The painted rocks phenomenon is a family-friendly activity that is fun, cheap and a great way to keep the kids entertained over summer break or after school.
Why? The purpose of this phenomenon is to bring a little happiness to others and be part of a community. It’s nice to know that someone out there took the time out of their day to paint you something inspirational. Plus, you get to show your creative/artistic side by coming up with a design for your rock. You get to take something ordinary (a rock) and make it into something extraordinary!
For those of you who don’t know about this movement, here’s how it works……If you find a rock, you keep it and make another to leave somewhere else OR drop the rock off somewhere else. There are many groups out there for different communities and the group’s Facebook name is usually on the back of the rock so that you can share where you found the rock. In a lot of ways, it’s similar to a scavenger or treasure hunt.
What You Will Need:
- flat, smooth rock that is cleaned off. If you can’t find any outdoors, you can buy river rocks at Dollar Tree for $1 a bag
- acrylic paint (or $0.50 per bottle at Walmart)
- paint marker
- spray paint
- paint brushes (various sizes)
- Modge Podge outdoor sealant (coat the rock, after you have painted it and let it dry, to protect it from the environment so your design won’t be washed away if it rains!)
For a more detailed information about painted rocks, check out “Rock Painting Ideas and Resources”
What You Can Do With Painted Rocks:
- Tic Tack Toe Rocks
- Domino Rocks Game
- Rock Magnets
- Garden Markers
- Educational Purposes (ABC rocks or number rocks)
- Paper Weights
- Pet Rocks
- And much more!
Here are the best painted rocks on the internet for your inspiration:
Animal Painted Rocks
Black Cat Rocks from Ebay
Panda Rock from Rock Painting 101
Shark Painted Rocks from Sustain My Craft Habit
Shapes & Other Painted Rocks
Mandala Design Rock from Colorful Crafts
Pour Paint Rocks from Happy Hooligans
Chic Rocks from Frieda Theres
Marbled Rocks from Creative Green Living
Galaxy Rocks from Adventures in a Box
Geometric Rocks from Alisa Burke
Puffy Paint Rocks from I Love to Create
Mandala Hearts from Sustain My Craft Habit
Rock Photo Holder from One Little Project
Rock Dominoes from Repeat Crafter Me
Nature, Plants & Landscape Painted Rocks
Camping Rock from Etsy
Beach Rocks from Plaid Online
Watermelon Rocks from Testors
Watermelon Rocks from Projects with Kids
Garden Rocks from Adventures in a Box
Pet Cactus from The Best Ideas for Kids
Fruit Tic Tac Toe from Everyday Dishes
Flower Rocks from Sustain My Craft Habit
Vintage Camper from Atta Girl Says
Holidays / Seasonal Painted Rocks
Halloween Rocks from Bebe and Bear
Fall Leaves Rock from I Love Painted Rocks
Friendship Valentine’s Day Rocks from Red Ted Art
Painted Easter Egg Rocks from Projects with Kids
St Patrick’s Day Rocks from Just a Little Creativity
Character Painted Rocks
Star Wars Jawa Rocks from Crafts by Amanda
Garden Thing Rocks from Instructables
Quote & Word Painted Rocks
Faith Can Move Mountains from Etsy
Rainbow Quote Rock from Rene Angelou (via Pinterest)
Stupid People Quote Rock from Jennifer Penn (via Pinterest)
Feel Good Painted Rocks from Plaid Online
Quote Painted Rocks from Plaid Online
Tropical Paradise Rocks from Doodle Craft
Garden Marker Rocks from Crafts by Amanada
Kindness Rocks from Crafts Unleashed