I have a really fun summer project for you today! I am showing you how to make a fairy garden sidewalk that is the perfect addition to your fairy garden. It is simple to make and adds a whole lot of cute texture for your fairies to enjoy!
I have a big fairy garden in my backyard and used to love teaching classes about them. So I was very excited when I was asked to be a part of the Sparkle Room’s Fancy Fairy Garden Event! As you know, I am all about sharing the things that I love with you. And these little gardens are definitely something I love.
Walkways in fairy gardens add so much to the overall look and feel of the garden. And, when you make your own, you can customize them to fit your own likes and theme. In the video below I show you how to make a sidewalk for your fairy garden that you are sure to love!
How to Make a Fairy Garden Sidewalk
Fairy gardens have really taken off in popularity in the last few years. I have had mine for years so I am having a ton of fun seeing what others are coming up with for their gardens now. There are a ton of great pieces available for purchase out there. But you know how much I love to create my own things.
So I was excited to dive in and make this adorable sidewalk for my fairy garden. It takes hardly any time at all. Which means you will have to resist the temptation to pave your whole garden area with these cuties!
Design Variations
For the sidewalk that you see me make in the video below, I left my mortar mix white. But I have also tried adding black chalk paint to tint it and I loved the way it came out. I realized that the best way to tint the mix is to add the paint first before adding the water.
That will make the paint part of the liquid you need to create the mortar. But will keep the mortar from getting too thin. If you add the paint at the end, you may find you’ll need to add more mortar mix to thicken it back up.
If the mix is too thin, it can cause your piece to crack. So, whatever color you use to tint your mortar, just be sure to add it in first. I love the natural look for my fairy garden but it could be so fun to have some brightly colored sidewalks in yours! I’m thinking yellow brick road!
I love the look of the slate stones I used. But you could also use mulit-colored natural stones or pea gravel. Or, for more color and pizazz, try fish tank stones or colorful craft jewels. What you use just depends on what you like and the theme of your fairy garden!
Other Options
Mortar mix isn’t the only option for this project. You can also use concrete mix for your sidewalk if you already have some on hand. I know some people who have had a bag of concrete mix in their garages forever. They have it left over from a long ago repair and don’t want to toss it. This is a great way to use some of it up!
You mix and spread the concrete the same way you do with the mortar. It’s just as simple to use and gives you the same consistency. If you have never worked with concrete mix in your crafting, it is actually a very versatile medium with lots of texture and a vintage feel. I highly recommend giving it a try!
If you want to see how I’ve used it in the past, you can check out my post How to Make Concrete Pumpkins. I promise, it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sound! My friend Julie and I have had a ton of fun with it. And I walk you through all the steps. Plus I share the mistakes we made the first go around so you can avoid them and just have fun creating!
How to Make a Fairy Garden Sidewalk Supply List
- Heave duty aluminum foil (or any foil you have on hand, we are just using it to form a base)
- White mortar mix (about a cup and a half)
- Water
- Bowl for mixing the mortar
- Stir stick or plastic spoon
- Non stick cooking spray
- Stones (I used slate ones that I found online)
How to Make a Fairy Garden Sidewalk Instructions
- Start by shaping your aluminum foil into the shape of a sidewalk. Make a lip around the whole thing because this will be the mold for you walkway. You can make your sidewalk any shape you want. Straight, winding, or with a turn. Just don’t make then too long or they won’t be as strong. You can always make more sections and put them together to form a longer walkway.
- Next, add your mortar mix to a bowl and then slowly add water a little at a time and stir until you get it to a good consistency.
- Spray your foil mold with non stick cooking spray. Then scoop your combined mortar mix and water into the form. Smooth the mix out and press it down into your mold as you go.
- Next, gently drop your frame on your work surface a couple of times to help the mortar settle. Then gently push your stones into the mortar where you want them. It’s kind of like making a mosaic puzzle!
- Finally, set the sidewalk aside to cure. When it’s hardened, just remove the foil and it’s ready for your fairies!
The Wrap Up
And that’s it, friends! There are so many different ways you can make your fairy garden sidewalks beautiful. Whatever stones and shapes you want to use, they are going to add a lot of cuteness to your garden.
I would love to see how you use them in your own garden. So if you post any pictures of your fairy gardens on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!
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