DIY Kid's Handprint Stepping Stone: A Fun and Easy Garden Project

Updated at: 17/05/2025

Transform your garden into a whimsical wonderland with these adorable, personalized stepping stones! Creating DIY handprint stepping stones with your kids is a fantastically fun and rewarding project that combines creativity with outdoor fun. It's a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon crafting lasting memories, while simultaneously adding a unique touch to your garden path or play area. These charming stepping stones are surprisingly easy to make, even for little hands, and require only readily available materials. They're also a wonderful opportunity to teach children about nature and the creative process.

Forget expensive, impersonal garden ornaments; let your children's creativity blossom with this simple yet effective project. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to create these beautiful handprint stepping stones, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable crafting experience for everyone involved. So gather your supplies and prepare to be amazed by the results!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Milestone kids stepping stone kit
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Old newspapers
  • Dry paintbrush
  • Yard and garden durable outdoor paint
  • Small paintbrush
  • Cement glue (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times. Children should not handle cement mix or sharp tools.
  • Wear protective gloves and eye protection when working with cement. Cement can irritate skin and eyes.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area. Cement dust can be harmful if inhaled.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Workspace

    • Prepare your workspace by laying down newspapers.
    Prepare your workspace by laying down newspapers.
    Prepare the Workspace

  2. Mix the Concrete

    • Mix the concrete according to the kit's instructions. Add water gradually until you reach the right consistency. Keep children away from the concrete dust.
    Mix the concrete according to the kit's instructions. Add water gradually until you reach the right consistency. Keep children away from the concrete dust.
    Mix the Concrete

  3. Prepare the Mold

    • Spread the concrete mix evenly into the provided mold.
    • Add glitter to the concrete.
    Add glitter to the concrete.Add glitter to the concrete.
    Prepare the Mold

  4. Create the Handprint

    • Press the child's hand firmly into the concrete.
    • Immediately wash the child's hands.
    Immediately wash the child's hands.Immediately wash the child's hands.
    Create the Handprint

  5. Add Details

    • Write the child's name and the date using the provided tool.
    • Add decorative stones to any empty spaces.
    Add decorative stones to any empty spaces.Add decorative stones to any empty spaces.
    Add Details

  6. Drying and Finishing

    • Let the stepping stone dry completely for at least 24 hours in a flat, dry area.
    • Once dry, gently brush off any excess glitter.
    • Paint the handprint using outdoor paint and a small paintbrush, using dabbing motions to fill crevices.
    • Allow the paint to dry completely.
    Allow the paint to dry completely.Allow the paint to dry completely.Allow the paint to dry completely.Allow the paint to dry completely.
    Drying and Finishing

  7. Repair (if needed)

    • If cracks appear, use cement glue to repair.
    If cracks appear, use cement glue to repair.
    Repair (if needed)

  8. Display

    • Place your finished stepping stone in your garden.
    Place your finished stepping stone in your garden.
    Display

Read more: DIY Story Stones: Budget-Friendly Sensory Play for Kids

Tips

  • Protect your work surface with newspapers.
  • Keep children away from the wet concrete mix to prevent them from breathing in the dust.
  • Use a dabbing motion when painting to ensure even coverage in the crevices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much water in the mix

Reason: Excessive water weakens the concrete, resulting in a fragile stepping stone that cracks easily.
Solution: Use the recommended water amount in your concrete mix instructions and ensure a consistent, not runny, mixture.

2. Insufficient curing time

Reason: Prematurely moving or using the stepping stone before the concrete fully sets leads to cracking, crumbling, and an uneven surface.
Solution: Allow the stepping stone to cure completely for the recommended period (usually several days to a week) before handling or placing it outdoors.

3. Handprint too shallow or not well-defined

Reason: A faint handprint will be barely visible or disappear entirely once the stone is dry; using too much pressure may crack the cement.
Solution: Press the hand firmly but gently into the wet concrete, ensuring complete coverage and enough depth to retain detail.

FAQs

What kind of cement mix should I use for the stepping stones?
A pre-mixed concrete mix designed for patching or small projects works best. Avoid using quick-setting cement as it dries too quickly for detailed handprints.
How long do the stepping stones need to dry before I can move them?
Leave the stepping stones undisturbed for at least 24-48 hours to allow the concrete to fully cure. Longer is better, especially in humid conditions.
What if my child's handprint isn't clear enough?
Gently press the child's hand firmly into the wet concrete, ensuring full contact. You can re-wet the concrete around the print if needed. If the print is still faint, consider using a slightly thicker layer of concrete.