Get TEN ideas for beautiful painted rocks PLUS instructions on how to paint them! Rock painting is a fun activity for adults, seniors, or kids, and makes great gifts or home decor.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the post to watch a video. You’ll learn how to make the fairy garden rocks shown in this post!
Skills Required: Beginner. These painted rock ideas are extremely EASY. There are a few tricks for making them, but I’ll go over that in each description. If you follow the instructions, you’ll have success.
Rock painting ideas are all the rage right now! I’m not sure if you’ve heard of the Kindness Rocks project, but it’s the reason why people began painting rocks in the first place (besides the fact that it’s just fun to do).
Rock Painting Tips
The idea behind these rocks is that you will decorate them and place them in locations for others to find as a “random act of kindness.” Isn’t it a cool idea? It’s a great spring or summer craft for kids or adults.
I love the thought of making someone happy with a pretty rock and inspirational message. In a world where we’re just looking for a little something to brighten our days, these rocks are perfect!
Of course you can also keep the rocks for yourself or give them as gifts. Decorative rocks are perfect for displaying on shelves, in your garden, or as vase filler (the smaller ones, anyway!).
How to Paint Rocks to Achieve Success
Here are my favorite tips for achieving the best painted rocks:
Pick Smooth Surfaces
Pick smooth, flat rocks. You can decorate any rock, but it’s harder to decorate ones with ridges. If you can’t find them in nature, the craft stores sell them as do home improvement centers.
Wash the Rocks
Wash the rocks before decorating them. You want to remove dirt so that it doesn’t mess your design. You can wash several at once with dish soap and leave in a colander to drain and dry.
Seal Before Painting
Seal the rock before painting on it. Use Mod Podge or another clear brush on or spray sealer. This helps so that the rocks (which are porous) don’t suck the life out of your markers. Another option: prime with white paint to help the colors that you paint on top appear more vibrant.
Use Multisurface Paint and Paint Pens
You won’t need many painting supplies for your rocks. Brushes, paint, a basin or water jar, and paint pens.
Paint your design on top and use several coats . . . let dry between layers. Use outdoor or multi-surface acrylic paints to help them hold up to the elements.
Use oil based paint pens or markers made for rocks. These work the best for me! Just make sure to let the base fully dry before any writing. The best rock markers of all time? POSCA paint pens!
Use Small Tools
Use small brushes, the ends of your paint brushes, or a stylus to make small details and/or dots.
Seal When Done
Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of Mod Podge Outdoor OR a comparable brush on or clear spray sealer. This will help protect your beautiful painted rocks from the elements.
You Can Always Start Over
And my favorite tip: if you mess up, wipe it off or wash it away while the paint is still wet. You can dab a corner of a paper towel in water and do it quickly and easily. Trust me . . . we’ve all had to do it. You’ll have a blast learning how to paint rocks!
Now that you have my favorite tips, check out these 10 painted rock ideas below. There are so many ways to decorate rocks to make them fabulous – which one of these is your favorite?
Painted Rock Paperweights
The trick for rock art with quotes on top? Paint your base colors, then let dry. Then write your quote with a white gel pen, leaving enough room so that you can use a liner brush or thin paint pen to go over the top of each letter.
River Rock Fairy Garden Houses
You might think someone with a very steady hand painted these decorative rocks, but nope – they were designed with stencils!
Stencils are going to be your best friend for this project (plus the video at the very bottom of this post shows you how to make the rock on the left with the door).
Breast Cancer Awareness Kindness Rocks
My aunt is recovering from breast cancer and these painted rocks would be a great gift for her! If you feel uncomfortable with the lettering, use a white gel pen as your template as I suggested in the first project . . . then paint over the top with a liner brush. As an alternative, you can also stencil words on top of the rocks OR decoupage them.
Decorate Decoupage Rocks
If you want to learn how to paint rocks but want to start with something easy, these decorative rocks are perfect! You’ll simply basecoat (completely cover) with a solid color, then use Mod Podge to apply scrapbook paper and lace on top.
