How to make faux stepping stones that ACTUALLY look real!

Hi everyone and welcome to my channel, today I'll show you how to make stepping stones (or any stones) that will look like real ones! The shape, the texture and the color - everything is important, if you want to make concrete look like natural stone, and I'll show you how to do that.
Here is the link to the video with hypertufa recipe, I made planters out of it. And as it turned out, hypertufa stepping stones look just as good)
• Making hypertufa plant...
Here is the recipe I used:
2 parts Portland cement
1 part peat moss
1 part vermiculite
a handful of fibers for concrete
vermiculite big 70 quarts bag: amzn.to/3GumNh9
vermiculite 8 quarts bag: amzn.to/3MRJG0x
fibers for reinforcement (as I found out they actually suggest them for using in hypertufa mixture):
amzn.to/3Nauc7O
amzn.to/3a4aE6s
I also used concrete pigment, but didn't really like the final color. So for painting the stones I used latex colorants and a concrete sealer. Unfortunately I haven't found colorants like this on Amazon, but you can use an acrylic paint for the same purpose, it's just less pigmented than colorants.
I also found a special stain for concrete which might be even easier to use:
amzn.to/3tvU0Um
Here is a sealer you could use as well (with colorants or paint): amzn.to/3NNBmzw
water-repellent sealer like the one I used to protect the stones from water (this is optional): amzn.to/3QbxsC9
email: [e-mail]
Instagram: irina_mydiylife

[@debsvintagediy]

Hi Irene. Could you do an update on you stone's? How do they look now that spring has arrived in your part of the world? Did the moss grow? We would love to see how they look now.

[@FisherCatProductions]

Best, most realistic looking stone creations I have see! Excellent inspiration for me. Thank you!

[@tammyjohnson7401]

Hi not only talented doll restorer but great DIY creator. Thank you, so glad your channel popped up.

[@anniedurrant7779]

Your creativity is inspiring and your spoken English so eloquent. Thank you 🙏

[@christinestraub1994]

Beautiful❤️did the moss mixture you made grow what a awesome idea love your garden

[@jannoliver1434]

This was absolutely fabulous!!! Thank you! Great job.

[@tmontero8492]

Wow, Irene! Your stones are PERFECT! You are a very clever and innovative person! I have been considering making similar stepping stones for a pathway in my yard. I love your ideas, thank you so much for sharing your method. ❤

[@lisakunish936]

Beautiful! You did a fabulous job coloring the stones. They look very natural!

[@IrenesDIY]

Thanks!

[@bettyannecourtright4249]

You just keep coming up with more amazing diy’s

[@carolyntorres8171]

I appreciate that the form is so inexpensive and made easily from cardboard. Well done! Beautiful steps! 🎉❤

[@babytazz2d]

Wow amazing I love watching all of your videos. You are so talented. I can’t wait to see the next video.

[@worldcooking]

An activity worthy of all admiration for the tasteful arrangement of this splendid green garden!

[@anilekka3501]

One thing I like about u the most that you make mould of all things very easily you got some engineering skill

[@lyndioli]

They look like they've been there for ages, just like the look you were going for!👍👏

[@Projectsforlife2021]

Thank you for these wonderful home decorations ideas

[@skipjack6974]

Great idea for the type of stones YOU wanted. I just started following your channel. You are correct, many garden centers just don’t have the look you need to create just what you want. Those stones look great with the planters you already have made. It is like your garden has been there for centuries. Well done, and thank you for the videos!

[@teresaholland4790]

Very nicely done beautiful work on your art

[@k.robintaylor8272]

Loving your projects!

[@teresaestevezalvarez664]

Great job, they look very natural as if they had always had been there💯

[@sianscountrylife4925]

Excellent job and just the video I was searching for 🙂🙂🙂

[@ollwynaspinall1991]

✨ Wow those stepping stones look fantastic an excellent job 👏👏❤️ they look really natural👌😀 love them ❤️❤️

[@linnea9017]

Very nice result and tutorial. Thank you. :)

[@RosiePoly]

Love the result!

[@randymarshall1267]

I like how you showed the whole process.

[@dawnmann5256]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this tutorial! I cast my stones directly on the ground, using cardboard forms, and they turned out great!

[@IrenesDIY]

Glad you liked it! 🥰

[@ivawka999]

@@IrenesDIY Ирина а если агроперлит использовать вместо вермикулита ?

[@k.robintaylor8272]

Do you mean that you made a recess in the ground, put the cardboard form around it, and just poured the mixture in?

[@PrayerOpensDoor]

Wonderful video. Can one use perlite instead and where do you buy these fibres please?

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

​@@PrayerOpensDoor I've seen both at garden centers!

[@berthasanchez6559]

Irina you are so talented they look amazing!

[@IrenesDIY]

Thanks!

[@esvedra2419]

I love how it looks and wish I saw this video before I made my boring cement stones.

[@user-mi5wf2jx2d]

Amazing ideas, good job!

[@angelinabarajas6542]

Very nice work thank you for sharing with us❤❤❤😊

[@pgabrielfreak]

This looks great!

[@donnawojdacz6969]

You did a great job!

[@tikitiki7610]

0good grief, girl! we all wish we had some of your energy and smarts. marvelous channel. wish i had found you 20 years ago!!! ha! thank you for sharing.

[@margaretharris7200]

Looks fantastic

[@carlametcalfe4342]

Looks amazing

[@omar_rwemi]

Amazing job!

[@autumnsky8647]

Love it! Thank you!

[@idaknowsit6146]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial! Your pathway looks great!

[@farmervee_yt]

Lovely. You did a great job.

[@patspikes8492]

Hello, I love what you create. Thanks for sharing. So, you don't use any sand?

[@bwielgus]

Very helpful tutorial. I’m curious if the moss took root?

[@seamus6994]

Well done. Great Channel by the way...

[@flamingo2166]

Excellent job! Chicken wire was a great supporting material!

[@gardencat8888]

Love these! What if I used dirt instead of peat moss?

[@ollwynaspinall1991]

✨ Hi Irene I'm new to your channel and I've watched quite a few videos of yours and must admit you have the greatest impressive talent (a gift) 👏👏😊 you have magical golden hands 👐❤️✨ I love your channel a pleasure to watch 🤗 I've just subscribed 😊

[@vlrissolo]

AANOTHER GREAT JOB!

[@maryhairy1]

Looks the real thing!

[@roxannelucky]

Awesome job! Wish I had the energy for this but too old now.

[@evelyngonzalez8028]

WOW 😮 they look amazing I also love your fence, what is it made of? Thank you for sharing 🙏🥰

[@IrenesDIY]

Thanks! It is made of reed

[@sherryroberts7716]

Irene!! Wouldn't it be easier to go to Japan and buy a few rocks and bring them home !! LOL The result, however, is quite lovely, you did a great job! As an idea, next time maybe take a photo of all your finished prizes and then print that out on your printer. Arrange them in their paper form until you are giddy with happiness!

[@georgepappas3790]

Love Ochre color ❤

[@sungminyang5380]

I watched your Japanese concrete lantern, and this video. I bet you love chicken wires lol. I think I should like it too. I like your video and idea. Anyway now I'm following your channel! Thanks for your video

[@cynthiacisneros1694]

I like it❣️

[@hennahani]

Love it

[@c9sus4]

thank you.

[@lnixon236]

Where did you get the bamboo screening behind you?

[@tammimullen9456]

Very nice. 💜👏👏👏👍👍👍🥰

[@lechatbotte.]

You did such a great job. Clever using the cardboard that way.

[@pagevpetty]

Nice, thanks for sharing. Maybe if you put plastic in the mold you wouldn't have to make new ones, but it would take a lot longer to make one at a time.

[@sylviajames3476]

Great idea, but as peat moss is now a precious commodity, well the use of it is frowned upon, in the UK. Can other materials be used instead to give the same effect, such as straw, etc be added to non peat compost?

[@IrenesDIY]

Hi, yes, straw would work there too, or coconut fibers..

[@patspikes8492]

So what I have tried today: Made your recipe in two batch. One with brown color, the same you used and didn't like, but i have used less quantity. And I way lighter color, stone beige color. Mix then separately. So I had 2 buckets. Then I take a piece or each, and I apply on my surface. The goal is to make 1 stone different shades.

[@kamalratandiwan]

Super 👌👌

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thanks

[@siiiriously3226]

They look great! Are they winterproof at freezing temperatures?

[@IrenesDIY]

Sure! We have up to -30C in winter here and they withstood that without problems

[@kamoreo]

Queen

[@kimgumm4403]

What are you using too make these stones Can you give me list of each into the cement ???? And what colorent you using ??? And the milk stuff the water proofing I did get the name of it long name wow !! I'm going try make these !! But so fast trying see what each thing going into making these !! Thank you wow great !! I do stepping stones me ! But always like new things with cement crafts me yours really great but can't read that fast all stuff you put in cement or on the top of them !! ??? Thank you just list all that would help me find all too make these great stones !!! thank you Kim Indiana me ...

[@kimgumm4403]

I didn't get the names of all you put into the stones got cement but other stuff too put into them ???? Thank you want too make them me ?????.Kim

[@TuckerSP2011]

Great job! They look so great but I think you should just try to wet the stones and stick moss on them rather than that mixture. Since you sealed the concrete the moss would probably stick directly to it. I just love your path.

[@IrenesDIY]

Thanks a lot! Will try this as well)

[@Pinkvictors]

I took moss and laid it directly on my rock around my pond n it grew.

[@maribabette2205]

You could use a bag instead of using a bunch of tape inside

[@fomobull4187]

Very nice. If only there was a mold for organic stones. Like the quikrete molds, but shaped on all sides. Because that seems very labour intensive. I would not use my hands to mix cement, you can get terrible burns.

