A broad, graceful sweep from the driveway to the front entrance of your home is an attractive option. Straight walks are more appropriate for practical applications, such as walking from the back door to the garage. Formal sidewalks should be at least four or five feet wide, so two people can comfortably walk side by side. Pathways need only be two or three feet wide. Straight walkways can be laid out using stakes and taut strings.
Curved paths are trickier.
Lay out one side using a garden hose, then lay out the opposite sides of the curves by holding a string cut to the desired width at right angles to the curve. Lay out the walk using stakes and string. Use a flat spade to remove the sod, excavating to four inches. Make sure the path you've dug is wide enough to accommodate your pattern. Lay edging bricks on their sides along the edges of the path.