL (no banner ads either) and all information there is FREE for reading, printing or downloading. The Manual is in 2 parts. Part one deals with the techniques which apply to all methods...but espcially the Indirect. Part 2 deals with the wonderful formula derived from Cole's research into concrete. The results are as smooth as marble and impervious to all kinds of weather (developed for use in Alaska). The "studio pre-mixes" like Diamondcrete etc. which produce smooth stones are about 30 to 40% gypsum and do not last in outdoor weather (any more than dry wall would outside).

There is also a NEWS section that's an addendum to the original Manual. It in includes a very good DIRECT mosaic method by an experienced person as well as a cost breakdown of the high end formula and hints on using the special ingredients.

Don't miss the Gallery of stones by "just us stoners"...not necessary to be a pro to get pics in there. I've lately been using the concrete formula to cast garden plaques from urethane molds that I made. Some are pictured in the Gallery and show the incredible detail you can get in good molds with a fine concrete formula.

I invite anybody interested in Stones or Mosaics to take a look at Silicon Folly. I'm always glad to communicate and answer questions in e-mail.

Thanks for the new forum, Gary. Never enough places for communication for those of us who are obsessed with Stained glass and the concrete arts.