Rock Painting

Rock painting can be one of the funnest things to do in the Springtime! 

Most children collect rocks at some point in their childhood years, so   

why not spice up that ugly pile of rocks sitting somewhere in your house

by having your children paint them?

Here's what you'll need to do:

A.) Buy a rock painting kit which includes all of the supplies you'll need (which can be purchased here)

OR

B.) Get the rocks and other supplies yourself.

If you chose the first option, which is probably the easiest, then you won't need anything else besides what comes in the kit for your paintings! Even the rocks are included! But, if you decide to do it yourself, then a little more work it required.

If you decide to do it yourself, then you'll need to find your rocks. A nearby stream is probably your best bet if you want smooth, clean rocks. The rushing water from the stream will weather the edges of the rocks making them smooth. If your child already has a rock collection, then you can still use the bumpy rocks as well although the smooth rocks will give you a better surface to paint on. Make sure the rocks you chose are a little bigger than the palm of your hand so you'll have enough room to paint on them.

After you've collected your rocks, be sure to rinse them off to ensure that all the dirt has been washed off of them. Then, dry the rocks off with a paper towel or rag to wipe excess water off. Be sure you have an old newspaper handy to set the rocks on after you've completed this step.

Now, get some cups and fill them a little less than half way full of water. These will be used to rinse your brushes off after you've dipped them in the paint. You'll also need to have some brushes for painting handy and also some acrylic paint to ensure that the paint will stick well to the rock after it's dried and so it will also be water resistant. You can order acrylic paint here and also a variety of brushes here. Remember, acrylic paint will stain, so be sure to wear old clothes while doing this project!

Get a plate a squirt the different colors of paint onto it. Also get a handful of paper towels so that when your child decides to change colors he can easily wipe the water off of his brush once he's cleaned it.

There are tons of ideas for painting your rocks! Create bee's and butterflies, clouds or frogs; whatever you want! Be creative and use the spring time as your inspiration. Here is a list of some ideas you may also want to try on your rocks also.

I hope you and your kids have tons of fun painting your rocks this spring! Good luck and happy painting!

Credit for pictures used:
http://discoverexplorelearn.com/2011/09/painted-rocks/
http://budgetdecorating.about.com/od/wallfinishes/ss/How-To-Stencil-On-Fabric-And-More_2.htm