Easy Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners (and Where to Buy Supplies)
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Did you know that you could buy rocks to paint? Well, of course you did – or at least you had an inkling – because you landed right here! We’re going to talk all about where to buy rocks to paint so that you can enjoy your craft rocks like we enjoy ours!
But first thing’s first. What kind of project are you considering? There are all kinds of rock painting ideas. You can use river rocks for painting, smooth river rocks for crafts, flat stones for crafts, large craft stones or clear craft stones to complete your project.
Oh, and if you didn’t know this yet – kids love painting rocks. For some reason, it keeps their attention far longer than painting a blank sheet of paper! But the really funny thing is that adults enjoy rock painting as well. At least we do.
But don’t take our word for it. Start your rock painting journey today! You will be glad you did.
Related post: How To Make Painted Rocks For The Garden
Why You Shouldn’t Take Loads of Rocks from Nature
You may be wondering why you can’t just grab buckets and pick up rocks from local parks and creeks. Well first, it might be illegal in your area (check local laws), and second, you might be disturbing an animal or insect’s home!
While I’m not a strict naturalist, I do believe that you should be aware of your surroundings. If you decide to pick up rocks on your own property or a friend’s property (with permission), just make sure to watch for tiny holes underneath each rock. It might lead to a tiny critter’s home!
Where To Buy Rocks for Painting (and Paint Supplies)
We’re going to share with you where to buy flat rocks for crafts and painting. These stores have all kinds of craft rocks to paint! You can purchase them in bulk or in small bags or kits. You can also find all of the rock painting supplies needed to enjoy this fun activity for kids.
Online Places to Buy Rocks
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy the novelty of ordering supplies online and having them shipped to your home. But if not, I’ve included local places that sell rocks to paint as well!
Related post: Tic Tac Toe DIY Kids Game With Rocks
Amazon
Amazon has loads of rocks for painting, and if you sign up for a free Amazon Prime 30-day trial, you could have them shipped to you within two days!
Amazon is one of the best places to shop for quick craft supplies. It has:
Local Places to Buy Rocks
If you’re planning a trip to town and need to know where you can stop to buy rocks and painting supplies, try these stores. Just know that rock painting is not always in season, so you may not find the best items all year round.
Hobby Lobby Rocks To Paint
Hobby Lobby has a few kids with flat rocks for painting in their rock painting department. Here you can find the following:
- Inspiration Rock Painting Kit
- Mandala Rock Painting Kit
- Graffiti Rock Painting Kit
- Hide & Seek Rock Painting Kit
- Rock Painting Book
You can find all of those items (and sometimes more) right here at Hobby Lobby. You might be able to find these kits in stock, but if it’s a long drive to the nearest Hobby Lobby store, make sure to give them a call to check the stock levels. Or you can order them online and have the craft stones shipped straight to your home.
Michael’s Rocks To Paint
Michael’s has a small selection of rocks to paint that you can buy. The following painting rocks are available here:
- River Rocks
- White River Rocks
- Gray Slate Rocks
- Polished River Rocks
- Marble River Rocks
All of these craft rocks are typically available right here at Michael’s. Again, if you prefer to shop for rocks to paint at your local Michael’s craft store, be sure to check stock availability if it’s a long drive to your nearest store. The best way to know exactly what is available is to order your rocks to paint online and have them shipped directly to you.
Craft Stones Walmart
Walmart has a decent craft supply section and you better believe that they’ve staked their claim in the rock painting trend. You can typically find these craft stones at Walmart:
- Mexican Beach Pebbles 2″ to 5″
- Small Flat Caribbean Beach Pebbles 1″ to 3″
- Rain Forest Large Mexican Beach Pebbles
- Polished Mini Pebbles
- Black Lava Pebbles 1″ to 2″
Unless you’re interested in buying a full rock painting kit from Walmart, the best value will be found when purchasing garden stones in bulk. One bag of decorative rocks could last a long time! Walmart is definitely one of the best places to purchase rocks for painting in bulk.
Related post: DIY Checkerboard Game With Rocks
20 Easy Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners
Painting rock sounds fun until you have to decide what to paint on them. Don’t waste time brainstorming new rock painting ideas when you can look through designs that others have shared! You can stick to one theme or use this list as inspiration for lots of upcoming projects. Check out the fun designs below!
1. Turtles
Simple Everyday Mom shares how to paint these sweet turtles on small stones.
2. Toy Stort Aliens
Simple Everyday Mom also shares how to paint the aliens from Toy Story!
3. Xs and Os (for tic tac toe)
Make tiny Xs and Os for a travel tic tac toe game just like Where The Smiles Have Been.
4. Grape Hyacinths
Sustain My Craft Habit shares how to paint grape hyacinths on rocks.
5. Lemons and Limes
These lemon and lime themed painted rocks by Sustain My Craft Habit look almost good enough to eat!
6. Penguins
Sustain My Craft Habit‘s painted rock penguins are just too cute not to include.
7. Galaxy Glitter
These galaxy glitter rocks by Two Kids and a Coupon are some of the easiest rock painting ideas for beginners.
8. Angry Birds
Living Life as Moms shows proves that you can paint all kinds of angry birds and pigs depending on the shapes and sizes of your rocks.
9. Kindness Rocks
Coffee and Carpool shares that you can write all kinds of sweet sayings on rocks.
10. More Kindness Rock Ideas
Mama Likes This shares examples of how to create kindness rocks using pictures instead of words.
11. Easter Themed
You can incorporate any holiday theme when painting rocks. The Inspiration Edit shares these neat Easter-themed rocks for inspiration!
12. Fairy Houses
Messy Little Monster’s tiny fairy houses are easy rock painting ideas for beginners.
13. Baby Yoda
The Ginger Bread House shares these fun Baby Yoda designs for inspiration.
14. Mice
Fireflies and Mud Pies created this cute mouse design.
15. Forest Flowers and Animals
16. Sail Boats
17. American Flag
18. Garden Train
19. A Rock Concert
20. More Rock Painting Ideas for Beginners
The Best Types of Craft Stones and Rocks For Painting
Some rocks are perfect for painting while others are not. Here are the types we find are the best to use for rock painting.
River Rocks For Painting
River rocks are some of the best rocks for painting. Smooth river rocks for crafts ensure easy painting. You can find river rocks for painting at most craft stores, including the three mentioned above.
Flat Rocks For Painting
If river rocks are not available, most flat rocks can be painted. Flat stones for crafts are perfect for painting.
Large Craft Stones
If you’re looking for rocks with more character and shape, large craft stones might be the best option for your project. These large rocks are best when painting a 3D object or character.
Rocks for Painting
There are also times that you can find rocks for painting in your own driveway or creek in the backyard! But ultimately, if you need a large volume of rocks to paint, it is best to purchase them and let nature alone.
Let us know in the comments what type of rocks you love to paint! We are always excited to see new rock paintings and try new styles.