Flip Rocks DIY
These decorative rocks are perfect for hiding outside! They have a message decoupaged on one side . . . flip them over and they have something else to say. You could even tell silly knock knock jokes with them.
Painted Mandala Rocks
You might think these mandala rocks are difficult given the detailed design – but I promise you, they aren’t! You can use toothpicks or a stylus to achieve the dots. You’ll need patience and a lot of paint colors, but anyone can do it.
Beachy Rocks
These decorative rocks have a distressed look, but they were actually made with stencils. Then some details were added and some distressing was achieved with sandpaper. I love the beachy feel and that’s a perfect place to hide them.
Feel Good Message Stones
I love the bright colors and messages used with these painted rocks! This is a project just like the first one I shared – you’re going to use the white gel pen and a liner brush to achieve the writing. Of course, there are white oil based paint pens if you prefer to do the script that way.
Rock Painting Ideas
My mom and I were teaching ourselves how to paint rocks, so we started with these little beauties for our first try. Once we tried, we were hooked . . . but these rocks were how it all began.
Rock Herb Markers
Sketch the herbs of your choice on the rocks (after painting them black) using chalk. If that’s not really up your alley, simply print out pictures of the herbs online and decoupage them to the rocks instead. Either way, these make fantastic garden markers! Use them for a variety of crops.
Heart Rocks
Okay, I said I was only going to share ten painted rocks, but I couldn’t help myself . . . these color shift rocks are too cool for school! I wrote an entire guide for Color Shift Paint, and once you put this paint on a surface like a rock, you’ll never go back. Trust me.
Now that you know how to paint rocks, you’ll want to see the video I promised! Make a rock fairy garden using these techniques. You’ll see how easy it is – just click PLAY in the video in this post.
Painted Rocks
Equipment
- Paintbrush(es) of various sizes
- Water basin
- 1 Stylus (optional)
Materials
- Rocks smooth and flat are best
- Acrylic outdoor paint
- Sealer like Mod Podge Outdoor
- Paint pen(s)
- Stencils optional
Instructions
- Pick smooth, flat rocks. Wash the rocks before painting them. Use dish soap and warm water. Leave in a colander to drain and dry.
- Seal the rock before painting on it. Use a clear brush on or spray sealer.
- Paint your design on top and use several coats . . . let dry between layers.
- Use small brushes or a stylus to make small details and/or dots on the top of your rock.
- Use gel pens and then paint pens to write on your rocks. Let dry completely.
- Finish off your rocks with a coat (or two or three) of an outdoor sealer. Let dry completely before putting outside.
Video
Notes
Did you enjoy these painted rocks? I’d love for you to check out these related crafts to do at home I think you’re going to love!
So many great ideas here! I’ve just recently started painting rocks with the intention of giving them away, but it’s so hard to part with them! The new idea posted here that I love the most are the ones with lace. What a great dimension the lace adds! So pretty and feminine too. I’ll be getting out my supplies today to try some new ideas! Thanks so much!
Hi Kathy! It’s definitely hard to part with them. 😀 I also love the lace one too! I have to try it myself!!
hi,
this is very nice crafts and this is very beautiful as well as very adorable for us ,
regards,
mansi desai
I love all of these cute ideas. Very nice <3 Thanks a bunch for sharing all of these with us.
Have a beautiful day!
Khadija
https://creativekhadija.com/
Love the mandala ones.
I love these designs! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
fyi… My sources indicate that the quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson was actually written by JRR Tolkien.
You’re right!
where do I find the templates ( ? ) you used …the door ..planters and so on??
Hi there! They are called “FolkArt mini stencils.” I know JoAnn has them . . . as well as online. Do a search and you’ll find them. You can see the exact names by scrolling down here: https://plaidonline.com/projects/painted-river-rock-fairy-houses. Plaid carries them but they aren’t able to ship right now due to system maintenance. Other online stores have them though. Good luck!
OK, so where is the video link???
