Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Stamped Concrete Questions

I have a large, 15 year old concrete slab porch in my back yard that I would like to stamp with a slate or cobblestone pattern. I called a couple of local contractors and found the prices to be out of my budget. Is this a reasonable project for a fairly handy do-it-yourselfer? What do I use for an overlayment? How thick should it be applied? Are there any step-by-step books or videos available? Any help would be appreciated.

Is this a reasonable project for a fairly handy do-it-yourselfer? Possibly, if you're willing to do the research and learn. ("No one said it had to be easy". Sound familiar?). Your first stop should be searching the message board at http://www.decorative-concrete.net/index.html There are hundreds of messages on all aspects of the subject. From there try http://www.thestampstore.com/

If you haven't poured, finished, or cured concrete before do yourself a big favor and practice basic concrete techniques before attempting stamping. Long ago I posted a source in the post titled FAQ / newbie resource. It's a simple matter to make forms for stepping stones or the like and mix, pour, finish, and cure bag mix. If you cannot handle basic concrete procedures stamping is out of the question. So you do this next year, no big deal. At least you'll be prepared.