Pet Rock Training Manual

Materials Needed

Acrylic paints

Bucket

Dish soap

Glitter - optional

Glue, all weather

Old newspaper

Paint brushes

Painting clothes

Protective gear (goggles and painting mask)

Scrubbing brush

Smooth rock

Varnish, all weather

Wiggle eyes

Pet Rock Picture

Step by Step Instructions

Take the children on a hike and find a few great stones to work with.

Once home, fill a bucket with dish soap and water and take it outside (pick a warm day).

Give the kids a scrubbing brush and let them clean their rocks, browse tips for cleaning birdbaths.

Allow the rocks to thoroughly dry.

Place old newspaper (with at least three layers) on a patio or driveway.

Dress the children in their painting clothes and let them paint their rocks.

If you're using glitter, have them sprinkle glitter on the rocks while the paint is still wet.

Allow the painted rocks to dry thoroughly.

Use an all weather glue and glue your wiggly eyes on the pet rock.

In a well ventilated area, spray the pet rock with all weather varnish, a few coats allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.

Help the children pick a special place in the bird garden for their new pet rock, also personalized garden with stepping stones.

Pet Rock Idea

Tips and Tricks

If working with very young children, do not allow them to be involved in the varnishing process during step 10.

Work outside on a sunny day to keep any fumes down.

If your child happens to fall in love with a rock that has sharp edges, use a sanding disk to soften the sharp edges.

Wear protective gear (goggles and painting mask) during the varnishing process, step 10.

Just a Thought!

It would be great fun to allow your child to give the pet rock a name.

Since this is for a butterfly or bird garden, they could create a bird or butterfly for their pet rock, browse also birdhouse gourd art ideas.

Original Pet Rock