I think if it were me, I would mosaic them with the pearls and roses. Maybe strategically place them over the spots that you want to hide...What did you make the stones out of? If you are using quickcrete, I would make it more like a slip (watered down some) and after you pour the stones, bounce your mold a little to get the air bubbles out. I do stones with stained glass designs this way and they usually come out almost bubble free...no bumps and ridges. Good luck!

Smick - I made the stones out of Quickcrete. They're too small to mosaic - they are about 6" high by 6" wide. Can I make a slip out of quickcrete to use like frosting to even out the tops ? That might help ....... hhhmmmmmmmm.....

If it was my project I would sponge paint the stones with two colors that are complimentary to the color of the stone, either two pastels that will compliment or match the pearls and roses you are going to embellish with, or more likely if it was me I would use a shade slightly darker than the color of the stones and then one a shade darker than that.
If you take a piece of sponge, dip it in paint, sponge on a piece of paper a few times, then LIGHTLY sponge onto the stone, it will give it a textured appearance but not become bulky and overdone looking. You will definitely need to experiment a bit, the best would be to cast a couple more hearts to play with until you decide on color set you like.
If you have your heart set (ha, no pun intended) on tissue paper, try brushing the thinned down glue on the heart, then lay the tissue pieces on, gently tack them down with the end of a paint brush. Let them sit for a few minutes to get tacky, then press more firmly with your fingertips.
That should allow the tissue to set up and not pull and gather in a big mess.
I would love to see your finished projects and what a lovely tribute to your inlaws.
Suzan J

Hi Toomuch!
My first question is, have you sealed the concrete? You know how porous that stuff is. I'm thinking the porosity of the concrete may be messing with the water based glue. That being said I think I would experiment on the back of the piece first, seal a little area and then try to decoupage.
Have you tried brushing a layer of your adhesive all over the piece,perhaps as a sealant, letting it dry, then decoupage?
Re: little bumps and ridges, bubbles, holes, lions and tigers and bears oh my in concrete
First: It looks like you've used mortar mix, is that right? If so it'll be much easier to smooth out.
You can use fine sandpaper, very fine sand or even a very smooth rock to smooth the surface. Dunk the piece or spray it with water and then very gently, using a gentle touch, "sand" the surface smooth. Keep spraying/dunking as you work, this keep the fines you've worked off from gouging the surface. Again I suggest you practise on the back first, just to get a feel for it.
Great idea for a project and I know you'll get it worked out!
Take care,
Sylvia

Thanks for all the advice ! I never did let the tissue paper "set up" before messing around with it . Maybe that's the problem. And -- I never did seal the quickcrete ... never thought of that !! It won't hurt to try . I made a few "testers" I can experiment on .

As always ~Thank you !!

You just can't stop can you Kathy!
I didn't know anything was too small to mosaic.
I take it these are to be kept inside?
kathy

I agree with Kathy! There is nothing too small to mosaic! But otherwise I don't know about the frosting slip idea. I guess you could try.

I would glue the photo's and perhaps write their names or a little saying in permanent marker on the front and then envirotex it. This will seal the picture inside and make a durable smooth finish on the face of the stone. Then I'd get your sting of pearls--they can be found at fabric stores and hot glue them around the edge intersperced with your cloth roses

Another way to get a smooth surface on concrete is to mix up a thin slurry of cement and water and spread it over the surface. You might be able to dunk the
piece. This works best on pinhole size holes and little gouges. If you're dealing with lumps or bumps it will accentuate them.
Be sure to use cement not concrete for the slurry. Concrete is a mixture while cement is a single ingredient. Compare it to a box cake mix, concrete = mix while cement = flour in the mix.
Question for Kathy: Did you use a concrete mix or a mortar mix? Quikcrete is the a brand name, like Betty Crocker, Heinz, Nike, ....

Sylvia .... diamond crete is the brand name . It's a smooth "substance " like pancake batter ....LOL .....

Did that help ?? * ROFL* .... It's specially made for making stones ....*expensive* .....I bought it at a stained glass store. I think it's a special mix of everything. It's made to hold up outside . ( even though these will be indoors ) It really does,too .... I made a few junky little stones with scrap glass & they've been outside for years now.

"Nothing is too small to mosaic " ?? --- HAHA !!! It is for me ..... my old eyes & hands can't do it anymore ~ !
I'm glad you all have such faith in me !! heheh

Oilpainter -- thanks for the suggestion of envirotex ... I have some ....... hhmmmmmm .....now you got me a thinkin' !

Kathy,
I would definitely seal it, and then put a secon coat of the varathane ( or whatever) down and then place the tissue paper over the 2nd (wet) coat of the sealer, then when that dries do another coat of sealer!

Nice job! Great idea!

what have you tried, young lady?