Make Mosaic Stepping Stones with Tile & Mortar

These decorative steppers are beautiful but slippery when wet. Break flea-market plates/tiles safely: place in shallow box, cover with cloth, wear safety glasses, crack with hammer or tile pincers. Handle sharp pieces carefully. Alternatives: pebbles, shells, jewels, colored glass, marbles.

Materials

• Plain precast concrete garden stone
• Ceramic tiles or plates
• Thin-set mortar
• Poly-blend sanded tile grout (optional)
• 3/16″-notch tile trowel
• Large rubber spatula or rubber tile trowel
• Hammer or tile pincers
• Safety glasses
• Large buckets, sponge
• Heavy rubber gloves
• Soft cloth

Steps

1. Wet stone thoroughly. Mix thin-set to slightly runny peanut butter consistency. Spread 1/4–1/2″ layer on part of stone with notched trowel.

2. Arrange pieces as desired, pressing lightly into mortar. Add mortar under pieces for even surface. Leave gaps for grout. Clean excess mortar. Dry overnight.

3. Mix grout per package. Scoop onto stone, spread with spatula/trowel, push into gaps. Add as needed, remove excess. Smooth grout on sides. (Mortar can substitute for grout.)

4. Clean with wet sponge: wipe sides, then top in both directions, rinsing sponge often. Don't remove too much grout from gaps. Dry 24–48 hrs, buff with soft cloth.