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Remember when you were a kid, how a simple stone could become a pet, a treasure, or a secret keeper? That magic hasn’t faded. Rock painting has been a popular activity for kids and grown-ups for generations, and for good reason! It’s easy to get started, and you can tailor it for all ages – be it toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten kids, or older.
The beauty of rock painting lies in its simplicity and endless possibilities. You don’t need to be Picasso to create something beautiful. A splash of color here, a funny face there, and suddenly, you’ve got a masterpiece that fits in the palm of your hand. And the best part? There are no rules. Every rock is a blank slate, ready for whatever design your imagination conjures up.
Not only is it fun, it can also be a little side hustle. Imagine turning those moments between carpools and homework help into a money-making opportunity.
Getting Started
To get started, you need rocks. Smooth stones work best. If you have a chance, take a walk with your family, especially near a river, and collect some – it’s a great way to get your materials. If that’s not an option, your closest garden store, home improvement store, or craft store should have suitable rocks.
For rock painting supplies, acrylic paint is the best as they are, by default, waterproof. For fine details, you can also buy acrylic pens – they work just like any other markers, so they’re easy to use.
You can absolutely use other mediums to color your rocks – from crayons, pencils, watercolors, paper mache… Anything! But if you want your painted rocks to last, you’ll need to apply a coat of varnish to waterproof them and protect them.
Ideas to Get You Started
Whether you are looking for a relaxing hobby or new side hustle the sky’s the limit for what you can create. From my research and seeing painted rock ideas that sell, here are a few popular themes:
- Inspirational Quotes: Paint rocks with uplifting messages. These make great gifts or desk decorations.
- Pet Portraits: Offer custom pet portrait rocks. Pet lovers adore these!
- Mandala Designs: These intricate patterns are beautiful.
- Seasonal Themes: Think pumpkins for fall, snowmen for winter, flowers for spring.
- Funny Faces: These always bring a smile and are great for kids.
- Garden Markers: Paint rocks with the names of herbs or vegetables. Gardeners love these!
These ideas are just the beginning, and to help unleash your creativity, here are over 100 ideas (many with tutorials).
100+ Rock Painting Ideas
- Believe Rock from Heart Made Stone Art
- It’s Not Yours to Carry from hollys_rox
- Feel Good Rocks from Plaid Online
- Watercolor Heart from Color Made Happy
- Bird and Branch (source unknown)
- Kindness Rocks from Crafts Unleashed
- Be You from JW Painted Rocks
- Garden Markers from Crafts by Amanda
- Tropical Paradise from Doodle Craft
- Various Quote Rocks from Plaid Online
- Feel Good Rocks from Plaid Online
- Life is Short from Jack & Mom Zsg (via Instagram)
- Popsicles by Jevevere Rocks
- I Love My Cat Paw Print from Creations by Pam (via Facebook)
- Stupid People Quote from Jennifer Penn (via Pinterest)
- Thought Bubbles from Cindy Mohrbach (via Pinterest)
- Change Pebble from Stenelene (via Instagram)
- Bee Happy from Connie (via Pinterest)
- Rainbow Quote from Rene Angelou (via Pinterest)
- You Rock from Etsy
- Rainbow Love Rock from Etsy
- Colorful Courage Stone from avocadoughtoast.com
- Kindness Words from Dabbles and Babbles
- Hello Summer from Jenevere Rocks
- Live Love Laugh from Etsy
- Life is Beautiful Waves from ArtRocks
- Faith Can Move Mountains from Etsy
- Garden Thing from Instructables
- Huddled Around Fire from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons
- Googly-Eyed Monsters from Makoodle
- Emojis from Cara Dura Designs
