4 Rock Painting Projects - No Drawing Skill Required

You don't have to be an artist to create colorful rocks.

No drawing or painting skills are needed for these 4 techniques:

• Mod Podge a design
• Fingerprint stones
• Graphic stones
• Pattern tracing 

How to Mod Podge a Design onto Rocks

For this technique, all you'll need is a smooth rock, your design (I used a napkin) and some Mod Podge.

Click here for my tips on how to Mod Podge a design onto a rock.

How to Paint Fingerprint Stones

For this technique, you'll need some stones, acrylic paint, a marker and your finger (or thumb). The idea is to use your fingerprint to create a body and then add simple features with a marker.

Click here for my instructions and tips to create fingerprint stones.

How To Paint Graphic Stones

The secret to this "no drawing skill" painted stone is to portion off parts of the rock with masking tape. The only supplies needed are stones, paint, a brush and masking tape.

Click here for step-by-step instructions for easy, graphic stones.

How To Trace a Pattern onto a Stone

Graphite transfer paper is the special item you'll need for this technique. Although drawing skills aren't required, this technique is more involved than the other three mentioned in this post.

Click here for step-by-step instructions for transferring a pattern onto a rock.

No drawing skills? No problem! You can create colorful rock and stone art using these 4 techniques.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How To Paint Shabby-Chic Rocks and Stones

Pretty, shabby-chic painted stones are an easy rock-painting project for both Easter and year-round display.

Supplies

• Smooth stones - any shape (oval rocks will look like painted eggs)
• Acrylic paint in a muted color (I used "Light Buttermilk")
• Black 3D fabric paint (also known as puffy paint)
• Brush
• Pencil
• Sandpaper

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Supplies used for shabby-chic painted rocks

How To Make Shabby-Chic Painted Rocks

Cover your stone with acrylic paint and allow it to dry.

Cover the stone with acrylic

Using a pencil, draw a swirly design on your painted stone. You can go around the edges, down the middle, whatever you like.

Draw a swirly design

Use the black 3D fabric paint to outline your sketched swirls. (You want the line to be raised.) Allow the fabric paint to dry for 4 hours.
Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Outline the swirls with 3D paint

Once the black 3D fabric paint is dry, cover it with your original color and allow it dry.

Cover the swirls with the original color

Use sandpaper to carefully scrape off some of the paint on the raised design so the black shows through.

Scrape off some paint from swirls

Ideas

Paint different, muted colors and vary the placement of the swirl design.

"Mod Podge" flowers or other vintage images onto the stone.

Display your shabby-chic painted stones in a pretty dish or bowl.

 

Tips

• Vintage paint colors are pale and muted - good colors to use are dusty rose, pale green, yellow ochre, cream, etc.
• Practice with your 3D fabric paint first; it can be tricky if you've never used it before 
• Matte 3D fabric paint works better than shiny but you can use either one as long as it's black
• For a raised line, hold the 3D fabric paint bottle like a pencil and angle the tip while outlining your design
• I did not use a sealer on these rocks because I wanted them to look "old" and the sealer would add shine
• When you Mod Podge a design onto the rock, tear around the design's edges rather than cutting; the design will blend better into the stone. It also helps to add some of your paint around the design to camouflage the edges   

Helpful resources

• 3D Fabric Paint
• How to use 3D fabric paint
• 10 Tips for Using Mod Podge

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The inspiration for this project was a DIY idea for Shabby Chic Easter Eggs by Sylwia Serwin.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Do You Need a Garden Decor Idea? Paint a Year-Round, Reversible Address Stone

Warm-weather address stone

Flowers painted on a concrete wall block are eye-catching during Spring and Summer.






Problem: this flowery address marker looks very out of place during cold, winter months. 


Solution: a reversible year-round address stone.

Reversible address stone suitable for both warm and cold months

I did not want to limit myself to a Christmas side for Winter. So, I painted one long and short side (and half the top) with green leaves; the other long and short side (and top half) are painted with holly leaves and berries.

For this project I used "yard and garden" acrylic paint specially formulated for outdoors. 

To seal the concrete wall block, I tried Outdoor Mod Podge for the first time. (I found the Mod Podge to be tacky and used a polyurethane sealer over the Mod Podge.)

Tips:

• Think about where the address marker will be placed. This will help you decide how much of the design should be painted on the short sides and top (see photo below)
• Be very careful when lifting/moving the concrete block - it will weigh approximately 20 pounds
• Priming the concrete wall block first with a product like Kilz helps the paint go on smoother 
• I sat the concrete block on an upended plastic kitty litter container while painting (see photo below)

  
Ideas: 

• Paint one side with Autumn leaves and the other with poinsettias
• Paint a holiday theme on one or both sides
• Instead of painting house numbers, attach some purchased at a home improvement store
• Instead of a concrete wall block, use a large rock that stands upright

Two concrete address markers - One is reversible

Why not welcome your guests with a personalized address stone suitable for display year round. 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How To Mod Podge a Napkin onto Rocks

I was saving a pretty napkin for a craft project and decided to try Mod Podging it onto a large rock. (I love painting rocks and stones but wanted a break from detailed painting.)






