Easy Painted Rocks

-

 This post may contain affiliate links.

Rock painting is a craft that has been on my 'To-Do' list for quite a while now, but my main motivation came from a walk in our favorite park.  In addition to a beautiful pond, marshland with a walkway, gardens, walking path, and playground, there is a Kindness Rocks Garden where I always see children 'examining' the rocks.   

The Kindness Rocks Project has one purpose: to cultivate connections within communities and lift others up through simple acts of kindness.  It was time to get involved!  

I decided to start small and found two rocks that I thought would be fun to paint.

 But, before I get started, let me welcome to the Creative Craft Hop hosted by Sara from Birdz of a Feather.  If you just came from Sara, welcome to the Cottage!  At the bottom of this post I'll direct you to the next stop on this hop, but be sure to visit all of the other stops too for some amazing inspiration. They will all be listed.

The first rock I found reminded me of an orange or apple slice.

I decided to go with the orange and gave it two coats of white craft paint as a base coat. 
Then I mixed a little orange into the white paint.
I didn't want a 'bright white' background.

Time to start the details!
Almost done!
Now for the orange rind.
The back was pretty rough, so I just painted it orange.
A Sharpie wrote a simple message:

The next rock was perfectly smooth.
It was destined to be a ladybug, so I gave it 3 coats of red.

Some black craft paint started the head.
The wings and body were defined with a little back paint and a Sharpie.
Those tiny white spots also got a touch-up!
This ladybug needed some spots.
This stylus is such a handy tool!

I forgot to take a pic of the eyes being added, but the smaller stylus came to the rescue!

A message was written on the bottom of this one too!
Both were given 2 coats of clear spray to seal them.

They are ready to be delivered to the Kindness Rock Garden.

A few more rocks are sitting on my craft table right now.  I can see how this could become an addiction.  It's the perfect craft for a rainy day or those cold, snowy days of winter! 

Have you tried rock painting yet?

   


Featured at:






























































Comments

  1. Birdz of a FeatherMay 18, 2023 at 7:54 AM

    Wow Ann, what an amazing first rock project; that orange slice looks good enough to eat lol. Love the messages you wrote and the whole concept. What a great community initiative to participate in :).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:07 PM

      Thank you, Sara. It really is a great community initiative and it's so much fun to listen to the little ones!

      Delete
  2. decorateandmorewithtip.comMay 18, 2023 at 8:59 AM

    How fun this craft is. I have a friend that loves to paint rocks. You do a great job with yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:08 PM

      It's actually fun and relaxing to paint these rocks and I love that something so simple can make a difference in someone's day!

      Delete
  3. thepaintedapron.comMay 18, 2023 at 9:25 AM

    These are both adorable Ann! You did a great job painting them! The rock garden is such a fun idea for kids. I have a friend that lives in a small town where people hide painted rocks for others to find as a sign of good luck and she paints and hides rocks all the time. She posts them on Instagram too, you can see her rocks at painted_rocks_by_lorraine
    Jenna

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:10 PM

      There are lots of versions of this idea. We all need a little more 'nice' in our lives!

      Delete
  4. Gail @Purple Hues and MeMay 18, 2023 at 12:37 PM

    Ann, I love that you find rocks that are destined to be something beautiful! I haven't tried rock painting but thanks to you, it's on my list to do! You certainly created gorgeous rocks and a wonderful addition to your community Kindness Rock Garden!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:11 PM

      Thank you, Gail. You should give it a try, it's lots of fun!

      Delete
  5. My thrift store addictionMay 18, 2023 at 1:02 PM

    Ann, painted rocks are such a fun craft and I really love your orange slice--that's one I haven't seen before! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:12 PM

      That rock was just perfect for the orange slice and I'll probably never find another one!

      Delete
  6. Tammy LagalyMay 18, 2023 at 6:27 PM

    How fun and cute are these? Here in my home town people leave hidden painted rocks in all the parks for other to find. These would fit right in. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 18, 2023 at 8:13 PM

      Thanks, Tammy. I've heard for that version, too. Either way, it's a nice way to brighten someone's day!

      Delete
  7. BinduMay 19, 2023 at 11:32 AM

    I never tried rock painting. You showed a good method to do it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Life as a LEO WifeMay 19, 2023 at 5:56 PM

    The orange looks so real! They're both adorable. A rock garden with sweet messages on the rocks sounds like such a fun idea. I would love to start one in our area. Pinned!
    Niki | Life as a LEO Wife

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 21, 2023 at 6:25 PM

      Thanks, Niki. Check out the link on the project.