- Halloween Rock from Kim Hides the Rocks
- Painted Minions from Non Toy Gifts
- Trolls from The Keeper of the Cheerios
- St Patrick’s Day Rocks from Just a Little Creativity
- Painted Easter Eggs from Projects with Kids
- Valentine’s Day Stones from Red Ted Art
- Patriotic Pebble from Stagetecture.com
- Fall Leaves Stone from I Love Painted Rocks
- Halloween Rocks from Bebe and Bear
- Tiny Pusheen Heads from Kim Hides the Rocks
- Snowflake Stones from Suzy Sit-Com
- Snowmen from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
- Ice Cream Rocks from Projects with Kids
- Fairy Door from Adventure in a Box
- Vintage Camper from Atta Girl Says
- Smiley Face Rocks from Hollys Rox
- Flower Rocks from Sustain My Craft Habit
- Fruit Tic Tac Toe from Everyday Dishes
- Pet Cactus from The Best Ideas for Kids
- Garden Markers from Adventures in a Box
- Watermelon Rocks from Projects with Kids
- Strawberries from Image Events
- Watermelon Rocks from Testors
- Silly Faces from Step by Step Stones
- Dragonfly Rocks from Holly’s Rox
- Rainbow, Balloon and Heart Stones from SoFire Creations (via Facebook)
- Colorful Floral Rock from Etsy
- Beach Themed Stones from Plaid Online
- Vegetable Rocks from GharPedia
- Cactus Yard Art from Wonderful DIY
- Camping Rock from Etsy
- Rock Dominoes from Repeat Crafter Me
- Sneaker Rocks from Rock Art Attack
- Photo Holder from One Little Project
- Mandala Hearts from Sustain My Craft Habit
- Puffy Paint Stones from I Love to Create
- Geometric Rocks from Alisa Burke
- Galaxy Rocks from Adventures in a Box
- Bitten M&M’s from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons
- Marbled Rocks from Creative Green Living
- Chic Rocks from Frieda Theres
- Pour Paint Beach Stones from Happy Hooligans
- Mandala Stone from Colorful Crafts
- Fine Detailed Stones from Funnel Cloud
- Ice Cream Rocks from Pam Williams
- Rainbow Rocks from Kiwi Co.
- Painted Sharks from Sustain My Craft Habit
- Frog from Pinterest
- Donut Rocks from Amber Cole
- Caterpillar from Kitchen Fun with My 3 Sons
- Mouse Stone from Martha Stewart
- Hatching Chick from Robin Bailey (via Pinterest)
- Words of Motivation Rocks from Etsy
- Colorful Fish Magnets from artalika.com
- Penguin from Lindsey Bridges Art
- Cute Bugs from avocadoughtoast.com
- Cactus Rocks from I Love Painted Rocks
- Panda Stone from Rock Painting 101
- Starry Night from Olahnetuce
- Duck Craft from Martha Stewart
- Black Cats from eBay
- Bee Rocks from Easy Peasy and Fun
- Cute Pig from 10 Marifet
- Painted Hedgehogs from Easy Peasy Fun=
- I Am With You Always from Painter Night Owl
- Ladybugs from Crafts by Amanda
- Happy Rainbow from Kindred Spirit Rocks
- Bird and Branch (source unknown)
- Painted Owls from Frugal Fun 4 Boys
- Rainbow Swirl from Whkrcks
Where to Sell Your Rock Art
If you are thinking about turning this craft into a side hustle, here are some great places to sell your rock art:
- Etsy: This is a platform for handmade goods. Set up your shop, take some eye-catching photos of your rocks, and start selling to a global audience.
- Local Craft Fairs: Look for craft fairs in your area and book a stall. It’s a great way to meet customers and other crafters.
- Facebook Marketplace: This is perfect for selling locally. You can also join Facebook groups dedicated to handmade crafts and rock painting to find more buyers.
- Instagram: Create an account showcasing your rock art. Use relevant hashtags like #paintedrock and #rockartsale to get noticed.
- Local Gift Shops: Approach small, local gift shops. Many are happy to stock items from local artists, often on a consignment basis.
- Farmers Markets: Many farmer’s markets welcome local artisans. It’s a great way to sell your rocks regularly.
- Your Own Website: If you’re serious about turning this into a business, consider setting up a simple website to showcase and sell your work.