Rock Painting Ideas and Patterns Can be Changed Easily to Create Unique Pieces

What I enjoy about rock painting is that one rock painting idea or pattern can create many unique painted rock objects by changing up the paint colors and a few design elements.

Recently, I came across a  Baby Bluebird of Happiness rock painting pattern and painted this baby bluebird.

Painted Rock Baby Bluebird of Happiness

Next, I hand painted two more baby bluebird rocks. By painting the birds with larger mouths and placing them in a basket, I now had a set of Hungry Baby Bluebirds of Happiness.

Painted Rocks - Hungry Baby Bluebirds of Happiness

I then painted another variation from the same rock painting pattern using the colors of robins, and placed them in a twig basket with moss.

Robins in a Basket Painted Rocks

Yet another variation of baby bird rocks was hand painted using shades of tan. I placed these painted baby bird rocks into a green basket.

Tan Hungry Birds Painted Rocks 

In the photo below, you can see how one rock painting pattern and idea produced several unique, painted rock sets by: 

• Using differently-shaped rocks
• Changing the paint colors   
• Varying the design for mouth shapes
• Adding interest with baskets. 

Painted Rocks - A Collection of Hungry Baby Birds

Baby bird rock painting ideas are endless thanks to a simple rock painting pattern, nature, and the inspiration that is all around me.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Protecting & Shipping Painted Rocks

Today is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

Bubble wrap is a wonderful invention that's very effective for protecting items from damage when they're shipped long distances. And we've all had the irresistible urge of popping a few bubbles once the package is opened.

Here's a tip when using bubble wrap to pack painted rocks for shipment. Be sure to wrap the painted rocks with parchment paper before cushioning with bubble wrap. Plastic may adhere to the surface of the painted rocks and damage the finish.

For smaller painted rocks, I use bubble mailers and always wrap the painted rock with parchment paper before placing it in the bubble mailer.

Don't pop your gift recipient's bubble with a damaged painted rock. Wrap it in a protective layer of paper first before cushioning with bubble wrap and shipping it.

Click here to learn more about bubble wrap and bubble wrap appreciation day.

Note: This blog post was updated. I originally used tissue paper and plain newsprint to wrap the painted rocks before cushioning with bubble wrap. These papers adhere to the rock and are not suitable. I now use parchment paper to wrap painted rocks before shipping them.

Unique Painted Rock Nativity Sets

Another category of my painted rocks that can be found online is Unique Painted Rock Nativity Sets. This online gallery of painted rock nativities contains sets I've painted over the years.


The nativity set pictured below is my most recent addition to the gallery of painted rock nativity figures. Mary, Baby Jesus, and Joseph have been painted on geometric-shaped rocks. Mary is painted on a round river rock, Joseph is painted on a triangular rock, and Baby Jesus is painted on an oval stone.

Click here for other views of this one-of-a-kind nativity set

My online gallery of nativity sets visually illustrates how various rock sizes and shapes were used to create nativity sets and figures with unique characteristics. I always enjoy watching the Holy Family come to life as I add paint colors and features to each river rock.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks 

Home & Garden Painted Rocks

With Spring around the corner, I'm anxious to get started on painting more rocks to add to my yard art and garden decor collection.

Painted Stone Strawberries in a Crate

Home & Garden Painted Rocks showcases gnome homes and other buildings painted on rocks such as a church and Tudor chalet. You'll also see address and memorial markers, flowers, and even a hamburger - all colorfully painted with acrylics on a variety of stones and rocks.


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks

Painted Rock Animals & Critters

They say a picture is worth is a thousand words and you can now see many of the painted rocks I've completed since 2007 gathered together in one place online.

Photos of my painted rocks have been organized into 5 categories and today I'll highlight the photo set with the largest collection of hand-painted river rocks I've completed.

Painted Rock Animals & Critters showcases the following animals and critters I've hand-painted on rocks and stones:

Click here to see more of My Painted Rock Animals & Critters

• Wild animals - brown bear, polar bear, walrus, chimpanzee 
• Farm animals - sheep, cow, pigs
• Birds - owls, toucans, penguins, baby chick
• Pets - Siamese cat, black cat, calico kittens, stylized cat, cats on sticks, guinea pig
• Reptiles & Fish - alligator, snakes, lizard, turtle, fish
• Other Critters - mouse, lady bugs, caterpillar 

I was surprised to see the amount and variety of animal & critter river rocks I've painted since I've picked up the rock art hobby a few years ago. What a menagerie!


© Cindy Thomas Painted Rocks