Paint Rocks into Ladybugs
April 9, 2010 by ThePartyAnimal
Filed under Crafts
A few years back I painted these Ladybug Rocks when I was consigning my work in a local store. They all sold too ;0). Anyway I just came across this photo and being it is the beginning of Spring and many of you are planning Ladybug Parties I thought this would be a great idea for a craft activity with the kids.
Being there will be paint involved I would reserve this craft for ages 8 and up to avoid a mess, unless of course you have many mom helpers staying. The other thing I really love about this craft is the fact that it is BUDGET FRIENDLY and also becomes part of your party favor.
Here is what you will need to create these Adorable Ladybug Rocks:
- Nice Big Rocks – Hopefully you have some already in your own backyard. If not go down to your local landscaping company and see if they will sell you what you need. Heck they may even give you a few for FREE.
- Red, Black, White & Blue Acrylic Paint
- Paint Brushes
- To make the spots you can use erasers from the back of a pencil or I use Paint Pouncers (see below)
- Clear Acrylic Craft Spray
Here is what you will do:
Have the guests start by painting their entire rock Red. Now comes the hard part – they must let it dry. This is a good time to play some party games and come back to the craft later. You can even do this part ahead of time if you wanted too.
Now you will paint the head on with the Black Paint, just paint a 1/4 of the rock with a rounded edge to give it shape. Then they can paint a line down the Ladybugs Back.
Now to make the spots I used a Paint Pouncer which are available in your local craft stores or the guests can use an eraser on the back of a pencil. Dip into the paint and then onto the rock. Now it really is not necessary to use either, the kids can even make spots freehand. Just a matter of preference.
For the eyes you want to make sure the head is good and dry before making white dots. When it is you can do so. When the white dries a bit add a smaller dot of blue. then when dry a smaller dot of black. You do not need to do all colors, but it looks really nice when finished. Then take a tiny dot of white and add it to the eye to give it a twinkle. You can see in the photo and you can click on it to make it larger.
I then made tiny dots using the White paint for antennas and 2 tiny ones for a nose and using the Red paint I made a smile face. It can be done any way really, but that is what I did.
When they are all done and dry you will want to give them a nice coat of acrylic spray to make it shiny and protect the finish.
Party Tip:
Have some fun with the kids and while they are waiting in between steps for their Ladybugs to dry you can tell them some fun Ladybug Trivia. You can find lots of fun Trivia and Activities by visiting my friends at Everything Ladybug.
Make me one!!!
My connection to those great rocks has become unemployed – lol
Very cute! I can remember painting a rock when I was in Nursery School many years ago-and my mother still has it! This is such an easy and inexpensive activity that kids could do at birthday parties and a great favor for them to take home. I think it would be fun for them to glue googly-eyes on them too! Thanks for the “re-kindled” idea!