Items needed:
- Moldcreations Concrete Mold(s)
- Bag or Bags of Concrete mix
- Mixing bucket or wheelbarrow (works well)
- Hoe for mixing or small trowel
- Water
- Lubricant (this is optional) We recommend using cooking spray, or concrete mold release agent

Prepare your mold(s): Prepare the molds using a lubricant or a mold release. This helps in removing the finished piece from the mold and extends the life of your molds. We recommend using a cooking spray.

Mix the concrete according to the directions on the bag. You will want to add a little water at a time to achieve the right consistency so it is not too runny. You can use mortar mix, port land cement, concrete mix or quikrete. Portland cement can be used for a very smooth lighter colored stone, however it will not be as strong as the Mortar mix which is cement with sand. Concrete mix which is cement, sand and aggregate - small pebbles. Concrete is not as smooth as mortar or cement however it does make a stronger stone.

Fast setting concrete - this is great to use have your pieces ready to de mold in a couple of hours from pouring. We use cement all by Rapid Set, is a wonderful product it works well in all our molds and does fantastic in our tile molds. This product can be picked up at most Lowes, Home depots or a local building contractor.

To make your own mix from scratch please visit our recipes page.

Creating your Piece:
Filling Mold - Start by pouring the mix into the mold and filling about half full, gently shake and tap the sides of the mold to eliminate any bubbles. Then finish filling your mold, tap sides again until surface is flat and even. Keep the mold in a dry area to cure for 24 hours on a level surface.

Unmold Stone - Gently Turn the mold upside down onto a soft surface, like grass for example. Tap lightly on the back of the mold. Do not walk on your stones for 2-3 days to make sure the mix has set all the way through.

HALF BALL MOLDS Place your mold on a round bucket or brace up with blocks of wood or bricks Pour a small amount of mix into the mold and tap and bounce to level out the mix and release any air bubbles. Repeat this process until the mold is filled.

If you have different sized half ball molds you can pour the larger 1/2 ball 1/2 full and place the smaller 1/2 ball inside the larger one to push the concrete up around the sides. This will create a hollow piece and can be used as a planter or make into a full ball (that is lighter weight). The smaller 1/2 ball can be removed out of the larger one in a couple of hours after being poured.

Once the pieces have set for at least 24 hours (unless using a quick setting concrete you can remove from the molds by turning upside and the piece should slide right out.

After making two half's you can mortar them together. Wipe the excess mortar off the outside when the pieces are placed together.

Column Mold Instructions

- When pouring the bases you will want to pour just like you would our regular stepping stone molds

- For the column body you will need a good strong tape (duck tape works well)

- Roll the plastic to fit inside the 6 inch center part of the column base. Using the tape to cover the seam from the top to bottom. Also apply the tape around the top and the bottom circumference of the mold for added reinforcement.

- Place the tube on top of a flat piece of cardboard. Holding the tube down you can start filing with concrete, as you are filling you will want to be sure to tap the sides to help remove any air bubbles.

- After the tube has set for 24-36 hours (using regular setting concrete mix) you can remove the piece from the mold.

PLASTER POURING Plaster works excellent in our molds. Visit Plaster.com for some very quality plasters to use in your molds. When pouring with plastic basically all that is needed is to rinse your mold with water blow out with any air compressor or wipe a damp cloth to remove excess water droplets and pour the mixed plaster into the mold. Let set according to the plasters instructions and de mold by turning the mold upside down.

SOAP MAKING Soap making is another easy process. Melt and pour soaps are very easy to work with. When using soap in our molds there is no need for any mold release simply pour the soap into a clean mold and let set for a couple of hours before de molding. You can speed the process up by pouring the soap into the mold and placing in the freezer for about 15 to 30 minutes then de mold.

Column Molds Instructions - When pouring the bases you will want to pour just like you would regular stepping stone molds. - For the Column body you will need a good strong tape (duck tape works well) - Roll the plastic to fit inside the 6 inch center part of the column base. Using the tape to cover the seam from top to bottom. Also apply the tape around the top and bottom circumference of the mold for added reinforcement. - Place the tube on top of a flat piece of cardboard. - Holding the tube down you can start filling with concrete, as you are filling you will want to be sure to tap the sides to help remove any air bubbles. - After letting set for 24-36 hours (using regular setting concrete mix) you can remove the piece from the mold. Our column molds can be used for a variety of projects such as tables, plant stands, bird baths, bench legs and so much more. Pour these up and use indoors or outdoors.