• You can make your own garden steppingstones in any shape you desire.stepping stones image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Working in concrete may sound intimidating for some homeowners, but you can create a number of beautiful and functional concrete designs with a little time, effort and a few tools. You can also do your own concrete repairs and save money. Concrete is made from cement and both fine and coarse aggregates that give it a binding texture that hardens with age. It is a cheap and versatile material that is easy, if messy, to use in both repair projects and inventive designs.
  
  

Steppingstones

• Concrete steppingstones are not only an attractive addition to your home property, they prevent wear and tear on lawn areas that see a lot of traffic. You can purchase flat concrete steppingstones in circles and squares or create your own design by mixing up dry concrete in a large bucket and pouring it into premade forms. Steppingstones should be large enough to accommodate the average adult foot sizes and should be spaced together for the average adult gait. AsktheBuilder.com recommends steppingstones be 18 by 14 inches, and 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick and placed about 24 inches apart on your designated path. Lay coarse sand or limestone beneath the stones to prevent sinking.
  
  

Planters

• Put your stamp on your garden by creating concrete planters. Planters can be made into any shape or size. With concrete mix and a few supplies, you can build a concrete mold to your own specifications.Build the mold using 3/4-inch plywood for the sides of the form and 1/4-inch plywood for the bottom, nailing lightly so it is easy to disassemble. Build the inner wall of the mold, leaving 2 inches for the planter walls. Coating the mold with oil or paste wax will keep it from sticking. AllAboutPlanters.com advises inserting plastic pipes at the bottom of the mold to provide drainage. Tamp the concrete into the mold and allow to dry for 24 hours. After removing the mold, keep the concrete dry for five to seven days to cure.
  
  

Pole Bases

• Use concrete to set poles for mailboxes, flags and laundry lines. Basketball poles and swing sets can also be anchored in concrete. Quick-setting concrete makes the job easier and faster. For a basketball pole, for instance, HalfCourtSports.com recommends digging the hole 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep. At least 15 inches of the pole should be inserted into the wet concrete base after filling the hole to the top with concrete. Tamping the wet concrete down will release any air pockets. You should also fill the pole with concrete and make sure the pole is plumb in all directions. Bracing the pole will help to keep it upright while the concrete dries.