Rock On! Rock Painting Story Time Ideas
If you’ve been anywhere on social media over the last 6 months, you know how popular rock painting has become. Facebook groups, Instagram feeds, and blog posts about this creative new trend are popping up daily. We recently found a few rocks while out on errands. It inspired my family to try this creative trend out for ourselves. And no surprise here, I paired the craft with a few picture books. Any time is a good time for story time!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of ‘A Simple Rock’ for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own.
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READING FOR ROCK PAINTING INSPIRATION
A Simple Rock
A Simple Rock is the sweet tale of little Rock, who isn’t quite sure that he’s happy in his current life. Things start to change when he meets a magical gnome who grants Rock’s wishes. Rock undergoes a series of changes and transformations before ultimately realizing that the grass isn’t always greener. Bryson Reaume has filled the book with fun rhymes to keep kids listening. Rock’s additional body parts, represented in Eduardo Pag’s illustrations, will have young readers giggling. (The expressive faces throughout will also keep kids laughing!) The many animals mentioned, and the bright images provide the perfect inspiration when you’re ready to start rock painting together.
Love You When…
Love You When… is a book I picked up years ago, well before rock painting had taken over craft time. Linda Kranz has put together a heartwarming look at how love persists through all seasons of life. Klaus Kranz has filled the book with stunning photographs of rocks painted to coordinate with the text. It’s a sweet, reassuring book to remind your kids just how much you care for them. The vibrant, crisp images will undoubtedly spark some rock painting creativity as well.
ROCKING STORY TIME WITH ROCK PAINTING
5 Ideas For EASY Rock Painting
Sure, we love painting as much as anyone. But I have to admit, some days, I’m not up for full-on paint projects. (The clean up, the laundry, the risk to my carpets… It’s all too much some days!). When one of those days rolls around, we choose one of these methods to get crafty with minimal mess.
- Paint Pens. These are simple to use, and far less messy than traditional brushes and paints.
- Fake Tattoos. A simple, inexpensive choice, that requires absolutely NO artistic ability. We often use paint pens to add some fancy details around the tattoos, which is the perfect combination of simplicity and creativity.
- Rub On Transfers. Similarly to the tattoos, rub on transfers are great for those who don’t feel strong in their drawing skills. These can require some extra persistence to make sure they’re well attached, so kids may need assistance.
- Stickers. Another really option with minimal art needed, stickers can be fun to use. We generally seal our stickered rocks with some outdoor Mod Podge or other sealant- this helps them last longer in outdoor conditions.
- Melted Crayons. This is another fun alternative to painting that we’ve tried before. After setting the oven to 350 degrees, we baked out rocks on a foil-lined baking sheet until hot. Then #thebigone CAREFULLY held crayons against the hot rocks to create designs. (Obviously, this option requires the most adult supervision and help, so plan ahead!). These rocks will work best in cooler climates, or mainly indoors.
Additional Rock Painting Tips
- We like to start with a base of white outdoor acrylic paint, especially on darker rocks. This keeps the tattoos, stickers, or transfers from getting lost on a dark background.
- Large, flat rocks make the process easier. Anything too bumpy is going to be tricky to paint or add extras to.
- Clean rocks work best, so get kids involved in some sensory play with a rock scrubbing station! (Warm water, an old towel, and a spare toothbrush make it extra fun!)
- It can be fun to turn a nature hike or outdoor play time into a rock hunting outing. Or you can also just pick up rocks at your local craft store. (Especially ideal in snowy winter weather, when finding ‘wild’ rocks may be a challenge!)
- Check Facebook for local rock painting groups before you put your rocks on. There may be a special hashtag or website you can reference on the bottom of your rock. When your rock is found by someone, they may share a photo to social media before they re-hide the rock. Tracking the journey of their rock creations can make rock painting extra fun for kids!
Have you tried rock painting with your family yet? Was it a hit? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
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Essentials You May Need…
Lawna
I could totally see myself using the rub on transfers! I recently did a paint and sip and my painting wasn’t the best. Rock paintings are definitely a thing right now.
Kate
The transfers make it SO simple, it’s definitely worth checking them out!
Natalie Aubele
I love all these ideas ! The hungry caterpillar rocks are too cute !
Kate
Thank you, we had fun with that project!
bye:myself
That’s funny: when I was a child, stone painting was a big thing to increase your pocket money. I must admit that our products didn’t look as stylish as these rocks look today….keep up the good work!
Kate
I remember painting rocks as a child as well, but mine weren’t very impressive back then either!
Rose
The kids and I paint, hide and find rocks here. I haven’t come across any rock books however which would make our rock painting experience extra fun.
Kate
We’ve found a few rocks here and there as well, but the books definitely keep the fun going even when we’re home!
crazylifewithlittles
I love the idea behind these rocks! I want to do some with my kids.
Kate
Hope you guys give it a try!
Alexandra
I’ve heard of rock painting before, but never tried it. Didn’t realise there was so many books and DIY kits you could buy.
Kate
It’s become super popular lately, so kits and supplies are popping up all over the place.
Lindsey
Wow those are so beautiful but look so easy for even little hands!!
Kate
Thanks! They’re very simple, so they’re really great for young kids. 🙂
Jaclyn Musselman
We love rock painting but I’ve never thought of using tattoos! So fun!
Kate
I love the tattoos because they keep the mess-potential very low!
Jacqui Woods
I love those transfer paper designs! Super cute! My 5yo would love to do this as an activity.
Kate
I hope you try it out with your kiddo! Thanks!
Nicole Banuelos (@nicole_banuelos)
This looks like a lot of fun, I’m going to have to give this a shot with my kids!
Kate
Hope you all enjoyed it!
Lauren
That’s really cute! I love that it makes the books more interactive for the kids!
Kate
We love pairing books with whatever we’re playing with or creating at home!
lucicoo
The books look really great for my niece and nephews. Painting the rocks looks like fun, they would love to do that.
Kate
It’s a favorite activity for both of my kiddos! Hope you guys have fun.
Laura Adney
These are all such cool ideas! Love this as a project to do with my son when he gets a bit older.
xo, Laura
Kate
Thanks so much Laura!
Emily
It looks like you guys had a lot of fun painting those rocks and they turned out great!