How to Paint Designs on Rocks

Painting Rocks is a great craft for all of the family. Make designs on rocks by finding smooth rocks of all shapes and sizes. They can be found in gardens, or at the seaside. Wash and dry the rocks. Paint the rocks in the color of choice. Allow to dry and paint over to make the rocks different and darker shades. Use a marker or pencil to add detail to the rocks and then paint.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Craft paint, acrylic
• glitter or other decorative
• Craft brushes
• Book of instructions (optional)
• Black Sharpie marker
• Acrylic matte sealer spray
• White Craft Glue

1. 
   Lady Bug Rocks

   Rock painting doesn't require a lot of supplies to get started. A few paint colors, brushes and rocks will make designs on rocks and will get you going. Find smooth rocks of any shape in riverbed, or seashore. Look around your neighborhood and see what you can find. Clean the rock before painting.

2. Decide what you want your rock to look like. Draw an outline on the rock surface. Use the side of a thin brush and fill it in with color of your choice. Allow it to dry, and then add shadows or other colors on top of it.

3. 
   Painted Frog

   Buy little buttons (for eyes), glitter (for sparkle) and other types of decorative items at craft stores where you buy the paint. Add them if desired to adorn the rock. Make designs on rocks by using your imagination and any item you want to use to create designs.

4. Use art knives instead of brushes if you are a more mature rock painter. Cutter knives can also be found at Craft Stores. Use them by mixing paints on a piece of waxed paper, and use a thin Chinese brush to add the paints to the cutter. Sweep it on the rock design with the side of the blade.

Tips & Warnings

• Use flat sided rocks as well.
• Buy inexpensive raw bristle brushes.The work best on a rock surface.
• Craft paint or acrylic are equally good to use. They dry quickly but easily wash off. They are also inexpensive.
• Use a sheet of waxed paper to mix paints instead of buying a pallet. It works great and can be easily disposed of when finished.
• When completely finished, spray with sealer.
• Buy all supplies at local craft stores.
• Rock painting is great to do at a child's party, or on rainy days.
• This is so easy and such fun, you might start building a painted rock collection.

Resources

• Paint Ladybugs
• Make a Collage
• Write Free Verse Poetry
• Make a Rubber Band Ball

[veryfaraway]

on 7/8/2009 My children love rock-painting!

[BodyLogique]

on 6/12/2009 How cute! My daughter wants to have an end-of-year party for her classmates. This is something simple & fun they all can do! Thank you!

[maryanne09]

on 5/21/2009 Awesome article on How to Paint Designs on Rocks! We have been thinking of doing this, as we have a million rocks here. lol :o) Thanks for writing this! 5*'s :o)

[grimsleygl]

on 4/22/2009 What a great idea to do with, or for kids as well as adults. I can see painting each rock differently and putting the child's name on the rock as well. Perhaps it could even be a 'pet' rock like from years past. Another good idea with great detailed steps! 5*'s

[joni04]

on 4/16/2009 I will have my kids do this for Mother's Day to give to their Grandmother's! 5*