Cement Stepping Stone Walk of Fame

You don't have to be a Hollywood Movie Star to be part of a memorable "Walk of Fame."

By leaving your hand or footprint in a wet cement stepping stone, you'll make an impression that will last forever in your own garden! This is a project I have done every summer with my children since they were quite young. It literally takes only 20 minutes to mix and form (plus overnight for cure time) and the memories last forever. Cost is around $20.00. My children enjoy strolling through their personal walk of fame again and again. They like checking to see how much they've grown. We always include the footprints of our pets - Gerbils, Guinea Pigs, and of course our precious dog!

You will need the following supplies, available at most craft stores such as Micheals or Joann Fabrics and Crafts

• One box of Portland Cement. I prefer Milestone brand.
  
• Plastic mold (available individually, or sold as part of a set with the cement mix)
  
• Measuring cup
  
• Bucket, or large mixing container for mixing cement
• Buck of clean water for washing feet, hands and tools
  
• Wooden paint stick for stirring
  
• Popsicle stick for writing names, or plastic letters for stamping onto wet cement
  
• Misc. charms, rocks, shells or mementos for added decoration
  

1) Set all supplies out ahead of time so that you aren't dashing around for them after you have started. The mix set's relatively quickly. You won't have time to collect what you need once you have started. I put my children on alert too - "get ready. I'm going to need you soon."

2) Following the directions on the box, pour the cement into your mixing container in a well ventilate space - preferably outside.

3) Pour 2 cups of water into the powder, then stir. If the mix is too dry, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time. It is important to NOT to add too much water.

4) Mix the cement and water to a consistency that will hold its shape when you press your hand into it.

5) Pour the cement mix into the mold.

Shake the plastic tray until the cement has settled and leveled. Any roughness or cracks, can be smoothed with your fingers.

6) Call your children and help press their foot or hand into the wet cement. 

Be sure to push their toes into the mix by pressing down gently on each one. Lift their foot STRAIGHT UP as they step out for a clean impression. Don't you love that black nail polish?

If the impression isn't to your liking, smooth it out with a little water on your fingers and try it again. You'll have about 20 minutes to work with the cement before it starts to set.

7) Once the impressions have been made, completely wash hands and feet in a nearby bucket of water.

8) Using the tip of a Popsicle stick, or plastic letter stamps, press names and the date into the wet cement.

9) Place the tray on a flat surface where it can cure overnight undisturbed.

10) Completely wash all the tools you have used while the cement is still wet.

After your stone has cured overnight, turn the plastic mold and cement stone gently over onto the grass so that it is face down. The plastic mold should easily pull away and release itself from the cement stone.