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Book Character Painted Rock Craft

February 28, 2018 by Rosie 20 Comments

Today I’m sharing this fun book character painted rock craft.

Why rock painting?

I’ve got very into rock painting recently. I’ve been inspired by the wonderful Angela over at The Inspiration Edit with her fantastic rock painting designs. We’ve also recently had fun exploring our Mud and Bloom nature and craft boxes, which last month included a pebble painting activity. The kids both had fun getting creative and painting their pebbles.

I’ve always loved both drawing and being outdoors. Rock painting is such a perfect activity to combine the two! You can spend time exploring outdoors looking for stones. Then come back into the cosy warm to settle in for some rock painting. I have found it to be a very relaxing activity. Perfect for a calm afternoon, for kids or grown ups!

We were excited to find out that there is also a local rock hunting group in our area – so we are very keen to join in. Rock hunting is getting very popular all over the world. Do take a look and see if you have group near you. It’s a great way to get creative, get outdoors and spread some warmth in your community.

These book character painted rocks were inspired by our love of books. There’s nothing like cosying up and reading a story together. I’ve loved books since I was a child and always wanted to be a children’s writer and illustrator when I grew up (maybe one day hey…!)

I thought it would be fun to make some book character painted rocks for the kids to go out and hide. I hope that the people who find them will find some characters that they recognise!

Book Character Painted Rock Craft

You can do this activity with your children, set them off on it independently, or make some rocks for them. Use your judgement depending on the age of your children. The great thing about rock painting is that all ages can enjoy it. Even tiny ones will enjoy a bit of a painting, or going out and hunting for the stones. Grown ups will love rock painting too – my hubby got so inspired by watching me paint that he painted a rock of his own! It’s in this post. Can you guess which one it is?!

For these book character painted rocks, you can pick any book characters that you like. I picked some of our favourites, including one or two from my own childhood. Do you recognise any of these characters?

You only need a few simple things for rock painting. Then you can rock on! (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

Disclosure: Affiliate links included for your convenience and at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I love. Thank you for your support.

You will need:

  • Rocks/stones/pebbles – go outdoors to collect some, or buy from your local garden centre.
  • Pencil
  • Sketching paper (optional)
  • Acrylic Paints OR Posca Paint Pens
  • Black Sharpie OR Black Posca Paint Pen (or you can use coloured sharpies)
  • Small Paint Brushes
  • Paint Palette, or plate
  • Clear varnish, lacquer, or clear nail varnish

How to make:

1. Go hunting for some rocks or stones (or buy from your local garden centre).

2. Clean and dry one of the rocks.

3. Sketch your design onto paper. You might want to look at some pictures from your favourite books to inspire you.

4. Sketch your design onto the rock.

5. Paint your design with acrylic paint or posca paint pens. Paint the lighter colours first and allow each colour to dry before continuing.

6. Outline your design using a black sharpie, or black posca paint pen. Allow to dry.

If you are joining in with a rock hunting group, you might want to put the name of the group on the back of the rock with a sharpie.

7. If you want to put your rock outside, then finish with a coat of varnish. Use clear varnish, lacquer or even clear nail varnish will work. Allow to dry.

8. Admire! Repeat for as many rocks as you would like to make.

Go hide your rocks for someone else to find! (Or maybe keep a couple as keepsakes!)

Remember to check if there’s a local rock hunting group near you. They usually have a Facebook page, so you can check in and see when someone finds your rock!

We really love rock painting (and hunting!) it’s so fun for all ages. We are so excited to go out and hide these rocks and hopefully find some more too!

Let me know if you give this craft a try – come over to Facebook and share your designs with me. I’d love to see them!

Which book characters will you paint on your painted rocks?

You might like to read some of the books these rocks were inspired by: The Adventures of Tintin, Paddington Bear, Where’s Wally?, The Gruffalo and The Cat in the Hat.

Like this post? Pin me for later!

Book Character Painted Rocks Collage Pinnable Image

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Filed Under: Books and Activities, Crafts and Activities, Rock Painting

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Comments

  1. Kelly-Anne

    March 1, 2018 at 11:00 pm

    Yes there’s a local Facebook page for rocks in Norfolk, my husband told me about it! Such a great idea and a good way to be creative with the kids

    Reply
    • Rosie

      March 2, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      Oh good – yes I think sometimes Cambridge ones wander over there too…! We’ll have to leave some for you next time we’re in Norfolk! 😉

      Reply
  2. Naomi Lynas

    March 2, 2018 at 8:12 am

    These are AMAZING! I love the Paddington one. You’re so creative.

    Reply
  3. Angela Milnes

    March 2, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    This is SO Awesome and I love your stones. How cool. You did amazing.

    Reply
    • Rosie

      March 2, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      Thanks Angela! That means so much coming from you! You completely inspired me to create these. xxx

      Reply
  4. Emma

    March 2, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Oooh, I love these rocks. So is rock hiding a bit like geocaching? x

    Reply
    • Rosie

      March 2, 2018 at 1:34 pm

      Sort of, but a bit less technical. Anyone can join in and you don’t need a phone. You can just paint some rocks and hide them. But many communities have rock hunting Facebook groups – so you can show photos of the rocks you are hiding – sometimes with a hint of the hiding place. And then share in the group when you find someone else’s rock with a photo. It’s getting huge where we live! x

      Reply
  5. Cal at Family Makes

    March 2, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    Your rock designs are so lovely. I love the idea of using children’s book characters. rather puts our rocks to shame!

    Reply
    • Rosie

      March 4, 2018 at 10:01 pm

      Aw, thank you! Not at all – I LOVE your kindness rocks! x

      Reply
  6. Katie

    March 5, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    This is such a good idea! Takes me back to when I was a child and I used to collect rocks – some ended up drawn on/painted etc. I had no idea rock hunting groups existed, definitely going to check out if there are any down south. What a nice wholesome activity for the weekend!

    Reply
  7. Claire @ The Ladybirds' adventures

    March 7, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    These are fantastic. My art skills are not up to this! We have some basic story stones that my husband painted. Thanks for joining #bloggerpinparty

    Reply
  8. Helena

    March 12, 2018 at 9:09 am

    These are fantastic. We’ve come across a few stones where the paint has washed off in the rain sadly. #bloggerpinparty

    Reply
    • Helena

      March 12, 2018 at 12:53 pm

      Returning via #MakeItLinky

      Reply
  9. Sinead (shinnersandthebrood.com)

    March 13, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    Varnish on top! Genius! That’s the problem we always run into!

    Reply
  10. Malin - Sensational Learning with Penguin

    March 31, 2018 at 9:16 am

    Great stuff, I’ve always loved rocks ? And this post is really good, nicely written and with clear instructions. Thank you! x #MakeItMonthly

    Reply
  11. Kate, Meals and Makes

    April 15, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    These are beautiful. What a lovely idea.

    Reply
  12. Lily

    May 25, 2018 at 12:28 am

    I really love how you draw and painted characters. We’ll have to try it.

    Reply
  13. Bob

    August 3, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    Our county libraries had a month long activity where people could come in and paint rocks while supplies were provided. It created a great relaxing atmosphere for people to get to interact and work with their hands on a craft. You inspire me to do the activity again with book characters and adult fiction book covers as images for the rocks. Then the book can be displayed with the rock for others to be inspired to look for a book to do the same.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rosie

      August 3, 2018 at 11:12 pm

      What a wonderful idea in your libraries – that sounds very relaxing and inspiring. I love your idea too, it would be great to see book themed rocks on display with the books themselves. Glad this inspired you to get painting!

      Reply
  14. Eleanor

    January 27, 2019 at 9:10 pm

    This is so cool. I’m going to have to give it a go myself..

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Rosie!

Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler!

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Sweet and simple ideas to inspire kids. 👩‍🎨
Art | Crafts | Nature
Lover of tea on the beach and avid recycler! 🐚🐠🐳 ❤️

Rosie
Don’t you just love when a crafty project double Don’t you just love when a crafty project doubles as something useful??
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You can turn this easy Christmas tree stencil idea into simple gift wrap! 
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Get your children printing and decorating Christmas trees on a sheet of parcel paper. You’ll keep them busy and creative, then can wrap gifts for the grandparents or friends in the paper! 
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This year, more than ever, people will really appreciate the small, personal things that you do for them. Things that are made, thought about and given with love. ❤️ Have a think about how you can make someone feel special this year. The simple ideas are always the best!
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Are you planning to add a personal touch to gifts and cards this year? Have you made gift wrap with your children before?
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Joining in with @makemerryandcreate @littlelion_mom @playwithmamma and #makeyourchristmascrafts
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I took a bit of a social media break, as life took over. As it does from time to time. So taking the time to say hello to you all again.👋 

I’m Rosie and I love to share simple ideas to inspire kids to get arty, crafty and creative. 🎨 

I also 💚the outdoors and try to share this love of nature in many of my projects. 🌲 

This is me and my crew, back in October on my 40th birthday! A beautiful beachy day. 🏝 

Since then we’ve bought a house, moved and had one kiddo in isolation for 14 days 🤪- hence the radio silence. 

