18 rock art projects to do with your kids
If your creative idea tank is running low, you’re not alone. Keeping the little ones busy can exhaust any parent. Well, we found a cute idea that’s big on fun and low in cost: rock art!
First, the kids can go on a search to find the perfect rocks for their creations (though you can also pick up rocks at local craft stores or online). After that, the sky’s the limit on what you and your kids can create!
But if you need a little inspiration, we’ve got you covered. We looked around the internet to find 18 projects to get you started. From paint to crayons, you can use almost anything to dress up your rock canvas.
Ready to get inspired? Check out these ideas and start making some rock art!
1. Ladybug Garden Rocks
How adorable are these little ladybugs? Crafts by Amanda featured this post on how to make them, and you don’t need much. Just outdoor paint, Mod Podge, brushes and rocks.
2. Troll Rocks
Trolls never seem to go out of style. I loved them as a kid, and today’s young ones can’t seem to get enough of them either. The Keeper of the Cheerios, LLC came up with this fun craft.
3. Owl Painted Rock Art
A handful of Caribbean beach pebbles from Home Depot became the canvas for Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls. Definitely a “wise” idea to create these beautiful owls! You can also paint other animals, as seen below.
4. Rock Minions
Those mischievous Minions from Despicable Me love popping up where you least expect it. Now you can help spread the Minion madness by making your own and leaving them as a surprise for someone else! Thanks to Mum in the Madhouse for sharing the idea!
5. DIY Moon Rocks
This “out of this world” idea comes from Crafting Chicks. For this project, you make your own rocks, and you also make them sparkle. All you need is some baking soda, water, glitter and food coloring.
6. Melted Crayon Rocks
This project from Red Ted Art requires some adult supervision for the little ones. But it’s worth it when you see the final product. Gather up those broken crayons and get ready to create something beautiful!
Note: You’ll preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, converted from the 180 degrees Celsius in the original directions.
7. Rock Picture Frame
Dollar Store Crafts came up with a brilliant idea to decorate an inexpensive picture frame with polished pebbles. The crafter estimated the cost for this project at about $2. Not bad! Plus, the frame can add a natural touch to your home decor.
8. Spider Rocks
Okay, I’m not a big spider fan. But even I have to admit that these are too cute! These little critters only need a rock, some paint and craft wire for their legs. The website we found them on is not in English, but they’re so easy to make, you can just go by the photos.
Or, you can adapt the idea and use colorful pipe cleaners instead, as seen on Craftblog.
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9. Word Rocks
These rock crafts from Dabbles and Babbles would be the perfect stone to leave behind or to give as an inspirational gift. Simply paint them with favorite colors and designs. Then add an inspirational word to tie it all together.
10. Rock Chess/Checkers Game
This DIY Outdoor Rock Chess Game from MH & MH Boutique pulls double duty. First, kids have fun making it. Then, they can enjoy playing the game when it’s done!
11. Tic-Tac-Toe Rocks
Here’s another rock game we had to share. Why use paper and pencil when you can have a three-dimensional, colorful game instead? Thanks to Eighteen25 for the project idea!
12. Rock Dominoes
Another awesome craft turned game project! This one, from Just Imagine, takes a colorful twist on the traditional dominoes game. Don’t you just love the little painted box as well? A perfect set!
13. Stone Heart
I never thought having a heart of stone would be a good thing. But this project is simple yet beautiful. Praktic Ideas gives a breakdown on how to make this stone heart.
14. Rock Clock
Trying to teach your little ones how to tell time? This craft from The Kavanaugh Project is the perfect hands-on tool (pardon the pun) to help them! The rocks show both the hours on the clock and the minutes they represent. Great idea!
15. Stone Pendant
Make your own jewelry with this DIY stone pendant from Boat People Boutique. No drilling required! Pick up some inexpensive art wire at your local craft shop. Grab a pair of pliers and a cutter, and you’re good to go.
Of course, you need to find the perfect rock! But once you have it, voila — the perfect necklace pendant.
16. Mod Podge Rocks
Crafters use Mod Podge for a variety of things, including decoupage. What is decoupage? Put simply, it’s gluing pieces of paper or fabric onto a surface to create something incredible. People decoupage frames, bowls and even furniture. But Mod Podge Rocks Blog uses stone too — and look how nice they turn out!
17. Yarn-Wrapped Stones
Have a lot of yarn from a previous craft binge? Help reduce your yarn stash and make something new with these yarn-wrapped stones from Pink Stripey Socks. It’s a simple rock art idea with beautiful results!
18. Stone Road and Cars Play Set
Kids of all ages love cars. Fun Crafts Kids shared one of the most clever ideas ever with this car and track playset. Just gather some rocks, paint them and play. We bet your kids will have a blast playing with these once they’re done. And don’t worry, we won’t tell if you sneak off to play, too!
And once you’re done making your rock creations, why not share the love? A number of communities around the country have created a “hide and seek” game with painted rocks! Think of it as a combination between a scavenger hunt and a way to give a boost to your neighborhood.
JC Rocks in Jefferson City, Missouri boasts more than 12,000 members on Facebook! Their goal: “To spread love and inspiration through rock art by painting rocks and placing them throughout our community.” Once someone finds a rock, they take a picture and post it to the Facebook group. Then, that person can create a rock and replace the one they found, if they choose. Sounds like fun!
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