Rock Art Handbook: Techniques and Projects for Painting, Coloring and Transforming Stones

I checked out this recently-published book: Rock Art Handbook: Techniques and Projects for Painting, Coloring and Transforming Stones by Samantha Sarles.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This book is a great resource if you want to use a medium other than acrylic paint to decorate your rocks. There are over 30, step-by-step, how-to techniques using pens, paint, nail polish, glitter, fabric, paper, chalk and more.

The techniques and projects are easily explained and beautifully illustrated.

The topics covered are:

• Finding and Prepping Rocks
• Sealants
• Acrylic Paint
• Markers and Pens
• Drawing Mandala and Zentangle Designs
• Marbling
• Colored Pencils
• Decoupage
• Creating Unique Backgrounds
• Embellishments and Textures
• Rocks for Learning
• Rocks and Kids
• Possible Uses

These are rocks I decorated using just a few of the techniques and/or designs from Samantha Sarles' Rock Art Handbook.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sharpie Pens

Sharpies are notorious for blurring when sealed and I had several unused pens to experiment with. The technique: Draw various circles with Sharpies and then use alcohol and a Q-tip to intentionally blur the Sharpie pen lines.

Colored Pencils

The technique: Base coat a design with white acrylic paint prior to filling it in with the colored pencils. The book recommends Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, however, my Loew Cornell colored pencils seemed to work just fine. (Note: I used black acrylic paint to outline the flower.)

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Outlined and Filled-In Mandala Designs

This was my favorite project from the book. I used extra fine point Posca Paint Pens for both of these rocks. For details on the larger filled-in mandala design, I used a Sakura Pigma Micron pen.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

With Christmas approaching, Rock Art Handbook: Techniques and Projects for Painting, Coloring and Transforming Stones by Samantha Sarles would be a great gift for the rock painter in your life.

OR

The stones you decorate using the techniques in this book would be wonderful, personalized presents to give and receive.

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Supplies mentioned in this blog post:

• Rock Art Handbook by Samantha Sarles
• Loew Cornell Colored Pencils
• Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
• Extra Fine Point Posca Paint Marker Pens
• Sakura Pigma Micron Pen

   
© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Paint Baby Jesus on a Rock

Useful Links

Rock Painting Tips for Beginners

Helpful Rock Painting Tools and Supplies

Christmas Holiday Painted Rocks Projects

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How To Paint Dotted Mandalas on Rocks

 

Beautiful, dotted mandalas are all over the Internet. 

I wanted to paint some for myself but could not figure out how the simple, yet intricate design was accomplished. 

Then, I came across a fantastic dotted mandala tutorial and look what I painted!



Here are my tips and thoughts about painting these beautiful stones.

Paints

I used both acrylic and acrylic craft paints. Acrylic paints will need to be thinned with water more so than the craft paints. Consistency of the paint is very important in order to obtain a nice effect.

Colors

I love color and these stones can be painted with any combination. For inspiration, I have a Pinterest board devoted just to color palettes:

Brushes

The tutorial recommended a certain type and size of brush for painting dotted mandalas. I had 4 suitable brushes on hand. I found the small brushes from a recently purchased nail art set worked best for me. (The nail art brushes are the 2 with white handles in the picture below.)

Stones

I used 3 types of stones for my dotted mandalas because I wanted to see how the painting technique would work on each one:

• Round and pitted (bottom left)
• Flat, smooth and an irregular shape (right)
• Round and smooth (top left)

The Tutorial

I recommend reading the detailed steps from the tutorial a few times before starting.

Mandala Tutorial by Colorful-Crafts.com

Practice

I practiced the brush dotting technique on paper first to get the hang of it before painting my first stone.

Painting the Stones

Stone 1 - Round and pitted

You can paint a dotted mandala on a pitted stone. I think my first attempt is OK but the dots appear to be flat.

One stone "dot" painted and two more to go.

Stone 2 - Flat, smooth and an irregular shape

It was definitely easier to paint on the flat, smooth rock and my dots have a little more dimension this time.

Stones 1 and 2 side by side

Stone 3 - Round and smooth

My third stone is nice but I definitely need more practice.

What I Learned

• It's not as easy as it looks.
• Go slowly and don't rush.
• Practice and practice and practice.

Helpful Links

• Dotted Mandala Stones Tutorial
• Green & Blue Dotted Mandala Stone Tutorial
• Nail Art Brushes - A Great Set of Tools for Painting Details on Rocks
• Rock Painting Color Palettes on Pinterest

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Painting Projects for Valentine's Day

Nothing says "I love you" more than a hand-made gift. These rock painting projects and ideas are unique and whimsical ways to show your love on Valentine's Day and warm the recipient's heart.

Sweet, Simple Gifts - No Fat Rock Candies

Painted rock candies are a sweet Valentine's Day gift to paint on rocks and stones. Learn how to paint rock candy.