      Delete
  9. KathyMay 21, 2023 at 4:06 PM

    I've never painted rocks; your simple designs look very doable! I'll have to be on the lookout for some possibles--my flowers could use some little accents like that. One one thing that Maine gardens grow best is ROCKS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 21, 2023 at 6:26 PM

      This was a first for me, Kathy. They were easy and fun to paint!

      Delete
  10. Lydia C. LeeMay 21, 2023 at 5:19 PM

    So cute!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lydia C. LeeMay 21, 2023 at 5:19 PM

    #YourMoment

    ReplyDelete
  12. Joanne May 21, 2023 at 7:37 PM

    These turned out so cute! I love finding painted rocks when we're out hiking and I always say I'm going to paint a few to leave behind but I have never gotten around to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 22, 2023 at 7:59 AM

      I've always done the same thing. The garden inspired me to actually do it!

      Delete
  13. Carol@BlueskyatHomeMay 22, 2023 at 8:51 AM

    What a darling little project. We have thousands of river rocks on one side of our home that we have dug up from our flower beds. These decorated rocks would make great paper weights or just decorative items. You are a great painter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 22, 2023 at 7:31 PM

      You're so sweet, Carol! Painting rocks is more fun than I imagined and I have a few more waiting for me.

      Delete
  14. Allyson @ Southern SunflowersMay 22, 2023 at 2:10 PM

    Your painted rocks are super duper cute!! My husband hates when I save rocks from the yard. I finally put them in my craft room so he doesn't have to look at them ~ lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 22, 2023 at 7:33 PM

      Thank you, Allyson. You would be good at this - time to start painting, my friend!

      Delete
  15. Linda @ Life and LindaMay 22, 2023 at 4:43 PM

    Amazing rock painting. The orange slice looks so real. I also love the lady bug. I hope this comment goes through your email. I did send you an email.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 22, 2023 at 7:30 PM

      Thank you, Linda. They were fun to make! Your comment DID come through, Blogger has been challenging me but I think I finally won...

      Delete
  16. Claire JustineMay 23, 2023 at 3:33 AM

    These look so good. Love the ladybird one :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Natasha Mairs - Serenity YouMay 23, 2023 at 7:58 AM

    I love painting rocks and leaving them around local parks for kids to find. I love the orange one!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Donna ReidlandMay 23, 2023 at 8:57 AM

    A friend painted a sleeping cat on a rock for me many years ago and I still have it as a sweet remembrance of her. But these are very cute and look easy to do.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 23, 2023 at 7:13 PM

      I've seen detailed ones like your cat. They're beautiful!

      Delete
  19. PamMay 23, 2023 at 11:01 AM

    Those are so adorable! I love that idea of a kindness rock garden. I used to paint rocks when I was young, and you brought back such fun memories.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 23, 2023 at 7:12 PM

      I love it when I can bring back memories for my readers!

      Delete
    2. PamMay 25, 2023 at 9:01 AM

      It's so much fun. I wanted to let you know, too, that I'll be featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things today. :)

      Delete
    3. AnnMay 25, 2023 at 9:08 AM

      Thank you, Pam. I look forward to the new party!

      Delete
  20. Jennifer WiseMay 23, 2023 at 9:24 PM

    So cute! I can't believe you got the color just right on the orange slice! I love it. Visiting from Wonderful Wednesday blog hop.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Carol BentonMay 24, 2023 at 12:41 PM

    You have such a creative imagination to look at a rock and see a slice of orange or a ladybug. Very pretty! Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 66.
    Carol
    www.scribblingboomer.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 24, 2023 at 10:28 PM

      Thank you, Carol. It's my pleasure to share!

      Delete
  22. SlabsMay 24, 2023 at 5:44 PM

    Absolutely adorable and crafty work,
    Thank you from your Vroom Vroom Team for sharing your links with us at #262 SSPS Linky. Please check back weekly to see if featured on the blog post or by any co-hosts.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Allyson @ Southern SunflowersMay 24, 2023 at 7:16 PM

    Thank you for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty. I'm featuring your cute rocks this week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnMay 24, 2023 at 10:29 PM

      Thank you so much for the feature, Allyson. You made my day!

