Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Painted Rocks: Garden Critters Before & After



I was inspired by a true story to paint a mouse hitching a ride on the back of a frog. Note how each stone's shape and size were transformed into the frog and mouse. Read more about the frog and mouse painted rocks.

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Learn how I used "black glue" to paint a butterfly with a stained glass effect on this rock.

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I like to use the rock's natural shape and characteristics whenever possible as illustrated in this ladybug before and after photo.

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More before and after painted rocks

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Rock Painting Tip: How to Test Your Design Before Painting It on a Rock

I like to use a graphics painting program when I'm unsure how a design will fit onto a rock. 

First, I take a photo of my unpainted stone and upload it to the computer. (I planned to paint a cat on this stone but wasn't sure how to place the features.)

 
Next, I open the image in Microsoft Paint. (This is a simple graphics painting program included with Microsoft Windows.)


Tip: If you right-click on an image and choose "Edit" the image will automatically open in MS Paint.




I then use the brush feature to sketch a simple design onto the stone. 


I find it much easier to paint my rock once I've planned out the idea on the computer first. 

Painting a Ginger Tabby Cat

I use MS Paint for Windows 7, but any graphics painting program should work with this technique.

Useful Resources

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Friday, February 7, 2014

Before & After Painted Rocks & Stones: The Beatles

On February 9, 1964 The Beatles made their first live television appearance in America on the Ed Sullivan Show.

To get in the spirit of this 50th anniversary, I painted several Beatle-themed rocks.


Painted Rocks with a Sgt. Pepper Theme


Painted Rocks with a Yellow Submarine Theme

A Yellow Submarine Painted Rock

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks