Project: Paint-A-Patio™ Stepping Stone

Supplies included with Kit K120:

StenSource® Paint-A-Patio™ Stencil BD5702
DecoArt Patio Paints:
1 bottle DCP17R Golden Honey
1 bottle DCP14R Cloud White
1 bottle DCP21R Wrought Iron Black
1 bottle DCP13R Sprout Green
1 bottle DCP02R Foxglove Pink
1 KB - 3/8" artist brush
1 KSS small sea sponge

Supplies Needed:

Appropriately sized cement stepping stone
Paper plate
Paper towels
Large brush or sponge
Scissors

Purchase the kit for this project here or browse our other kits.

A Few Notes Before You Begin:

When stenciling any surface, you want to use what is commonly referred to as a "dry brush" method. This is loading your brush, or sponge, then on a piece of paper, removing most of the paint. This will allow you to add color to the design without having the paint "bleed" under the edges of the stencil.

Also, when using sponges, make sure they are sea sponges preferably with lots of little "fingers" or texture on the surface of the sponge. Always wet your sponge first and wring out thoroughly so the sponge is just barely damp.

Instructions:

Begin by making sure your stepping stone is free from loose particles and dirt. If your stone has obvious dirt, wash and make sure it is thoroughly dry before beginning.

Step 1: Using a large sponge or brush, base coat the stepping stone with a neutral color such as light beige. (This can be achieved by mixing Cloud White with Golden Honey on to the paper plate). Allow this to dry for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cut the critters off the bottom of your stepping stone stencil to allow you to work more freely with the stencil.
Step 3: Prepare a palette for stenciling by squeezing a small amount of each color (the size of a quarter) listed above, on the paper plate.
Step 4: Laying the stencil over the stepping stone hold in place. Using a small piece of sea sponge, apply paint to your stepping stone, beginning with Golden Honey. Mix some Golden Honey with a bit of Cloud White, then sponge in random areas of the stone pattern. Finally, using the Wrought Iron Black, sponge on shading around the edges of the stone pattern. Be sure to allow each layer to dry to the tacky stage before applying next color. The edges of the stepping stone can be stenciled as well, or left plain. To stencil the edges use the "tops" of the rocks from any portion of the stencil.
Step 5: Allow the base colors to dry completely, then paint your critters on beginning with the background silhouette (using Wrought Iron Black).
Step 6: Finally, add the detail to your critters using the artist brush. Sprout Green is what we used for the turtle, with a hint of Cloud White to give it some depth, and Foxglove Pink on the butterfly, again with a small amount of Cloud White randomly applied to add depth.
Step 7: Holding your brush perpendicular to the surface of your stepping stone, use a "pouncing" action to apply the paint.
Step 8: Allow your finished stepping stone to dry for 24 hours to cure. You can also add paw prints, ivy, or any other small vine to liven up your stepping stone. These make great gifts for the gardener!

| | | |
|

The designs on this website are registered under international copyright law by StenSource® International, Inc. and our designers. They may not be used for commercial reproduction in any form or by any means including graphic, electronic and/or mechanical.

Site Design by Julie Krefta and R. Jay Bunten Consulting