What's the Best Drapery Hook to Use for a Painted Rock Display Stand?

I have tried 3 types (brands) of slip-in drapery hooks and learned they are not created equal when it comes to shaping them into stands for painted rocks.

The slip-in hooks are described below in the order of my preference.

The most expensive set was $3.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond for 14 Slip-In Hooks...

 
...and it was the easiest to shape into a good-looking stand for a painted rock.

Painted Rock Display Stand Using Bed Bath & Beyond Slip-In Drapery Hook

 

The medium-priced set was $2.49 at Hobby Lobby for 14 Pleater Hooks. (Four hooks were end hooks and could not be used as stands.)

It took a little more time to create a stand because of the 4 "legs" but it was fairly easy to bend and shape into a nice looking painted rock display stand.

Painted Rock Display Stand Using Hobby Lobby Pleater Hook

The lowest-priced set was $1.97 at Lowe's for 14 Slip-In Curtain Hooks. 

The piece used as a back support (soldered to the "legs") would snap off if I was not careful. 

 
The metal was thicker and harder to bend (even with pliers) and it was difficult to shape the hook into an acceptable-looking stand. 

Painted Rock Display Stand Using Lowe's Slip-In Curtain Hook

I am sure each type of slip-in hook works well for hanging curtains and drapes but for display stands, my preference is the Bed Bath & Beyond or the Hobby Lobby hooks.

Helpful Links:

• Blog Post with Drapery Hook Stand How-To Instructions
• Slip-in Drapery Hooks at Bed Bath and Beyond
• Pleater Hooks at Hobby Lobby
• Slip-in Curtain Hooks at Lowes
• Hobby Lobby Wood Display Stands 
• Hobby Lobby Metal Display Stands  
• How to Make Rocks Stand Upright  

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

How to Display Painted Rocks - Store-Bought and DIY Solutions

You can display painted rocks by using wooden display easels, a plate stand, or DIY stand made from drapery slip-on hooks.

I found these wood veneer folded easels at Hobby Lobby and they nicely and attractively hold the the weight of painted rocks. They are available in 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12-inch sizes with a black or walnut finish. Regularly priced from $1.99 to $7.99, Hobby Lobby often has them available for 50% off. (Note: if your rock is too heavy, it may spread the stand's feet, making the stand unsuitable for that stone.)

Painted Stone is Displayed on a 3-Inch Folding Easel

For larger and heavier painted rocks, an art-style display easel or metal plate stand is a better choice. Both of these stands were purchased at Hobby Lobby at 50% off the regular price.

The Metal Stand (Right) is Displaying a 5-lb. Painted Rock

 
Artist, Marilyn Boyle, came up with this clever idea for DIY display stands using slip-on drapery hooks.

DIY Stand How-To by Marilyn Boyle

Marilyn Boyle Painted Stone Agate with Stand

UPDATE

I have tried 3 types (brands) of slip-in drapery hooks and learned they are not created equal when it comes to shaping them into stands for painted rocks.

 

The slip-in hooks are listed in the order of my preference:

• The most expensive set costs around $3.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond for 14 hooks. It was the easiest to shape into a rock stand.
• The medium-priced set costs around $2.49 at Hobby Lobby for 14 hooks (4 hooks were end hooks and could not be used as stands). It took more time to create a stand because of the 4 "legs" but it was fairly easy to bend and shape into a stand.
• The lowest-price set costs around $1.97 at Lowe's for 14 hooks. The metal was thicker and more difficult to bend and shape into a stand. In addition the piece used as a back support (soldered to the "legs") would snap off if I was not careful.

(I am sure each hook type works well for hanging curtains and drapes.)

Helpful Links:

• Hobby Lobby Wood Display Stands
• Hobby Lobby Metal Display Stands
• Slip-in Drapery Hooks at Bed Bath and Beyond
• Pleater Hooks at Hobby Lobby
• Slip-in Curtain Hooks at Lowes 
• How to Make Rocks Stand Upright 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks