Laura Kessinger/For The BulletinWhen making mosaics dont miss the small window of time before it dries completely to wipe the top clean.

Stepping stones create structure and help add shape to your landscape.

Whether you prefer stately squares in a single straight line or free-form rocks that wind through your garden, making the pathway that fits best can easily be done at home.

A path of stepping stones can separate a large lawn, define an odd-shaped area, join together smaller spaces or act as a bridge connecting a shady side yard to a sun-drenched patio.

Place them in a repeating one-two-one pattern and large squares become a hopscotch, beckoning children toward a backyard play structure. In the same way, a path of cobbled stones curving out of sight tempts you to find the other end.

Stepping stones in pairs create a practical drip zone under hose bibs. Packed together in large groups — letting moss fill in as grout — they form an island or informal patio. Alone, a single stone can mark an entrance. Stamping it with names or dates celebrates a union or memorializes a loved one.

There are many ready-made options available when it comes to pavers, bricks or garden steps. However, with a bag of cement and a few basic tools, you can create your own personalized stepping stones. It’s easier than you may think — not to mention more rewarding and economical. Before you start, consider whether you’ll want to use concrete or cement; understanding the difference between them will help you achieve the finished look you want.

Inexpensive and readily available from any home improvement store, both concrete and cement can be purchased dry, becoming thick and spreadable like a dense batter when water is added, and harden with time into a permanent shape. Be prepared though, bags of cement and concrete are pretty heavy; a $3 bag of concrete tips the scales at 65 pounds; a $10 bag of cement weighs in at 94 pounds.

Whether you’re making one creative mosaic, dozens of uniform tiles or a winding path of hand-shaped stones, you’ll be ready to show off your one-of-a-kind results in no time. Follow the simple steps below to gather supplies, set up your workspace and get started.

— Reporter: laurakessinger@gmail.com