Capture the essence of your summer adventures with a unique and personal keepsake: DIY Summer Keepsake Stepping Stone. This creative project lets you immortalize the special moments and mementos collected over the summer, turning them into a beautiful and lasting memory. Imagine embedding cherished items like seashells, beach badges, or penny souvenirs into a stepping stone you can place in your garden or backyard. Each glance at the stone will transport you back to sunny days, seaside trips, and family fun. Join us in creating a one-of-a-kind stepping stone that celebrates your summer story!
Check out more fantastical projects from our friend @LuLuMake! 
Materials
Made By Me Mix & Mold Your Own Stepping Stones
1 Cup of Water
1 Disposable Bowl
Little Treasures like Seashells, Coins, Beads, Etc.
Instructions
Plan Ahead for Your Summer Keepsake Stepping Stone
Step 1.
Before you dive into creating your Summer Keepsake Stepping Stone, take some time to plan ahead and design your unique piece. Sketch a few ideas on a piece of paper to visualize the layout and placement of your treasures. Whether you’re using seashells, beach badges, or penny souvenirs, knowing where you want to place each item is essential.
Since the mold mix will harden quickly, having a clear plan will help you work efficiently and ensure your keepsake turns out exactly how you envision it.
Plan Ahead for Your Summer Keepsake Stepping Stone
Step 1.
Before you dive into creating your Summer Keepsake Stepping Stone, take some time to plan ahead and design your unique piece. Sketch a few ideas on a piece of paper to visualize the layout and placement of your treasures. Whether you’re using seashells, beach badges, or penny souvenirs, knowing where you want to place each item is essential.
Since the mold mix will harden quickly, having a clear plan will help you work efficiently and ensure your keepsake turns out exactly how you envision it.
Preparing Your Mold
Step 2.
Protect your working area with cardboard or old newspapers. Follow the kit’s instructions to prepare your mold. Remember to put on gloves and a mask before mixing the mold material. Mix until smooth, then pour it into your mold, spreading it evenly and tapping the sides to release air bubbles. Smooth the surface, and you’re ready to place your treasures.
Preparing Your Mold
Step 2.
Protect your working area with cardboard or old newspapers. Follow the kit’s instructions to prepare your mold. Remember to put on gloves and a mask before mixing the mold material. Mix until smooth, then pour it into your mold, spreading it evenly and tapping the sides to release air bubbles. Smooth the surface, and you’re ready to place your treasures.
Adding Your Treasures
Step 3.
Work carefully yet quickly as you begin inserting your treasures into the mold. Aim to place each item correctly on the first try. If adjustments are needed, use a long, narrow stick or needle to nudge the item into place. After placing your items, gently tap the mold to smooth the surface again.
Adding Your Treasures
Step 3.
Work carefully yet quickly as you begin inserting your treasures into the mold. Aim to place each item correctly on the first try. If adjustments are needed, use a long, narrow stick or needle to nudge the item into place. After placing your items, gently tap the mold to smooth the surface again.
Letting the Plaster Set
Step 4.
Once you’ve applied all your treasures, let the mold sit undisturbed for at least an hour and a half before moving to the next step. This allows the material to harden and ensures your keepsake will hold its shape.
Letting the Plaster Set
Step 4.
Once you’ve applied all your treasures, let the mold sit undisturbed for at least an hour and a half before moving to the next step. This allows the material to harden and ensures your keepsake will hold its shape.
Sketching Time!
Step 5.
For our summer keepsake, we decided to go with a mermaid theme! Feel free to choose and sketch whatever theme you like. Once the top layer of your stone has hardened, you can start drawing your design. This will guide you when you begin painting and adding final details to your steppingstone.
Sketching Time!
Step 5.
For our summer keepsake, we decided to go with a mermaid theme! Feel free to choose and sketch whatever theme you like. Once the top layer of your stone has hardened, you can start drawing your design. This will guide you when you begin painting and adding final details to your steppingstone.
Painting Your Sketch
Step 6.
Using the paint set and paintbrush included in your kit, it’s time to bring your summer theme to life! Dip your brush into the chosen colors and carefully paint, following your sketch as a guide. Once you’ve finished painting, let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Painting Your Sketch
Step 6.
Using the paint set and paintbrush included in your kit, it’s time to bring your summer theme to life! Dip your brush into the chosen colors and carefully paint, following your sketch as a guide. Once you’ve finished painting, let the paint dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Adding Details with Dot Painting!
Step 7.
Painting between the objects can be tricky, so let’s simplify it by using the end of your paintbrush. Simply dip the end of your paintbrush into the paint and make dots around the objects to add detail and texture. I use two colors but feel free to add as many colors as you want to enhance your design. Remember to clean the end of the paintbrush between applying different colors to prevent them from mixing. This technique will add depth and charm to your theme, making it truly captivating.
Adding Details with Dot Painting!
Step 7.
Painting between the objects can be tricky, so let’s simplify it by using the end of your paintbrush. Simply dip the end of your paintbrush into the paint and make dots around the objects to add detail and texture. I use two colors but feel free to add as many colors as you want to enhance your design. Remember to clean the end of the paintbrush between applying different colors to prevent them from mixing. This technique will add depth and charm to your theme, making it truly captivating.
Adding Final Touches
Step 8.
Once your painting is dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your work of art! Add any details you like—arches, dots, stars, lines, or anything else that inspires you. This is your chance to let your creativity flow and make your theme unique. If you’re feeling crafty, aim to create a dreamy background that complements your design. Let your imagination run wild, and let your creativity shine!
Adding Final Touches
Step 8.
Once your painting is dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your work of art! Add any details you like—arches, dots, stars, lines, or anything else that inspires you. This is your chance to let your creativity flow and make your theme unique. If you’re feeling crafty, aim to create a dreamy background that complements your design. Let your imagination run wild, and let your creativity shine!