How to Create Valentine's Day Gifts of Painted Love Bug Rocks

Love Bug painted rocks would certainly warm the heart of that special Valentine both young and old. Learn how to paint these cute critters.

How to Create a Stained Glass Heart Stone with Glue and Paint

This is a simple project and great for kids. They can easily draw their own design and paint within the lines. See the "how to" for this project.

Painted Heart Stones

You can paint all types of heart designs on triangular and heart-shaped rocks and they make great gifts for any occasion!
Click here for heart ideas and inspiration.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
 

Christmas Holiday Painted Rocks Projects

Are you stumped and don't know what to gift a friend who has everything? How about a rock hand painted by you?

Are you looking for projects to keep the children busy during their break from school? How about an afternoon of painting rocks?

My gift to you is four holiday rock painting projects which are easy and fun for all ages to make, give and receive.

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Sweet, Simple Gifts - No-Fat Rock Candy

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

Learn How to Paint Rock Candy

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How to Paint a Santa Hat on Rocks and Stones

Painted Santa hat rocks make cute DIY Christmas gifts which are easy enough for children to paint and fun for all ages to give and receive.

Learn How to Paint a Rock Santa Hat

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How to Make a Melting Snowman with Painted Rocks

"Build" this snowman in the warmth of your home instead of braving the cold, frosty outdoors.

Learn How to Paint a Melting Snowman on Rocks

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How to Make Christmas Trees with Pine Cones and Painted Stones

Collect a few pine cones and use them with small, painted rocks to create a Christmas tree. 

Learn How to Paint a Pine Cone/Stone Christmas Tree

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Merry Christmas, Everyone!

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

Rock Painting Ideas: Flowers Painted on Rocks and Stones

I enjoy painting flowers on rocks because they look so pretty in a garden and make wonderful gifts any time of the year.

See more painted rocks for the garden

To get my creative juices flowing, I have a new Pinterest inspiration board. It features ideas and patterns for painting flowers on rocks, stones and pavers.

Ideas: Flowers Painted Rocks

There are many simple and realistic ways to paint flowers on rocks, stones or pavers. Painted flower rocks add color, interest, beauty and whimsy to your garden and are unique, eye-catching gifts which will always be in bloom.

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Visit my Pinterest Rock Painting Ideas and Helps board for more tips, tricks, ideas, and patterns to use for painting rocks, stones and pebbles. 

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Painting Ideas: Butterflies Painted on Rocks

I enjoy painting butterflies on rocks because of all the beautiful, bright colors I can use.

See how this rock was transformed into a Paisley butterfly

To help get my creative juices flowing, I have a new Pinterest inspiration board. It features ideas and patterns for painting butterflies on rocks, stones and pavers.

Ideas: Butterflies Rocks

There are many simple, whimsical ways you can paint a butterfly on a stone or paver. Painted butterfly rocks add color, interest, beauty and whimsy to your garden and are unique, eye-catching garden art gifts for a special friend.

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Visit my Pinterest Rock Painting Ideas and Helps board for more tips, tricks, ideas, and patterns to use for painting rocks, stones and pebbles. 

 
 © Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Rock Painting Ideas: Wild Animals

I have a new Pinterest inspiration board for painting wild animals on rocks which I'll be adding to regularly.

Ideas: Wild Animals Rocks

You can paint all types of wild animals on rocks, either realistically or cartoon-like. Many people have a favorite animal they like to collect and painted rocks are great, personalized gifts for any occasion! 

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Visit my Pinterest Rock Painting Ideas and Helps board to get inspiration for other painted rocks projects.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

How to Make a Melting Snowman with Painted Rocks

"Build" this snowman in the warmth of your home instead of braving the cold, frosty outdoors.

 

Supplies:

• One flat rock and a smaller round or oval rock

• White, black, red, orange acrylic paint
• Glue (I used E6000) 
• Protective sealer (optional)

Note: When you click on certain links in this post, I may receive a commission for the purchase of products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Step 1: Glue the smaller rock onto the larger, flat stone.

Step 2: Paint the stones white. (You may need to apply several coats of paint for good coverage.)

 Step 3: Paint the eyes, carrot nose, mouth, stick arms and buttons.

Ideas:

• Use 3-D fabric paint for the eyes and buttons
• Use buttons for the eyes and buttons
• Attach sticks for the arms instead of painting them
• Add glitter glue to give the snowman a glistening effect
• Attach small, painted stones for the eyes and buttons
• Attach a pretty ribbon to make a hanging tree ornament
• For an outdoor display, use a round garden paver for the melting body and a large stone for the head
• Melted snowman cookies were the inspiration for this project 

A melting snowman is an easy rock painting project and great for Christmas stocking stuffers.

© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks