We recommend starting with more simple designs and try to work up to more advanced illustrations if you would like, but you can design the rock however you want! Designs do not have to be intricate. Paint simple things like smiley faces, hearts, flowers, and polka dots. Or just focus on your message and leave a little inspiration on the rock.
8 mess-free crafts for kids
Is there really such thing as mess-free painting? Yes! And these low-mess crafts for kids and toddlers can be just as fun as their messy counterparts.
Stephanie Glover Updated on: January 16, 2022
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Whether you have white walls or a beige couch, there’s always a threat that art activities for kids will be messy. But not all crafts require paint smocks and newspaper-covered tables. “While we’re not afraid to get messy, it’s nice to not have to clean up after every single crafting session,” says Valerie Deenan, creator of craft blog Inner Child Fun.
Clean crafting comes down to the materials you choose, says Deanna Robinson, the creator of the craft site From Wine to Whine. “My go-to items include contact paper, tissue paper, construction paper, scissors, tape and string. Add a bit of imagination, and that mess-free pile can easily turn into a sun catcher, windsock or a handprint cutout!”
Brandi Jordan, the creator of Mama Teaches and a former elementary school teacher, agrees. “When you’re trying to avoid the mess, opt for materials that are easy to contain. Crayons and washable markers are great for doodling and coloring … if you need to use glue, choose a glue stick over a bottle.”
These eight art activities for kids are simple ways to let children create masterpieces — without the mess.
Squish paint
Not only is this no-mess marbled painting from Inner Child Fun a unique way to create, it will keep little ones busy for hours. Simply fill a plastic baggie with baby oil and water-soluble paint (use a few colors!) — you can even add glitter to give the paint some sparkle before sealing the bag (you might want to tape the sealed edge for extra anti-leak protection). To create a masterpiece, little ones just squish the paint around with their fingers!
If you’ve ever held a yard sale, you probably have a bunch of those colorful circle stickers lying around. Instead of letting them collect dust, repurpose them into a fun art project. Hand over the stickers and let the kids create a work of art using only dots. Use them to practice letters and numbers or as an introduction to the pointillism technique of painting.
Make a village
Kids can have fun with washi tape by using the patterned tape to create a whole town. Have kids use leftover cardboard as the base for these houses in this cute washi tape village from Delphine Doreau. Then, they can use different colors and patterns of tape to decorate the houses however they choose.
Not only is this craft project mess-free, it’s also inexpensive — all you need is a roll of sticky-backed contact paper and things from around the house. Let kids cut out pictures from magazines, grab paper scraps from another art project, feathers, sequins or anything else that’s lightweight and flat. Once they have all of their supplies gathered, have them make this easy no-glue collage from Lessons Learnt Journal. When they’re done, cut another strip of contact paper and seal their work.
How can rocks spread kindness?
This painted rock, sometimes called a kindness stone, is simply a rock that someone has decorated with an inspirational message. They can be any size or shape, as big or small as you like! The point of this stone painting is to sprinkle positivity around your community. Once you create one, the idea is to leave it somewhere for another person to find and enjoy. As we all know, sometimes a simple message of love and compassion can spark joy and brighten someone’s entire day.
Before you get to painting, here are a few common questions that you may have.
Learn how to paint rocks; it’s easy!
- Find or purchase your desired rock (think smooth and flat). Clean it with soap and water and allow it to dry in the sun. (Dirt can mess up your designs)
- Once the rock is dry, paint the top with a base coat of acrylic paint—pick any color you like. Wait for it to dry.
- When the base coat is dry, add a fun design, or write a positive note like, “Be the Change” on each one. You can find lots of painted rock ideas using the links at the bottom of this article or just search rock painting ideas on Google. Add small details using a fine or extra-fine tip acrylic paint pen or a small paintbrush.
- Allow the design to dry completely (for best results, dry overnight), and then seal the rock to protect your design.
- Spread love and joy by leaving the rock in a place for someone else to find.
If you make a mistake, paint over the whole rock and begin again! That’s the beauty of working on such a small canvas. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to paint a rock. The point is to spread a little love and compassion and to have fun while doing it!
Quick Tip: If you don’t have paint or don’t have the time to do a base coat, feel free to write a positive message directly on the rock itself!
Where Do You Get The Rocks?
Well, you can get them just about anywhere! A hardware or craft store in your area most likely sells rocks of many shapes and sizes. Some local landscaping businesses may also offer them for sale, and this is especially good if you are looking for larger sizes. Avoid buying stones that have a waxy film as they will be harder to decorate.
Or, just go outside and find some. From picking up pebbles on the beach to stones in your local park, any rock can make an excellent painted rock. Choose the type of rock that you think will fit your designs best and don’t take all the rocks out of one area. We want to be kind to our environment, too.