A break has helped me ditch the overwhelm and simplify my priorities. But now, I’m so ready to start getting creative again and bring on all the festive vibes! 🎄

When life gets overwhelming, don’t be afraid to step back and focus only on the things that are important. Take a breath, get outdoors and then reprioritise, one step at a time. ❤️

How are you doing with lockdowns, winter and festive preparation? What helps you step back and reprioritise?
What is your lasting memory of this past few month What is your lasting memory of this past few months with your kids?

For me it’s been bike rides and making things together. 🖍 ✂️ 
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Funny how our minds gloss over the stresses of home school and lack of ‘me time’ 🤣
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I’ve not been on social media much lately - I’ve been making the most of the end of summer, adjusting to the ‘new normal’ and figuring out what is next for me now that my littlest has started school. 😊
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One thing I am doing is starting to sort through the pile of creations 🖼 (and clutter too!) in the house. It’s reminding me of all the lovely things we have done together (even when mum guilt sometimes tells me otherwise) and helping to clear my mind too. ❤️
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If you’re feeling a little lost at the moment I can recommend a good sort out as a starting point! @whatkatysaiduk is a wonderful inspiration on decluttering. 🥰
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Are your children back at school, or are you still in the thick of homeschool? 
Anyone else swamped with projects from this year?! I’d love any ideas on how you like to organise art work!
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We had a roarr-some time at @roarr_dinosauradventure in Norfolk last weekend.
With dinosaur trails, a splash zone, Jurassic putt and much more we all had an amazing family day. I was really impressed with the social distancing and safety measures in place too. Full review to follow soon!
Have you been on any fun family days out recently?
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I feel so much more relaxed for letting go of formal work! (Let’s face it there wasn’t much of it happening anyway...😬) But I was still pressuring myself mentally and it was starting to create power struggles (with my eldest very spirited child!) When you start doing things that you and the children are motivated to do it takes the pressure off everyone. And the miracle is that’s when the real learning happens! 🌟 
My son has even written about his fossil collection - a change from tearing my hair out to get him to write! The kids have played more independently too, as I’ve ‘left them to it’ more. Plus - the house is even starting to look just a little bit cleaner! 🧹

So if home school is just not happening anymore, I’d recommend doing an Elsa and just ‘Let it Goooo’. Swap it for ‘life school’ and I guarantee the kids will be learning equally valuable lessons. 💡Just do what works for your family. ❤️ Are you still home schooling? Do you feel like you’re trying to ‘do it all’? Or have you embraced a more flexible approach?

I’d love to hear any ideas you have that we could try? My kids love dinosaurs and creative things. Plus I’m trying to encourage independent playing and helping in the house, so all ideas welcome! 💡
Sleeping with her babies. 👶🏻👶🏾❤️
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I’ve been listening to black voices over the last few days. Thinking about the BLM movement and ways I can do more. I wasn’t sure whether to share, but I’ve learned it’s better to speak than to say nothing.
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I’ve always thought of myself as someone who embraces diversity. I’ve travelled, met and befriended people of all colours, nationalities and religions. As a teacher I’ve valued each child’s individuality, as well as seeing them all as equals. I try to encourage my children to be kind to all others.
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But I realise this is NOT enough. I need to do more. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last week it’s that - we have to take ACTION against racism. It’s not enough to just ‘not be racist’, we have to be ANTI racist to make a change.
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So what action do I commit to do?
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•Listen - keep listening to black people’s stories and struggles.
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•Educate - myself and my children further. Read books that spark CONVERSATIONS with my children and others. Keep learning and keep trying to do better.
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•Amplify - promote black voices, especially those in the fields of education and children.
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If you’re a mama or a teacher and wondering how you can take ACTION against racism, I’d really recommend taking a look at @readlikearockstar and @apron_education - they have some brilliant resources to share with your kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Do you talk about racism with your kids? How are you taking action against racism?
#blackouttuesday #iamlistening #blackouttuesday #iamlistening
Do your children ever say that they are 'bored'? 😑 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Children are the masters of their own creativity. 🖼 Given the time and space, children will think of ideas that will never fail to surprise you!
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But sometimes we all have moments when we're at a loose end - children included. A little inspiration can go a long way. 💡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try putting some ideas for play and projects into a jar or box, ready for when inspiration is needed. 📦 You could include some of your ideas and some of your children's ideas. 👶 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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