Hi there! The video is embedded at the bottom of the post! Send me an email at amy @modpodgerocksblog.com if you can’t find it. You should just be able to hit play within the post. 😀
hi really enjoyed the great ideas for rock painting love i
Wow, I loved this. My eyes just bulged with excitement. I have so many unfinished quilts & know I should be concentrating on those but then all these amazing projects keep popping up & I’m a gonna! I love all these ideas for Rock decorating, from the garden to the herb naming to a gift to cheer someone up. ALL the ideas are amazing & doable even for me. I’m gonna get the neighbours kids to join me, they always make projects even more fun! Thank you so much for this ??❤️
I remember this sort of craft as painting a face on a rock or a sad version of some animal. These are awesome. Inspire me to give this type of craft another look!
Great idea for kids this summer. Love it ?
This is such a cute idea.
What better was is there to make this last at least for summer!Truly creative.
Rocks sell great at Craft fairs and are easy to transport. This teaches you how to make sure the paint says in place and the cash goes into my pocket.
What lovely ideas for gifts and charity sales.
Very cute and creative! I have many rocks to paint!
Me and my grand kids love these, you have given us more ideas as we have made some for around the village, its fun finding where new ones turn up, think we will make a fairy village this spring holidays
What a lovely idea to leave these rocks for someone to find. Thank you for the idea.
Thank you for the directions. I’ve been wanting to decorate the garden with some bespoke rock decorations. These directions were a big help.
I just love them so much.
I want to do this project soon
These are beautiful! Can’t wait to try some of them!
I have only just started painting rocks, so this tutorial is very helpful.
Easy craft to do with the little ones
So many cute ideas for rock painting. Need to go find some rocks
I L❤VE these ideas for painting rocks; I will be making some today! ???
Great simple idea for gifts. I would love to get one. Fun, you instructions are so clear and easy to follow
So much fun! Loved all the creative ways to paint rocks!
Love this Post! So versatile and a quick craft you can completely customize.
These are so easy to make – and I love when I am out somewhere and I find one. It makes me happy. 🙂
These are lovely with easy to follow instructions, where I live the only available rocks (without buying) are quary rocks
I have painted some rocks in the past, but never thought to use Mod Podge.
Love this idea for fairy gardens, borders around flowers, to put in potted plants, gives color to all above
I’ve used this to seal my rocks after painting and prior to hiding for the rock finder
This project is perfect for any occasion that you decorate. Make bunnies or eggs for Easter. Love or hearts for Valentine. Good for kids to give mom on Mother’s day with messages of love and gratitude.
I already paint rocks, but I’m loving these designs. Thanks.
Leave some of these painted rocks on the beach and you will make people happy. Please make sure not to put any plastic addition as it will end up in the ocean eventually
I really like this idea I have so many big rocks that I can use with Modge Podge and paint for my garden
Nice
My family gets together to paint rocks! There are some great tips here that I will have to try
Well done!! What more can be said!
absolutely beautiful.
I’m a rock painting, Rock loving girl! These are awesome tips. Thanks so much!!
Love the painted rocks and never thought to use Mod Podge outdoor to keep them bright and beautiful
Great hands on guide to start off your adventures with painting rocks. Great ideas are also incorporated on the blog.
I’m going to have to try this with my grandson
This would be fun for kids. Can’t wait to try it with my grandkids!
Great ideas – who knew rocks could look sdo great! Have to find some large ones!
I have seen places offering this craft but wanted to do on my own and wa la here it is. Thank you, can’t wait to find rocks.
I’ve done a little rock painting. These are amazing. Love the tip to Mod Podge with Mod Podge Outdoor.
I wasn’t too sure I had the skills to paint rocks, but your ideas changed my mind!
I love the kindness rock project! There’s a facebook group in our city that people post on when they hide or find rocks around town. I’ve seen several photos of rocks I’ve painted on there. And it is always a thrill to find one that someone else made too!
We have done this while sitting on the beach, some we leave on the beach for others to discover, other come home to remember our day. Great for any age.
Thank you for the instructions. I am collecting all I need to do this rock paining for my garden.
4 rating because it’s a little hard to add wording without messing up on letters. Maybe I just needed a smaller brush.
I love that there are a variety of ideas in this project, including some for the less talented
These are adorable! I especially like the ones done with color shift paint!
