Summertime Crafting

Summertime is when I really get to dive into crafting. I step away from the home decor and repair DIYs and just play. I can experiment, make frivolous, fun projects and when they let me, involve my kids. 

One of my favorite summer crafts, and theirs, is painting rocks. I don't have a fancy tutorial for this one, since it’s a pretty basic concept, but for the best results here's what I do. 

I start by gathering rocks. The more diverse the collection, the more choices you'll have when it comes to design. The most important consideration is that they all have a relatively smooth surface for painting. 

Next, I wash! A plain water rinse works just fine. Then I let them air dry, so they will be free of any dust or lint. Once debris gets caught in a paint brush, it's a mess to get rid of.  

While the rocks are drying, I choose a design. I brainstorm ideas, check Pinterest or children’s books. The choices are truly limitless, regardless of your interests, age and/ or skill level. 

Once I have settled on what I’m going to paint, it’s time to dig in. It’s actually easier than you think to get professional results.
Start by applying a base coat with plain craft paint and a bristle brush, instead of foam. They are better for detail work and don’t leave bubbles behind. 

If you are not confident in your freehand skills, you can trace or sketch your design onto the newly painted surface with a pencil. 

Don't be afraid to add your own accents to your artwork and if you make a mistake a little water will take the wet paint right off. I use pointed q-tips, to erase paint in tight spots. 

When done, I always add a top coat of decoupage or glitter gel to seal and protect and make my rocks shine.  

That’s it, that’s all it takes for a masterpiece in minutes.  The rocks are great little decor accents for the everyday and holidays and make cute personalized gifts for birthdays, baby and wedding showers, anniversaries, graduations… think initials, years, school names, logos. You don't need to paint a picture. There is no end to what you can put on a rock. If you can dream it, you can paint it. 

No right, no wrong, no rules. And I love that. 
Especially in summer!