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 

Year-Round Display for Painted Rock Nativity Sets Using Candle Accessories

You've learned easy and natural ways to display nativity sets painted on rocks.

Now, you'll see how to use candle accessories for displaying your unique painted rock nativity scene figures year round. 

You'll need:

• Metal, glass or ceramic candle plates or dishes or
• Candle holders and
• Glass gems

Tiny Painted Rock Nativity Set Displayed on a Small Candle Dish

Tip 1: Look around your home. You may already have candle dishes, plates and holders that you can use.

Tip 2: Choose glass gems in colors that blend with your decor or the the painted rock nativity figures. Glass gems can be found at craft stores (e.g., Hobby Lobby) usually in the floral department.

Tip 3: It helps to place the Mary and Joseph nativity figures on the plate first and then surround them with the glass gems. Baby Jesus can sit atop the glass gems.

Tip 4: For inexpensive display ideas, visit your local thrift store, dollar store or garage sales.

Here are four more ideas using candle accessories, glass gems and painted rock nativity scene figures.

The Tiny Nativity Set is Replaced with a Small Nativity Set

Red, Metal Candle Plate with Glass Gems and Tiny Nativity Set

 

Round, Glass Candle Dish Used with the Tiny Nativity Set

Tiny Nativity Set Sits Atop Glass Gems in a Frosted Glass Candle Holder

The possibilities are endless for creating a year-round, nativity set display to fit your unique home decor style using candle accessories and glass beads. 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

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