These are an inspiration, my mom found one going to take chemo. She loved it so much she couldn’t pass it on, it was adorable. It helped her cope with her situation and not feel so alone. She passed this last February and I found it in her dresser draw. I have no idea who done the act of kindness, but it was a blessing.
This tutorial had several excellent tips for beginner rock painting that will allow the crafter to have success their very first time. I particularly loved the mandala rocks and the decoupage rocks!
Fun project
I tried doing these and failed. These are so cute.i love the lace.
Love the fairy house rocks, have used this idea to make lots of rocks myself.
This is a great project for all age peoples!
great ideas for clubs
easy painted rocks
LOVE these projects!!! 5 stars!
5 stars
Really good ideas here for rocks, and it fired up my imagination!
I have done some rock painting. But I just got great ideas from your rock painting project sheets. Thank you!
Love the rocks for mini gardens
Great ideas for painting rocks. I especially love the lace idea! What fun projects!
This will be fun!
These ideas are adorable! I can’t wait to paint some rocks to add to my flowerpots and flower beds!
I love these! I plan curriculum for an elementary summer camp and am always looking for inexpensive but awesome projects. We will be painting rocks this summer!
Many different ideas (with step by step directions) to paint rocks.
I’m going to share this as a favorite craft. Thank you for this idea. 5 stars.
Great project for group of kids!
I have a large rock in my backyard that makes me crazy. Now I know what to do with. This is such a cute idea. A whole new project for me.
These instructions were exactly what I was looking for. I plan on teaching my great nieces and nephew the fun of rock painting. Thanks so much. Have a blessed day.
rock painting is a favorite of my family and these are amazing
great article.
Wonderful idea for making potted plants even prettier.
While Rock painting isn’t my jam, I can hardly wait to try the little rock houses.
Rocks
Great project for my AWANA class!
I had felt clumsy trying to settle into a routine to paint rocks until I printed out the list and read the suggestions now I feel like an artist with a purpose, and we refer to my rock painting as “How to throw rocks kindly”!
Love all the great ideas to do with the grand kids
These are cool! I travel a lot so leaving these behind in various locations is a nice way to to show I was there
This is a great project for my religion class. I am going to use it for sure.
Loved all the painted rock ideas! My favorite was the garden/herb markers! Off to rock hunt!
These are great ideas I’d like to make with my granddaughter. I definitely want to try the rock fairy garden houses to add to my fairy garden.
Have done a few of your rocks and leave for people to find.
Thank you for such clear directions
Another great presentation.
I’m going to pass this on to my rock decorating friends and I have LOTS of rocks to use!
Pet Rocks are so fun. Paint a funny little face, then make some cute furniture out of match boxes by using Mod Podge and your favorite fabric or scrapbook paper.
Looks like a great project for my 7 year old grandson and I, then he can he Mommy’s flower beds even prettier.
a fun project !
I don’t have steady hand so I painted whole thing and let grandkids finish with small love the fairy house.
A variety of ideas here and easy for anyone to do
I can’t wait to make some for myself and hide others around town as part of “our town rocks”!
I have friends who have done this for years. The only reason I rated it below the highest mark is because it is really not my thing. However, as always I did share with my rock loving friends for ideas. They were very thankful!
Fun project to do with kids
Love this idea, especially the Fairy rocks and the ones with lace.
Love Rock Painting! Fantastic Designs!
Quick and easy project for the whole family
The instructions were detailed and gave reason to each step in the process. When we did this project, our stones lasted a season before washing off completely, but your instructions showed me when I went wrong. We will be giving the project another go using your tips and I know these stones will last much longer using your techniques.
Fun little things to do.
Awesome Idea for gifts for those who have everything
This is a hobby I have started recently and here I found so many new ideas to try.
this was so much fun to do with my niece and nephew thank you for the easy printout to help them for ideas to paint
Such an uplifting act of kindness for strangers.
Unique ideas, for there are rocks laying around
I’ve tried painting rocks and until I read your article and video tutorial wondered where I was going wrong. You’ve helped heaps! Thank you
Wow! So many fascinating ideas for rock painting. Makes me want to try them all. Couldn’t pick a favorite. Love so many of them
I have wantwd to learn this for a long time. Your video is such a inspiration
This is on my To Do List.
This is a perfect tutorial for painting rocks with different themes. So many ideas to use for future projects!
These are so beautiful – can’t wait to make some for my garden
Cool – I am a devoted rock painter and found this great and a few new ideas to boot!! thanks.
Unique and fun ideas for painting rocks!
I always love finding the painted rocks people have made. With this tutorial, I can get started painting my own to hide.
painted rock
We have a group in my area that paints rocks and leave them for others to find, it’s really cool to find them.
Great stress reliever
I love the designs..so artistic.
When I’m walking I will pick up flat stones for decorating. There’s always a rock in my car smile.
some fabulous ideas here thank you
Oh my golly gosh. SO many beautiful rocks. I am so glad you mentioned Stencils lol.
I really like those turn over rocks.
So many projects to be done with kids for holidays or just yourself as a meditation.
Great job Amy. And great job with your mother as well on your first attempts.
I am totally gobsmacked..simply beautiful and just me..
This is a must try! Love the colors. Beauty from rocks! Thank you for detailing the process. It makes life easier for beginners like me.
Love the instructions. I’ve always wanted to learn how to do this.
My kids love making these rocks
what a great idea to do with the grandchildren and the garden will look very pretty also !
These painted rock suggestions are fabulous! I especially like the Fairy Houses and the Hearts.
GREAT INSTRUCTIONS AND PICTURES. I ALWAYS LEARN SO MUCH.
Great instructions!
My rocks came out great and look awesome!
I never would of thought to use painted rocks for so many different things. And all the ideas are so cute!!
You make it so easy to start my new craft
Love the creativity! Just adorable!
So cool you have so many need ideas
My little boy is compulsive about collecting rocks and this is a great project for us to make use of his collection. it is so fun and easy and I even see some new ideas in the posting above for new images we can do!
I love all your painted rocks, but I can’t find the big ones and I do want them, lol..Yours are all beautiful.
Great project to do with the grandkids
Nice project for kids on spring or summer break.
This article gave me inspiration to paint some rocks to share! Thanks for the tips.
These make great gifts and so easy to make.
Beautiful designs & ideas for painted rocks! Lots of ideas to embellish.
I always wanted tp ty this. Your article has inspired me to try my hand at this now. Beautiful hand painted rocks. Can’t wait to do this.
Love all the ideas for painted rockes especially the lace and paper ones. I have not seen that before. Thank you for a good explanation on doing the rocks. The gel pens then liner brush is especially helpful.
I love this idea…will do this with my granddaughters the next time we have a granddaughters weekend…they will love it.
I love these!! Especially the fairy houses and herb markers. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
I am looking forwards to using this information for rocks in my garden.
Take one rock, and with all this inspiration rollout your creativity
Lobe giving these as gifts and leaving for someone to find!
Tried this with friends, we’re all adults, and we all had a lot of fun!
Would have never thought about herb markers for my garden! Love it!
I am so glad for the tutorials on rock painting. This one is on my list to do. I have everything needed and have done a few so far. Great idea to pass on the painted rocks to others.
Looks like a fun project to do with the grandkids.
I have many rocks that were collected by my sons when they were little. These would make great memories now that they are grown.
She gives you good tips on how to o this project .
Kids will love this craft. Easy, colorful, permanent, and they can give as a gift. Nice idea.
great idea – we will all have fun making these just wish I knew where you got the stencils from
I have always meant to paint rocks!
Trendy and awesome..possibilities are endless!
Great ideas
so many good ideas!
Spring is coming and what fun to get the kids involved in painting rocks for your container garden. Love the easy instructions
Love all the examples you talked about, but I think the paperweights and the Breast Cancer Awareness ones are my favorite. Also love the color shift paints – awesome. Thank you for all the advise and tutorials
The best ideas and all the steps to create each project.
never painted rocks before but these are amazing
I have always wanted to do the mandala ones.
This is right up my granddaughters alley, loves to try new crafting ideas and painting, the little garden and lace ideas are quite new that I have not seen before and can’t wait to show my granddaughter.
Great fun to do with the kids
has been a fav of mine for a while, I like the examples here
Oh boy. What a great project!!! Can not wait to try.
Kids love rocks. Kids love painted rocks even better. They make great kid gifts for dad and mom!
The instructions are easy to follow and give you a beautiful outcome every time!
I love this project. Amy’s painted rocks are so pretty and colourful and so fun to do!
I can’t wait to do this. I have not tried it yet but this direction seems easy enough
My daughter loves anything “rocks”. You gave me so many ideas on what to do this Spring! I cannot wait to add this fun to my garden. Thank you!
I can’t wait to use these helpful instructions so that I can create some fun, decorative, & very creative painted rocks using Mod Podge.
Love this idea. Great to decorate the garden.
This iis something I’ve wanted to try & now I know how to do it. Thanks.
I found a lot of cool ideas I”d like to try out for painted rocks: Fairy Garden, the Heart rocks, and even the Beachy Theme is pretty cool.
An easy project for kids, or an intense creative one – gives new life to pet rocks!
these are just amazing!
I love this idea and would like to start creating some of my own.
Love 7, 8, & 11! I’ve got the rocks. Now to find the time!
I am a Mandala rock artist. Without Modge Podge, I couldnt exist! Im dying to try the new products and by the way, I love the fairy rocks you made and the ones for the herb garden. Im going to make those now too!
Fun for everyone to give or to receive. Great instructions.
Several great ideas (love the fairy houses!!) and thanks for the tip about Mod Podge Outdoor to help them last!!
wonderful idea. Love the sayings.
Looking forward to sharing this with my 5 year old grand. Thanks!!
I am painting rocks for easter baskets – perfect timing!! And thanks
My 6 yr old great-granddaughter loves to paint and decoupage rocks. She will pick up all the rocks in the yard she can carry so we can paint them.
????
Looks easy enough to make painted rocks
These rocks are absolutely stunning! I think I really need to give this a try.
Love that you can seal your rocks with Modge Podge
Our community has been taking part in the rock hiding “game” that this article talks about and I’ve considered doing it too but didn’t know where to start!!! Thanks for giving me that starting place 🙂
love these and so cute and simple project
Great way to decorate potted plants and more.
your rocks are much prettier than mine. i really like the houses,
Its so easy to make…amazing product
So easy to do and pass time with grand kids in holiday time. Take a walk up beach collect pebbles go home and paint.
I always wanted to do painted rocks, because I have seen some truly beautiful examples online, but I was always too intimidated to try them. These tutorials make it SO EASY!
So cute!
I never thought about painting rocks before…oh how pretty!
My grandkids ages 3-10 had fun with this project. We did this while at a campground and they loved leaving them around and watching people picking them up.
Good ideas of keeping and encouraging my nephews and neices interested in crafting
Another good idea thanks
can’t wait to do this with my kids.
Love this idea!
I had a lot of rocks left over from a flower bed landscape. Now I know what to do with hem.
Love this – lots of ideas and things to do
I tried using outdoor mod podge and it has a sticky feel to it even after several days.
It will go away eventually. Or you can put a brush on clear or spray sealer on top. This will protect the rocks even more!
Love these rock painting idea! very creative and beautiful, thank you for sharing 🙂
I LOVE so many of these designs. You’re so talented.
I especially love the first ones, the paperweights with the quotes, with one teensy exception:
“Not all who wander are lost” is a J.R.R. Tolkien quote (the author of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit), not attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A few RWE quotes that might be small enough to fit on a rock:
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.”
I might try some of those.
Thanks for the inspiring post!
ps: Your hand lettering is on-point and I will apply my envy to practice to try to be half as good as you.
Hi Veronica! Thank you for the kind words! You are so sweet. I believe that you can letter too. There are two options. Take a hand lettering class (you can download practice sheets online also) OR transfer the text with carbon transfer paper and then use a marker over it. You too can be a lettering artist! 😀
Thanks but I want some examples of rocks that have been used in crayons and I also want it in kids version
Is it already in kids version?