PEBBLE MOSAIC STEPPING STONES

COLLECT SOME RIVER ROCK AND MAKE YOUR OWN UNIQUE STEPPINGSTONE PATH

- JEFF GORTON

Alice Medley loves to create works of art from the pebbles she collects. And she was generous enough to invite us into her garage workshop to show us how to make these beautiful pebble mosaic steppingstones. She uses a "dry-set" technique that makes it easy to change or adjust the pattern as you go without having to dig the stones out of wet mortar.

Medley also shared the plans for an ingenious reusable wooden mold that she purchased from a North Woods carpenter. The initial investment for this project-about $80—covers the plywood, a bag of mortar, the pigment and the muriatic acid. That's enough to make about seven or eight stepping stones. After that, each one will cost you less than a dollar.

MEET THE EXPERT

ALICE MEDLEY STARTED OUT USING MORE TRADITIONAL MOSAIC MATERIALS LIKE GLASS AND TILE FOR HER OUTDOOR ART PROJECTS. THEN SHE DISCOVERED SHE COULD MARRY HER LOVE OF STONES WITH HER LOVE OF MOSAICS.

BUILD THE MOLD 

A small sheet of 3/4-in. plywood and some 114-in. screws are all you'll need to build the mold. Cut out the pieces according to the Cutting List. Figure A shows how the parts go together. When you're done, brush linseed or vegetable oil on the mold to protect it from moisture.

COLLECT THE STONES 

Medley collects her stones in northern Minnesota. You'll find similar stones in most parts of the country. Look for them in river and creek beds or along lakeshores. Wherever you find them, make sure you have permission and that it's legal to collect them. Another possible source is your local landscape supplier or wherever landscaping stone is sold.