Paint a Pink Porker that Rocks to Celebrate National Pig Day

Pink is the color of the day as the U.S. celebrates National Pig Day on March 1, 2013.

National Pig Day is an event held annually on March 1 in the United States to celebrate the pig. The holiday celebration was started in 1972 by sisters Ellen Stanley, a teacher in Lubbock, Texas, and Mary Lynne Rave of Beaufort, North Carolina. According to Rave the purpose of National Pig Day is "to accord the pig its rightful, though generally unrecognized, place as one of man's most intellectual and domesticated animals." The holiday is most often celebrated in the Midwest. Read more about National Pig Day.

Here's an idea for celebrating National Pig Day: Paint pig rocks using this free, how-to tutorial:

How to Paint a Baby Pig on Rocks

Watch to Farmer Hogget Sing to Babe - it will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face.


More craft ideas for celebrating National Pig Day.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painted Rock Nativity Sets - A Collection of Year-Round Display Ideas

Painted rock nativity sets aren't just for Christmas.

My Inspiration - Marquita's Display

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There are many ways to display painted rock nativity sets year round and during the holidays to express your unique style.

Simply place the nativity scene figures in a bookcase or on one of your tables.

Easy Year-Round Display Idea

I would advise against placing heavy rocks in a high spot. If they get knocked over they could cause injury or damage.

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Natural Displays

Here's how to display painted rock nativity scene figures year round using natural elements such as a piece of slate, wooden bowl or plate, and decorative stones.
 

Painted Rock Nativity Sets Displayed Using Natural Elements

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Candle Accessories Displays

Here's how you can display your unique, painted rock nativity scene figures year-round using candle accessories and glass gems. 

Painted Rock Nativity Sets Displayed Using Candle Accessories

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Charger Plate Displays

Place the nativity set on a metal or plastic plate and surround with greenery, glass gems, or polished river stones.

Customize this display to fit your decor with plate color choice, foliage type, gems, or rocks.

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Christmas Displays

Use an existing nativity stable and place the nativity scene figures inside.

Painted Rock Nativity Set in a Traditional Display

I found this stable at my local craft store (Hobby Lobby). Stables come in many sizes and you should be able to find one at craft or general merchandise stores

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Use an existing nativity stable and animals that came with the set.

Traditional Nativity Display with Animals

Store-bought nativity sets (stable and figures) come in many different sizes and are readily available. You can decide which pieces from the nativity set to combine with your painted rock nativity scene figures. 

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Make your own stable using balsa wood, bark, and moss.

If you want to keep a natural or hand-made theme, a simple stable can be constructed with balsa wood, moss, and bark. This rustic display would be charming in a cozy mountain cabin.

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Make your own stable using a wooden key caddy.

 
Learn how I made this nativity stable from a wooden key caddy.

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Outdoor Display

These edgestone paver nativity scene figures are sealed to withstand the outdoor elements. 

Outdoor Pavestone Nativity Scene Figures

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Painted rock nativity sets are a unique and versatile addition to your home decor any time of the year.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painted Rock Nativity Sets - Ready for Spring

The joy of Spring and Easter is in the air and I was drawn to the yummy, pastel acrylic hues of "Basil Green" and "Summer Peach" for my latest unique nativity sets painted on rocks.

"Basil Green" and "Summer Peach" Acrylic Paint Purchased at Hobby Lobby

I was anxious to try these beautiful colors, so I primed some stones and went to work painting them.

Primed stones awaiting pastel paint

Here are my two latest nativity set creations using "lightweight" colors rather than the blues and browns I normally paint with.

Painted Rock Nativity Scene Figures Ready for Spring

Painted Stone Nativity Scene Figures in Spring Attire

Remember, painted rock nativity sets aren't just for Christmas. They can be displayed in unique ways year round as a piece of art.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Celebrate The Year of the Snake

Today begins the Year of the Snake according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Colorful Snake Painted on a Rock

Click to learn what 2013 will hold for the person born in the Year of the Snake? 

Not sure if you were born in the year of the snake? 
Click to learn the Chinese Zodiac sign you were born under? 

Learn more about the fascinating Chinese culture.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painted Rocks - How To Get Yours Noticed with Specialty Paints

These mystery rocks are attention grabbers thanks to metallic and glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint.

Painted Mystery Rocks

Metallic Craft Paint

 

Here's how I used the metallic craft paint.

• First, I painted the stones with gray acrylic paint
• I then sponged two colors of matte acrylic over the gray
• Finally, I sponged silver or gold metallic on the stones, allowing the base colors to show through.

Glow-in-the-Dark Acrylic Paint

 

I used the glow-in-the-dark paint for the eyes peering out from the stones. 

What's Inside These Mysterious Rocks?

Tips for glow-in-the-dark paint:

• 2-3 coats are recommended for good coverage and glow
• Stones need to be exposed to sunlight/indoor light to "charge" the glow
• The paint will still glow after a sealant is applied
• Do not confuse glow-in-the-dark paint with Neon

Imagine the attention glowing eyeballs would receive as they peered out of a night garden.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks