The first stamped concrete that I saw up close was in a cemetary. The design included a wooden cross. I was impressed that the templates have become so much more creative. The next one I saw was in a playground. Very colorful. It was a path that ended with a animated sunflower. I have had many conversations about stamped concrete with a friend that works in the concrete bussiness. He explained the process and is amazed at all that can be done with this type of hardscape. I asked exactly about the chipping,cracking,fading etc... He had not seen or heard that this had happened he thought it would take alot to chip or crack. But you never know. Not much of an answer I would agree. All in all he likes the rubber stamps the best. He also agreed about negotiating a project. He believes that the reason it is so expensive is because it is so popular. Also the process of adding the dye as well is a factor. We both had an eye rolling moment on that part. His advise is to use a contractor that has done this and is picky. Ask to see the work they have done. Ask the age of the project that was done. It will give you a good idea as to the durability of an aged and well done job. You don't have to have a gaze, however you will need to seal the area. As far as the cleaning goes. Spray down with a garden hose. I'm curious to the post about the rings from the pots on the patio. White I belive I read. Is it calcium or lime deposite? If so the contractor for this should beable to help. Stamped concrete is relativly new here. Meaning the concept is slowly picking up. I myself am looking to do my front entry patio. So this has been great to read all the posts. Keep it comming as I would love to hear the patterns used and the different ways to use stamped concrete. Also color combos would be welcome. Good luck to you all.

Not sure about on-line stamp places, but I'd check e-bay. Good luck with your search

This message was sent to me by Barbie: Stamps that do not stamp clearly by barbieboop Why? Could be for a few reasons.. Try pressing harder Large stamps work best if you stand up and press them Stamp large images over a mouse pad or fun foam sheet Stamp lg stamps image side up and use a brayer to press the image onto the card. Some stamps get warped. The foam between the wood and the image gets smooshed. So, you can use a mouse pad to stamp on or remount them. Change the foam. New stamps and bold images sometimes need to be stamped a few times to get a good image. Allowing the ink to stain the rubber. Some images need to be lightly roughed up with fine sand paper. Some images have Âedges that stamp along with the image. Trim this portion off with an exacto knife or with sharp scissors.. If you can. Or. You may have to pull some images off the wood and trim the Âedges off then remount that image. Hand carved images stamp best the more times they are used. Or heavily inked. hugs, barbie

I like your project. After your child gets older, you could make a book of place names listed in alphabetical order. You could fill it with places from A to Z, or use only places both of you have seen. And then, you could make a family album including all photos you have of relatives. This would be a great way to keep your children in touch with relatives. Then, there could be a book of foods, then animals. Come to think of it, you do not have to wait until the kids are older. Start your books now and then introduce those to your children at appropriate times. Maybe you could entice someone to write bed time stories to go with the illustrations.