How To Make A Mosaic Stepping Stone

I often get asked how to make a mosaic stepping stone, so in today's 'How to Mosaic' I'm detailing the process involved. There are two techniques for that can be used; these are the indirect and direct method of mosaics. The indirect method involves embedding the tiles into the stepping stone, whereas the direct method involves adhering the tiles to the top. The direct method is the one I will be focusing on today.

To give you a better idea, below is a photo of a mosaic stepping stone I made a few years ago using the direct method. Sadly the beautiful glass shapes pictured are no longer available (just in case you are interested in them!).

Materials Required:

Mosaic tiles
Tile cutter or wheeled nippers (depending on if you are using ceramic or glass tiles)
Garden paver
Waterproof cement based adhesive
Sealer - You can use grout additive as the sealer
Grout + grout additive (improves the flexibility of the grout)
Tools & supplies
Mixing adhesive – Container & implement for mixing
Applying adhesive – Paint brush or palette knife
Grouting – Container for mixing grout, implement for mixing grout, container for water, sponge or cloth, gloves.

Instructions

Prepare your paver by sealing it. This is necessary as pavers are porous which if not sealed would result in the grout to dry and potentially crack.
Plan your design & transfer onto paver. The outline of the design is adequate for making a mosaic.
Pre-cut mosaic tiles
Spread adhesive onto mosaic base with either a paint brush or palette knife, you are creating a bed of adhesive which the tiles are then stuck into. Apply adhesive in small sections as if the adhesive dries out it will need to be removed and reapplied.
Place mosaic tiles into the adhesive
Allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours prior to grouting
Remove any excess adhesive from the top of the tiles. Any adhesive level with the tiles will show through the grout so it needs to be removed. A sharp thin implement will be required.
Grout the mosaic, see the ‘Beginners Guide to Grouting’. We recommend adding grout additive to the grout
in a ratio to water of 50/50.