An Alternative Painting Idea for Polished Stones

You can buy bags of stones at craft and dollar stores. I found these for $1 each at Family Dollar.

However, in most cases the stones are polished and difficult to paint. You may need to sand the stones, prime the stones, apply several coats of paint, and sometimes leave them outdoors for many months to "weather" them prior to painting.

An alternative to painting these stones is to engrave them first using an electric engraver tool (e.g., Dremel).

This video shows how to use this engraving tool on polished stones. In fact, engraving works best on the polished stones.

I've put this tool on my wish list so I can get even more creative with all the polished stones I've accumulated.

Simple Painted Rock Gifts Brighten the Day

Today is "Giveback Tuesday" and I'm off to the post office to mail another painted stone for this lovely lady's collection.

At the time I started painting rocks, my mother entered a nursing home far from where I lived. The adjustment to this new living arrangement was traumatic for my mom. So, to brighten her existence and let her know I was thinking of her, I started mailing little, painted stones.

After my mother left this world, I learned of another senior going through a tough time. Aha! I knew just the thing to bring a smile to her face and make the transition a little less traumatic - painted rocks!

It's amazing how ordinary rocks come alive with a little paint and bring joy and smiles to all who see them.

P.S. Here's a little secret: It's just as joyful giving these painted rock gifts as receiving them.

P.P.S. A miniature painted stone nativity scene is what I sent to this dear lady today. 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painted Rock Nativity Sets - An Alternative to Traditional Christmas Decor

Nativity scene figures hand painted on Colorado river rocks and stones are an unusual yet appealing alternative to traditional Christmas nativity decor and a charming addition to a Creche collection.

He is my Rock Nativity Sets

For a delightful and distinctive conversation piece, try something new and out of the ordinary by replacing the figurines in your traditional nativity set with nativity scene figures that are uniquely painted on rocks.

 

Newly completed, painted rock nativities ranging in size from tiny, small, medium to large are available in the Nativity Shop.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

So Many Rock Painting Ideas and So Little Time To Do Them All

I have so many rock painting projects to try and I've "pinned" them to a board on Pinterest called Rock Painting Ideas and Helps.

Perhaps you'll find inspiration for your painted rocks also. Just click here or on the image below to go straight to my Pinterest rock painting ideas board.

P.S. If you find a way to add more hours to the day, please let me know.

Cindy Thomas Rock Painter

How to Display Painted Rock Nativities in a Traditional Way

In earlier posts I showed you how to display painted rock nativity sets in a simple way using a charger plate with greenery, stones, or glass gems.

Painted rock nativity scene figures can also be displayed in traditional Christmas nativity stables.

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You can use an existing nativity stable and place the nativity scene figures inside.

Painted Rock Nativity Scene Figures in a Store-Bought Stable

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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You can use an existing nativity stable along with the animals that came with the set.

Painted Rock Nativity Set with Store-Bought Animal Figures

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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Just remember to take into account the size of your painted rock nativity figures. You'll want them to fit nicely in the stable.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks