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

Can't Find Rocks to Paint?

Some of us have an easier time finding rocks to paint than others and now that winter weather is setting in, who wants to scrounge around outdoors for stones?


Tip: Visit the Garden Department of your local stores

• Walmart
• Home Depot
• Lowes
• etc. 

to see if they have any landscaping pebbles, stones, or rocks they want to get rid of.


On a recent trip to my local Walmart, I discovered many torn bags of landscaping stones stacked near the Garden Center. When I inquired about them, I was told the torn bags were being returned for a credit, however, if I wished to purchase some, I could do so for 1/2 price.

Tip: Try to negotiate for a discount if you live in an area where winter is setting in and landscaping is the last thing on a homeowner's mind. 


These decorative, landscaping stones are the type of rocks which make my eyes light up:

• Smooth
• Unpolished
• 2-3 inches in size
• Various shapes

Here's just a small portion from the bag I purchased which have been washed and set out to dry.

Landscaping stones purchased for a discount at Walmart

Tip: Be aware that polished stones found in craft stores are pretty, however, paint doesn't adhere to them easily. It may require sanding, priming, and a few coats of paint if you use these type of store-bought pebbles.


Now I have a large supply of rocks, stones and pebbles to keep me busy painting during the winter while I'm stuck indoors.


Idea: If I paint rock garden decor, perhaps Spring will be here before I know it.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Paint Unique, Outdoor Nativity Sets on Garden Pavestones

An outdoor nativity set painted on garden pavers is a great gift idea but there's a problem - packing and shipping to out-of-town recipients is difficult and pricey.

Outdoor nativity set painted on garden pavers, brick and rock

The solution: I created a downloadable guide (in PDF format) explaining and illustrating how to paint these outdoor nativity scene figures and brick manger.

How to Paint Nativities on Pavestones PDF Guide

The following sample page from the tutorial shows the type of garden edgestones and paver brick I used along with the rock shape & size which works best for Baby Jesus.

Sample page from the PDF how-to guide

Included in my 40-page tutorial:

• a materials and supplies list
• paint and brush tips
• rock painting tips and helps
• easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with photos
• ideas for more nativity sets using garden pavestones

Get your copy of 

"How to Paint a Nativity Set on Pavestones" 

Christmas will be here soon!

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Keep Your Garden Colorful Year Round with Painted Pavestones

A chill is in the air and soon the garden will be bare. Brightly painted, round pavestones will keep your garden colorful all year.

Painted round pavers peek through the greenery in the Summer

Painted round pavers brighten the garden in Autumn & Winter

Side-by-side comparison

Keep your garden colorful all year with painted pavestones or rocks. Just remember to apply an acrylic or polyurethane sealer to protect the colors from the harsh, outdoor elements.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Do You Need Rock Painting Ideas?

Look what's possible with ordinary rocks and acrylic paint.

Sample of Painted Rocks by Cindy Thomas

Is your garden looking a little dreary because all the flowers have bloomed and gone to seed? A painted rock gnome home would add some color to your garden nestled among the greenery.

Do you need a gift for a friend in the hospital? A basket of hungry baby bird painted rocks are sure to lift their spirits?

Do you want something different to display at the holidays? There are painted rocks for all holiday occasions - Christmas Santas & nativity sets, Halloween ghosts & pumpkins, Valentine's love bugs, and Easter chicks.

Do you want to play a joke on unsuspecting friends? Painting rocks to resemble food will certainly catch them off guard. Please note that small painted rocks may look so yummy that young children will actually try to eat them. PLEASE USE CAUTION with this idea.

Do you need a gift for an animal lover? Rocks can be painted as cats, dogs and other pets as well as wild animals, farm animals, and more.

Once you start painting rocks and stones, you'll discover all sorts of ideas. The only problem will be finding enough time to create all of your masterpieces!

To see more ideas for painted rocks, please visit (and like) my Facebook Fan Page.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Identify Your Garden with an Address Painted on Rocks

A way to make your garden and yard distinctive is to display rocks with your address painted on them. Painted rocks can also be used as unique memorial markers.

One-of-a-Kind Address Marker Painted on a Rock

An Address Painted on a Concrete Garden Wall Block

Front of Memorial Marker Painted on a Triangular Rock

Back of Memorial Marker Painted on a Triangular Rock

You can see how different types of rocks and pavestones found at home improvement stores can be hand painted to beautifully and uniquely identify your garden, home, yard, or gravesite.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Add Magic to Your Garden with Gnome Home Painted Rocks

Instead of whimsy, you may wish to add a magical element to your garden with yard art that invokes fairies and gnomes.

Because of the varying shapes of rocks and extensive paint colors available, hand-painted gnome homes are truly unique and one-of-a-kind garden art decor that attract attention, comments and curiosity about who may be living in the garden.

Learn More About This Blue Painted Rock Gnome Home

Discover More About This Pink Painted Rock Gnome Home

Can You Picture Two Gnome Home Painted Rocks in Your Garden?

A Gnome Relaxing Outside His Wee Neighbors' Painted Rock Homes

A painted rock gnome home nestled among the flowers and foliage adds a magical quality to your garden.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks