Ideal Stones
When out looking for rocks to paint, you do not have to be constrained to any one type of rock. Think about what you might like to paint as you are collecting, or collect all different shapes so that you have some on hand for multiple projects. You can even use bricks and pavers, and other landscaping hardscape materials. As you get more practice, you may get more creative and start imagining ways to add on to rocks or glue rocks together. When you are just beginning, it is helpful to start with easier-to-paint rocks. Stones that are smoother in texture are easier to paint on than are stones that are pitted or rough. Always go with natural stones—stones that have been polished may not accept paint. If you don’t have easy access to a place where you can obtain rocks, you can always buy them. Try landscaping supply companies or garden centers as well as stores like Home Depot, Michael’s, and Walmart. Ask for river rocks or stones, or landscaping rocks. Some, like these small gray landscape beach pebbles, are even available online.
Materials and Tools
Smooth stones Acrylic gesso or acrylic primer Acrylic craft paint or any acrylic paint or, if the painters are small children, Tempera paint or acrylic paint with a drop of dish soap mixed in Any varnish or sealer, such as:Mod Podge Outdoor Sealer Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer, Glossy Americana Duraclear Gloss Varnish Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Spray Americana Duraclear Satin Varnish Dish soap Water Scrub brush, old toothbrush, or nailbrush Bucket (to avoid clogging your sink) Bleach Paper towel Paint markers, such as:Acrylic paint marker pen Sharpie Paint Markers Paintbrushes of various sizes Dotting tool Elmer’s wood filler (for filling in cracks or dents in rocks, and to help them stand up) Magnets for attaching to rocks (optional) Glue gun or cement glue
Preparing Rocks for Painting
Painting Rocks
Inspiration
Holiday and Seasonal Stone Art: snowman, Nativity set, Christmas tree, snowflakes, reindeer, penguins, winter scenes, holiday scenes, Santa, elves, words, etc. Inspirational words: Words from the heart work best, but you might find some inspiration in Gratitude stones or with some common encouraging phrases like, “You rock.” Patterns and shapes: mandala designs, abstract geometric patterns, Mondrian stones, abstract paintings, poured paint stones Animals: a beloved pet, cute penguins, curled up realistic animals, bird chicks, owls, plants, insects, ladybugs, fish, frogs, coiled snakes, snails, etc. Inspired by nature: Garden markers, miniature landscape or miniature abstract urban scene, flowers, plants, leaves Traditional art: Famous paintings in miniature
Stone “Easter Eggs”
Some people have started leaving painted rocks out in their communities as a fun treasure for a stranger to find. There are Facebook pages dedicated to painting rocks and leaving them for others to find as a way to create community through art. You can start your own local group and public Facebook page or join The Kindness Rocks Project, initiated by Megan Murphy, and use the hashtag #The Kindness RocksProject on the back of the rock you paint to be part of this project. It is a fun, family-oriented activity that gets people outside, helps you meet new people, and can be used to raise money for worthy causes, as Sara Lindberg describes in her article, How About Painted Rocks Instead of Pokemon Go? You might incorporate this step into a rock-painting activity for kids, but adult supervision would be necessary so that some basic rules are followed: If you are lucky enough to find a stone left by someone else, leave it where it is and just take a picture. While you may take it, you should either put it back later, leave it again someplace else, or replace it with a stone of your own.