First, I cut a design from the napkin that would fit best on the rock.

Then I used a brush to paint a thin coat of Mod Podge on the rock and pressed the napkin design carefully onto the rock.

Next I applied a coat of Mod Podge over the design.

PROBLEM: I could not smooth the wrinkles from the Mod Podge-saturated napkin without tearing it.

So, I left the wrinkles/bubbles.

Napkin design Mod Podged onto large rock

Maybe less is more? I decided to use smaller designs and smaller stones following the same steps as above.

This time I was able to smooth the Mod Podge-saturated napkin without tearing it.

Napkin design Mod Podged onto small stones

SOLUTION: When Mod Podging portions of a napkin onto a stone, smaller is better. 

Tips & Ideas:

• Look for pretty napkins with small designs that would fit nicely on small stones
• Work carefully once Mod Podge is applied to the napkin design to avoid tearing
• My fingers worked best for smoothing the napkin after the Mod Podge was applied
• Once the saturated napkin has dried, you can sponge paint around the edges (like the 2 green stones pictured above on the lower right)
• For no-skill-required painting, Mod Podge the napkin design onto a stone and apply paint over it (using the design as a guide) so the rock will now look painted rather than Mod Podged
• Add a few paint strokes in strategic spots or use 3-D fabric paint strategically for added dimension and interest
• For a child's party, buy extra theme napkins and Mod Podge them onto stones as a party favor
  

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Holiday Gifts of Painted Rocks

The holidays are quickly approaching and here's a simple idea for unique, one-of-a-kind ornaments and gifts.

By adding a pretty ribbon to those small painted stones and rocks you've been painting, you've now converted your painted stone into a holiday ornament for tree-trimming or a small present for gift giving.

 Santa face painted rocks transformed into ornaments

Nativity set Baby Jesus transformed into a tree ornament

I've used holiday-themed painted rocks for my ornaments, however, any small painted stones would be a great gift ornament for someone.
 
Just glue the ribbon to the back of the stone. To make it look more finished, you can cover the spot where the ribbon is attached with fabric or wrapping paper and Mod Podge it.


Remember to keep the weight of the stone in mind when choosing to convert them into ornaments. You don't want the tree to topple over.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Painting Ideas from the Pantry

Over the summer, my niece is caring for a hedgehog named Basil.

Basil the Hedgehog

I never thought much about hedgehogs but when I saw Basil's picture, I just had to paint her on a rock because she was such a cute, little critter.

However, the idea of painting all those quills seemed too time consuming. So, into the pantry I went where I found a package of wild rice that was the perfect substitute for a hedgehog's quills.

I implemented my idea by first painting Basil's face on the rock and applying brown paint to the rest of her body. I then liberally applied Mod Podge where I wanted the quills to be attached and submerged the rock into a bowl of raw, wild rice.

Basil, the Painted Rock Hedgehog

It was necessary to revise my project idea slightly because I learned that Mod Podge is not the best glue for this project. (I had to go back and reattach some of the wild rice with Elmer's Glue.) Therefore, regular glue works best to attach the rice and Mod Podge is best used as a final sealer to further keep the "quills" in place.

My sister has since suggested using pine needles for the quills so they'll stick up more. Hmm... and I thought painting the quills was time consuming? I'll be experimenting with that idea.


All in all, I think Basil, the Painted Rock Hedgehog, is almost as cute a critter as the real thing.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Seal and Protect Painted Rocks

Painted rocks beg to be picked up and admired and by applying a sealant, the colors remain true and the life of the painted rock is extended.

A question I'm often asked is: "how do you seal your painted rocks." The quick answer: I use classic matte or gloss Mod Podge for sealing and protecting my painted rocks. (See my August 26, 2012 update below for a 2nd product applied over the Mod Podge to prevent "tackiness" in humidity.)

My much-used jar of Mod Podge

What is Mod Podge

Mod Podge is a non-toxic, nonflammable, water based:

• Sealer that protects acrylic paint, decoupage, fabric, stain, etc. 
• Glue that adheres, paper, fabric and other porous materials to almost any surface
• Finish that's smooth, durable and fast drying

Why I Prefer Using Mod Podge on Painted Rocks

The Mod Podge formula is non-toxic, non-flammable, water based, and cleans up easily with just soap & water which makes it a great product for doing rock painting crafts with children. As an added benefit, I can also use the Mod Podge product if I wish to glue some type of porous embellishment onto the painted rock.