[@jamiegallier2106]

❤

[@samanthapateman8054]

Tinfoil slightly crunched up inside the cardboard might help speed up the texture process.

[@MaMa-sc9yb]

😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jenc8953]

At first the stones looked like doggie biscuits but after you placed them in the garden with the sedum growing around it, it looks very realistic.

[@epiphgd4302]

Why peat moss? will it not degrade really easily?

[@IrenesDIY]

That's the point! Peat moss leaves nice little caverns when degraded and you'll get realistic porous surface)

[@epiphgd4302]

@@IrenesDIY How do they look now?- I'm skeptical!

[@bettyannecourtright4249]

I see a sewing machine stand in your yard. Are you planning a diy or has it been diy

[@IrenesDIY]

Hi, actually we were planning to make a table for crafting from another ald sewing machine we have at home) I can make a video about this if you are interested)

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I think they look great, but per stone, they must have cost a fair amount. Peat is hard to get in the UK and expensive. I have used good quality acrylic paint and sealer on both real stone and outdoor plaster, but the quantity needed here for the coverage needed begins to send the cost stratospheric and it won't last forever. Clearly, these are simply decorative and not meant to be walked on and they do look good. I hope they're holding up.

[@heathers1677]

Cool idea but that’s a ton of work for 4 stepping stones.

[@MajorIllustration]

True . Could use power mixer for some of this. Excercise with something to show for it! 🤣

[@larisagotzmanova]

Вы и на английском ведёте блог я оч.поражена.молодец

[@shantipeirce7083]

What could be used instead of peat moss? It’s not a good product to use, as it’s not sustainable.

[@IrenesDIY]

That's the point! Peat moss "melts" with time, leaving those little dents and hollows that make it look real

[@robot7759]

2 parts of cement? The usual mix is 1 part cement on 2 parts of sand on 3 parts of (course) gravel. Weird ginger cookies 😊

[@PrayerOpensDoor]

I’m sorry you have such rude people commenting on your video. Growing up our mother always told us , if you haven’t anything nice to say about something, don’t bother saying anything at all.

[@dcauninaivonarck5266]

You making them was very creative, but the process was of too many steps, and also the effort and the cost was too much and too high for DIYers.

[@nowirehangers2815]

No it wasn’t

[@LC-mz7ev]

some things are not for weekend warriors

[@lidiya1740]

Ира, отличная реклама строительных товаров из России- даже Portland Cement у Вас показан в русской упаковке! В.В. платит хорошо, не правда ли?

[@IrenesDIY]

Простите, а где мне в России взять цемент в нерусской упаковке? Ну и тараканы у вас🤦‍♀️

[@lidiya1740]

@@IrenesDIY А на английский все ваши выступления дублируются автоматом? Да, страна чудес Россия так и осталась страной чудес. И все комменты кроме моего тоже по-английски! Здорово!!! Это так Путин осваивает интернет? Хороший ход! Думаете, кто-нибудь захотел бы учиться мастерству у тетеньки из русского Зажопинска? Пусть думают, что я из Беверли Хиллз….

[@IrenesDIY]

@@lidiya1740 как связаны реклама стройматериалов (которой правда нет, а я бы не отказалась), то, что этот канал на английском и Путин, который якобы мне платит (и, кстати, за что? Расскажите, а то может надо пойти попросить, а я и не в курсе?) вы вообще даете, конечно😁 посмешили "тетеньку из Зажопинска" 😁🌷 а платит мне кстати компания Google Ireland😚

[@lidiya1740]

@@IrenesDIY Привет Маргарите Симоньян! Ирландия обязательно сказала бы, что это передача из России! Давай, тётка. У России финансов на пропаганду всегда хватало.

[@IrenesDIY]

@@lidiya1740 в чем пропаганда моя заключалась-то?) это русское название на пакете должно было видимо всех привести в неистовый экстаз?)))) вы чудо😘🌷

[@stevehollywood1]

Real stones have to be cheaper and, for sure less time consuming. This must be for the hobby of it.

[@2ndborn186]

You look like Roseanne Cash.

[@lolitabonita08]

very nice idea but here is a suggestion KILL the annoying background repetitive music!!!

[@beth3535]

Wait! Wait! DeSantis has his own construction company?

[@sinsinnomore5555]

Why didn't you just scrap that mess and make new hypertufa stones....? Painting rocks for the garden is, _no_ all day long for me... The point of the mixture is to make it look like stone, the concrete used is rocks all munched up and the things added are to make it look like stone. Iv'e never see brown rocks in nature where I live, but those area good idea for dinosaur poos!

[@florianneacsu4188]

Maybe use real stone.

[@spiritualcosmeticss]

Because this way is a lot cheaper.

[@rov3r698]

Didn’t she say that there were none available locally

[@AlongThePathsOfNature]

Impressive! But many steps, much work. For a couple is ok, but if someone needs many it will consume much time and work. But they are impressive! @AlongThePathsOfNature

[@BenHarper1984]

They look great!