Painted Rock Nativity Sets - Ready for Spring

The joy of Spring and Easter is in the air and I was drawn to the yummy, pastel acrylic hues of "Basil Green" and "Summer Peach" for my latest unique nativity sets painted on rocks.

"Basil Green" and "Summer Peach" Acrylic Paint Purchased at Hobby Lobby

I was anxious to try these beautiful colors, so I primed some stones and went to work painting them.

Primed stones awaiting pastel paint

Here are my two latest nativity set creations using "lightweight" colors rather than the blues and browns I normally paint with.

Painted Rock Nativity Scene Figures Ready for Spring

Painted Stone Nativity Scene Figures in Spring Attire

Remember, painted rock nativity sets aren't just for Christmas. They can be displayed in unique ways year round as a piece of art.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Sweet, Simple Gifts - No-Fat Rock Candies

Painted rock candies are a sweet gift to have on hand around the holidays and very easy to paint.

Quick How-To Lesson for Painting Chocolate Candy Rocks

• Small, round stones make the best rock candies.
• Paint one (or both) sides of each stone with a milk, dark, or white chocolate acrylic paint color. For the majority of these stones I used burnt umber acrylic paint. The light one is painted with buttermilk acrylic and for the shiny stone on the lower right I used brown fabric paint. 
• If you have stones that are naturally chocolate-colored, you don't need to paint them. FYI: The stone on the upper right is unpainted.

Paint the stones with chocolate-colored acrylics

• You can start decorating the stones now or you can add a little shading around the sides of each stone by mixing the brown paint with a little black (or brown with the buttermilk color).
• An internet search for chocolate candy images will give you ideas for how to decorate your candies
• I made this tool for applying the little dots on the stones

DIY Dotting Tool

• Now use your imagination - dots, swirls, lines, squiggles, a combination of designs - anything goes.
• 3-D Fabric paint is what gives the designs dimension and realism. I used white, butterscotch and brown fabric paint
• You may want to practice using the 3-D fabric paint before applying it to the stones.

Add designs to the chocolate-colored stones

The painted rock candies will look even more realistic if you display them in a festive holiday dish...

...or a bowl.

 

A few more gift-giving ideas: 

• Adorn wrapped packages with a candy or two
• Gift a few individual candies
• Place a few rock candies in a Christmas stocking
• Attach a ribbon to make a Christmas ornament
• Create a unique and/or personalized gift by packaging the candies in a dish, bowl, mug, etc.
• Painted rock candies make great gifts for Valentine's Day too.

Please, please, please remember to keep these candies away from young children. They can be very tempting and dangerous if ANYONE attempts to eat them.



Note: This idea was adapted from and inspired by Suzi Chua.


© 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