How to Make Painted Rocks

Collecting and then painting rocks with your child can be a fun activity that helps them show off their creativity. Painted rocks can make great decorations for a desk or table. Or, show someone you care about them with a personalized painted rock collection. Decorated rocks also make great gifts for mom, dad, grandparents, friends or teachers, especially when placed in a nicely decorated holder.

Pinkalicious and Peterrific know there are many ways to express their love for their mother — especially through homemade gifts!

Invite your child to go on a hunt for rocks to decorate as gifts. As you create together, ask your child about the rocks they’ve chosen.

Materials

Directions

Find rocks! Go on a rock hunt around the neighborhood, collecting rocks of all shapes and sizes.

Clean the rocks. Soak the rocks in warm water so the dirt and grime dissolve. Then scrub the rocks with soapy water so that they're squeaky clean. Use old toothbrushes or sponges to really get them shining. Place them on a towel and allow them to dry completely.

Paint the rocks. Cover every inch of the rocks. Blend colors and create patterns, then let the paint dry completely.

Decorate the rocks. Use glitter glue and sequins to add some pizzazz to the rocks. Layer and use glitter glue to secure sequins and beads.

Optional: Make a container to hold the colorful rocks. Cut a water bottle about three inches from the bottom. Cut tissue paper in a square just large enough to cover the top. Tie ribbon, string or yarn around the paper to secure the bottle. Layer different colored tissue paper to make the gift more exciting!

Explore Further

Make a card to go with your rock gift. Ask your child to write a simple message on folded construction paper to tell mom, a mother figure, dad, a father figure or another loved one that they rock!.

Some message ideas:

“Mom Rocks!” or “Dad Rocks!”
“I Love You!”
“Happy Mother’s Day!” or “Happy Father’s Day!”
“You’re The Best!” or “You’re The Greatest!”

Amy shares the many ways she makes learning fun at Teach Mama. Head over and find more ways to build a solid foundation of learning for the little guys in your life.

Photography by Chelsea Foy.