Steps
 

Stepping stones are easy to make. The forms are simple and usually do not require much mix. I started making steps to offer lower priced items at craft fairs. The Hearts were the best selling steps and I made small, medium and large sizes. Larger Garden Stones were added, followed by Puzzle, Leaf, and Abstract Step sets. The need for steps that stayed put led to the Big Step sets.

 
  Small Heart
12in dia.
Medium Heart
18in dia,
 
   
  Sun Step
26in dia.
Spiral Step
26in dia.
Phyto Step
26in dia.
 
  Garden Steps – late 1990's  
#1
23.5in l × 22in w
#2
22.5in l × 16.5in w
#3
22.5in l × 20in w
#4
23.5in l × 22in w
#5
23in l × 21in w
#6
23.5in l × 22in w
#7
23in l × 20in w
#8
33in l × 21in w
Puzzle Steps – 1999

Both the puzzle steps and the leaf steps have three-eights inch rebar in them to prevent the tabs and narrow places from breaking. They are two inches thick. The book Creative Concrete Ornaments for the Garden by Sherri Warner Hunter has instructions for making the puzzle steps. This applies to the leaf steps as well.
At a TACA Craft Fair I discovered that the step #1 is the symbol for autism. A number of people with autistic children have purchased this item.

Dogwood
27in l × 17in w
Tulip Poplar
25in l × 24in w
White Oak
35in l × 22in w
Sassafrass
25in l × 25in w
American Elm
24in l × 14in w
Sweetgum
24in l × 21in w
Leaf Steps – 2000
Big Steps – 2001

The Big Step sets are made by dry mixing first with tint and some coarse aggregate. The aggregate gives a rough surface so they are not so slippery. Then I lay out all the forms, wet mix and carve the entire set in one session. They are three inches thick. For a general estimate as to weight the step on the left in Red Set with the zig – zag edge is 18in × 28in and weighs 90lbs. When bedded properly they stay in place. Placed in a lawn and set close to flush with the ground they can easily be mowed across.

#1
18in dia. × 2.5in h
#2
18in dia. × 2.5in h
#3
18in dia. × 2.5in h
The first set of steps with this design were made in 2001
#4
18in dia. × 3in h – 55lbs.
#5
18in dia. × 3in h – 55lbs.
#6
18in dia. × 3in h – 55lbs.
#7
18in dia. × 3in h – 55lbs.
#8
19.5in × 22in × 3in h – 137lbs.
#9
19in dia. × 3in h – 65lbs.
These steps were made in 2012 and 2013
Abstract Steps – 2001
Lotus Step – 1997
34in l × 24in w × 4.5in h
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All images property of Elder G. Jones ©. Any commercial use of images beyond this site is by permission only. Copyright on the design and particular styles of all work herein is established at the stated time of creation. Individuals are free to recreate any of these pieces for personal use.