Painting rocks is a fun activity for kids of all ages. It’s a simple way to get outside and use creativity at the same time.
Project Supplies:
Rocks of all shapes and sizes
Acrylic paint
Paint brushes
Permanent markers
Plastic tablecloth or newspapers
Step 1:
Venture outside and hunt for rocks in varying shapes and sizes. The smoother the rock, the better.
Step 2:
Rinse the rocks and give them a good scrub to get off any dirt that might be remaining. Then let them dry well before painting.
Step 3:
Set up your painting station. Spread out newspapers or a plastic tablecloth to make clean up a little easier. This could be outside on the grass, on your porch, or inside at the dining room table.
Step 4:
Start creating your rock art. Paint a few coats onto the rock so it’s very vibrant. Once the rock has dried, you can use permanent markers to add embellishments and details.
Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Cardinal: Create the West Virginia state bird on a rock. The red paint will really stand out when placed in green grass or close to trees that are in bloom.
- Honeybee: Did you know that the honeybee is West Virginia’s state insect? Once this is done drying, place it in an environment you would normally find a honeybee (near a flower, next to a bush, etc.) and snap a photo.
- Flower: Try your hand at painting a flower that’s indigenous to West Virginia, like a black-eyed susan or a purple coneflower. Put this cute rock in a small flowerpot, add a little dirt and voila. You have a flower that will stay alive all year round and never need watered!
- Sky: Look up! What do you see? Paint the rock to match the Almost Heaven sky.
For older kids:
- Words: Paint a word that makes you think of West Virginia, such as country roads, mountains, or Almost Heaven. Then add emphasis by designing the space around the word(s) with patterns and shapes.
- Iconic WV Destination: Create an illustration of your favorite place in West Virginia. It could be the New River Gorge Bridge, Cass Scenic Railroad, Summersville Lake, or any other destination you love in the Mountain State.
What will you create?
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