You can easily make beautiful mosaic stones for your garden with a few supplies from your local craft and hardware stores. Design a custom mosaic stone with your children's handprints or Rover's paw prints surrounded by bits of broken ceramic tiles, brightly colored pebbles or readymade mosaic tiles. You don't have to be an artist to craft a mosaic stone, but you do need the right materials for the job.

1Select a stepping stone mold in the desired shape. Stone molds are plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can use them more than once, so you can create a pathway with one or two molds. Most craft stores will have a small selection of stepping stone mortar mix. If you're making more than one stone, purchase Quikrete sand and topping mix from the hardware store. It's less expensive and makes a smooth stone as it has no gravel within the mix. Wherever you purchase your mortar mix, buy a mold release agent so you can easily remove the hardened stone from the mold.

2Apply the release agent to the inside surface of your stone mold according to the manufacturer's directions. Mix the mortar according the manufacturer's directions and scoop it into the mold with a trowel. Fill the mold almost to the top.

3Release the air bubbles in the concrete mix by vibrating the mold with your hands. You can shake it slightly, or raise the mold several inches above the work surface and drop it, similar to the way you release air bubbles from a cake. Allow the concrete to set for about five minutes before you add the design features.

4Press the mosaic tiles into the surface of the concrete. Place the tiles as close together or as far apart as you like. Make a pattern or create a random design. Fill the top surface of the mortar with the tiles. If you plan to write anything in the surface of the stone or make a handprint, wait 10 to 15 minutes after pouring the concrete to allow it to set more. Wash your child's hand or pet's paw immediately after making the print. Concrete will burn skin and soft tissue.

5Let the concrete dry completely for at least 12 hours--but preferably 24 hours--before you remove the mosaic stone from the mold.