      Delete
  24. Vintage Style GalMay 30, 2023 at 1:20 PM

    This is so cute and clever Ann! Who would have thought an orange slice by looking at the rock, but I saw it immediately when you began the project. Lady Bugs are adorable! You are so creative.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 4, 2023 at 8:25 AM

      Thank you so much! I'll probably never find a rock in that shape again so I hope the person that takes it from the garden enjoys it!

      Delete
  25. Kim June 3, 2023 at 6:43 PM

    Love it, Ann! We've painted rocks, but we've never added the warm sentiments or shared them. We do see them around the parks where we live and they do make me smile whenever I spot one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 4, 2023 at 8:24 AM

      It's a fun craft that can be done in no time at all and I love being able to share them!

      Delete
  26. Stone Cottage AdventuresJune 11, 2023 at 9:09 PM

    Thank you for sharing on You're the Star link party. I love your kindness stones! 'Sharing this wonderful post on Facebook in the LowellArkROCKS group, which is our local rock group. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJune 12, 2023 at 8:31 AM

      Thank you so much for sharing my post, Marci. It's such an easy way to brighten someone's day!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Break Out Those Wine Corks!

-
Image
You've been self-isolating, drinking some wine, and saving the corks for a project.  But, before you think I'm accusing you of drinking too much, we both know that every wine-drinker has a stash of corks somewhere in their house.  It's time to dig them out and finally DO something with them.   Welcome back to 10 on the 10th , a group of bloggers sharing ideas and inspiration for less than $10.  This month we're sharing Tips While Social Distancing and we've got some great ideas for you.  Let's get started..... First, find those corks.  They're probably hiding in drawers or a cabinet...maybe in a box or bag.  You can find them. I have faith in you!  My first project is an easy one.  All you need is a hot glue gun, a can, and your corks.  This jade plant has been living in an aluminum can ever since I cut it away from the original plant.  It's doing quite well, but, let's face it, this container is not very pretty.   I chose my corks from
Read more

Wine Cork Wreath

-
Image
Just a note...I promised to share the wreath and picture in a previous post.  Here they are: Now, if you're anything like me, you've been saving wine corks for forever because there is a fabulous project that you will just HAVE to make with them.  The problem is, you haven't found it yet! Have no fear, your project is here! To get started, you will need lots of these: How many, you ask?  I estimate that I used between 200 and 250 corks.  You will also need a straw wreath, like this: Don't forget to remove the plastic! This next step is extremely important! Wrap some wire around the wreath and make a loop for hanging.  There is nothing worse than getting your wreath all done and then say to yourself, "Hmmm, how the heck do I hang this thing!?! Now you're ready to get started.  Be sure to cover your work surface to protect it.  I used a lovely old vinyl tablecloth that I had laying around.  You know the one - you
Read more

How To Decoupage Dresser Drawers - With Napkins!

-
Image
Welcome back!  Last week you saw a garage sale dresser transformed with paint and decoupaged napkins.  If you missed it, click here .  Today I have a little tutorial showing how it was done.  Let's get started, shall we? The drawers were sanded down to bare wood and the edges were painted black to match the rest of the dresser.  The napkins were found at the Dollar Store. Notice they are 2-ply napkins?  You only need one, so separate those layers! Iron the one-layer.  It helps when you are ready to lay it down on the wet decoupage medium.   Since the napkins were not wide enough to cover the entire drawer, I was going to have to piece them together.  These napkins also had a very definite pattern that was going to need matching, so it was time for some measuring.  I found the middle of the drawer and matched it to the middle of the napkin.  Then I marked the edges of the napkin on the edge of the drawer with chalk.  See the white (chalk) dot? There are actually
Read more

No More Polycrylic for My Tables!

-
Image
Behold, my newly refinished table - once again!  Yes, this is the second time this little beauty has been refinished. The table was originally refinished in 2013.  I carefully sanded, stained, and sealed it with polycrylic.  Everyone in blogland was singing the praises of polycrylic, so I thought I'd give it a try.  It went on great, clean-up was easy, and it dried quickly.   Win-Win, right?  WRONG!! After about a year and a half, I started noticing some wear on the edges of the table.  You know, the spot where people rest their arms?  As time went on, these spots actually started to feel a bit sticky and you could see them: It was really difficult to get a picture of them, but, if you look carefully where the arrows are pointing, you'll see dull spots in the finish.  We lived with it for a while, then I told my husband, "As soon as the weather gets nice, this table has a date with my sander!" Time for my full disclosure.  Normally, I sand things d
Read more