On the other hand, the clear, acrylic, protective finish available in a spray can (such as the Krylon brand) is toxic and care must be taken to keep the can away from heat and fire, don't puncture the can, ensure proper ventilation and avoid contact with eyes and skin.

While a sealer in a spray can might be easier to apply (especially to large painted rocks), I definitely want to use the safest product possible -- Mod Podge -- when doing my rock painting craft.

Update 5/22/2014: Learn about a low odor spray-on sealer for painted rocks.

How I use Mod Podge for Sealing Painted Rocks

I apply Mod Podge to all of my painted rocks (even the large outdoor garden decor and pavestone nativity sets) using a medium-to-large paint brush. Yes, it is a little more time consuming, but I love the feel of a brush in my hand and unlike the toxic alternative in a spray can, I don't have to ventilate my small painting studio.

I've used classic Mod Podge in both the matte and gloss formulas. The gloss formula is especially nice when a shiny effect is desired, such as when painting fish rocks.

Don't be alarmed when you open a jar of Mod Podge. It is white and looks like glue, however, it dries clear.

Other Mod Podge Formulas

I learned about other Mod Podge formulas in the recently published book, "Mod Podge Rocks" by Amy Anderson. If you'd like to try crafting with Mod Podge, Amy's book contains 40+ projects using the various Mod Podge formulas. Note: while none of the projects are related to rock painting, there are some clever ideas for using Mod Podge.

I plan to experiment on my painted rocks with these Mod Podge formulas in the future:

• Satin - Between matte & gloss with a lustrous, soft finish
• Hard Coat - Extra protection for projects handled frequently
• Outdoor - Extra protection from moisture and elements
• Sparkle - Has a hologram glitter for a rainbow effect. Makes projects glitter
• Dimensional Magic - Thicker than other formulas, it adds extra dimension

Learn More About Mod Podge

Mod Podge Tips & Tricks and Formula Guide PDF

Mod Podge Website

Where to Find Mod Podge

I purchase classic matte and gloss Mod Podge at my local craft store, Hobby Lobby. It is also available in some Walmart and Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts stores.

Store locator from the Mod Podge manufacturer's website.

Mod Podge definitely rocks for 
sealing and protecting painted rocks.

   * * * Update August 26, 2012 * * *

A fellow rock painter recently faced a dilemma (or more accurately, a disaster) when she used Mod Podge on her painted rocks and stored them in a covered, plastic bin under the bed. When she opened the lid, many of her rocks were now stuck together and ruined.

It is believed that moisture and humidity do not like Mod Podge. The jar states "To eliminate tackiness apply Clear Acrylic Sealer over dried Mod Podge." Since I live in a very dry climate, I have not experienced this problem. However, I wanted to learn more about acrylic and polyurethane sealers.

Thank you, Lisa Carter, (another rock painting peer) who explained the difference between acrylic and polyurethane sealers.

"Acrylic sealer/finishes/coatings are considered single-component polymers...most are water based and provide waterproof protection on various surfaces ..they mainly enhance the color of painted surfaces and provide some durability. For the price..these work well for our painted stones ..especially those that are placed inside and will need protection as they are periodically dusted with damp cloths.

Polyurethane polymers are formed by combining two bi- or higher functional monomers. These are basically stronger and provide a more durable coating but are slightly more expensive."

Ceramcoat Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish

I purchased Ceramcoat Satin Exterior/Interior Varnish (the polyurethane product) and applied it over a few of my Mod Podged rocks. This is what I discovered:

• This particular Ceramcoat product was twice the price of Mod Podge
• The Ceramcoat varnish did have a slight ammonia-like odor
• The product was a thinner consistency than Mod Podge so, even though more expensive, it should last just as long if not longer than Mod Podge
• The rocks were now thinly coated with a sealer that was in between matte and gloss (which I liked)
• The product is non-toxic, water based, and cleans up with soap and water.

I was pleased to further discover from Ceramcoat's Material Safety Data Sheet that:

• Ceramcoat varnish can be used with general ventilation (no need to go outside or into the garage)
• No known hazards from inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. However, eye contact may cause reddening and tearing. 

* * * Update May 27, 2015 * * *

I have been extremely disappointed with the Delta Ceramcoat lately. It appears the company has changed hands and the sealer's formula has been altered. I now find the Delta Ceramcoat to be too thick and it has a strong odor.

My preference for a top coat sealer over the Mod Podge is Americana DuraClear Varnish. 

It comes in matte, gloss and satin, has a thin consistency and low odor.

I will be adding a final coat of polyurethane to my painted rocks on top of the Mod Podge as an extra layer of protection and to avoid stickiness.


Learn about a low odor spray-on sealer I'm using for doodle, tangle, and mandala rocks designed with artists pens.


Learn how to prevent Sharpie permanent marker pens from blurring when sealed.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks