How to Make a Pet Rock House

Any rock that can fit in your hand can become a pet.

A pet rock may be the ideal family pet. Although its face and body can hold as much personality as its creator can put into them, it never needs feeding or watering and never makes a mess. First conceived in the 1970s by advertising executive Gary Dahl in California, pet rocks still create enjoyment for their owners all over the world. Because pet rocks can be so endearing, an owner may wish to make a house for his pet rock and keep him cozy in a well-decorated environment close at hand.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe box
• Wrapping paper or craft paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Easter grass or straw
• Margarine tub

Instructions

1. Choose a shoebox for your pet rock. If your shoebox seems a little big to scale for your rock, you can either create a palatial mansion or cut it down to the desired size. Cut the box to the desired size, then cut the lid to fit.

2. Cover the box with decorative wrapping paper or craft paper. Trim the paper to size and tape it onto the box. As an alternative, to avoid visible tape on the outside, use glue or spray adhesive to adhere the paper. Tuck the paper edges inside the shoe box, or paper the inside as well to give your pet's house a creative wall covering.

3. Furnish your pet rock's house with a luxurious nest for sleeping. Pile up some Easter grass or straw. Keep the fibers contained in a small empty margarine tub if desired.

4. Cut pieces of poster board to use as room dividers if desired. Once cut to size, cut a doorway opening in the bottom of the room divider so your pet rock can pass through. Tape the poster board dividers to the sides and bottom of the shoebox.

5. Add other furnishings as desired for your pet rock's comfort. Purchase dollhouse furniture or other toys to place in the home, or experiment with making your own from household materials such as fabric scraps, toothpicks or Popsicle sticks.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a shoebox handy to make the house for your pet rock, use another type of container such as a jar, plastic food storage container or even a large empty Styrofoam drink cup.

• Supervise children during craft projects using scissors or glue for safety.

References

• "Your Guide to Creativity"; Beverly Rivers

Resources

• Super 70s: 1970s Fads: Pet Rocks
• Grandpa Pencil: Grandpa Pencil Learns How to Keep and Train a Pet Rock