With the world swimming in summer sunshine, it’s a great time to enjoy the outdoor crafts! If you’re looking for some creative ways to spend time with your kids this summer, try painting pet rocks.
First, Prepare Your Supplies
For this family fun activity, the only thing you really need is a rock and some decorations. Decorating ideas include:
- Acrylic Paint
- Old Brushes
- Old Markers
- Googly Eyes
- Hot glue
- Buttons
- Ribbons
- Other embellishments
Small tubes of acrylic paint can be purchased for less than a dollar at craft stores. Be sure to wear painting clothes when using them though, because even the inexpensive brands still stain clothes! If you don’t have old brushes lying around, try purchasing inexpensive brushes, or just painting with your fingers! The rough texture of the rocks will wear down brush hairs and felt marker tips, so don’t use your nice supplies for this project!
Second, Select Your Rock
When selecting your perfect pet rock, there are several tips to keep in mind. First, rocks should be relatively smooth to allow for easy decorating. Porous rocks are especially useful because they absorb paint and glue better. If you want to build animals out of the rocks, have several size varieties on hand to use as limbs, heads, and tails. Keep gravity in the back of your mind though. If you try to glue together too heavy of rocks, they’ll break apart!
Third, Have Fun!
Paint stripes and polka dots, or a motley of colors. When dry, give your pet rock googly eyes, and a ribbon collar, or a thimble hat! After the glue is firm, it’s time to take your pet rock exploring. You can even make a home for your pet out of card stock, or dig him a small burrow in the garden. For extra fun, design and print out birth certificates for the rocks so that names, genders, and favorite activities can be recorded.
For more fun craft ideas to do with your family, explore our Family Fun Board on Pinterest.
