Just in time for Independence Day July 4th we have an easy-to-make craft project for the kids. The painted patriotic garden rocks can be painted in any patriotic design that the kids want to make. My grandchildren kept their designs simple. You can use small, smooth river rocks, large seashells, bricks, stepping stones and all sorts of other surfaces that would be appropriate when displayed in your garden.
* This post contains affiliate links.
For the project we selected small river rocks in various shapes and sizes. You’ll want to wash and thoroughly air dry your surfaces before beginning the project. If you’re working with younger kids you can use acrylic paint pens or permanent markers instead of acrylic craft paint and paint brushes. The 2 designs that we’re featuring today were made by a 10 year old and an 11 year old. They did a great job!
Kid’s Crafts: Painted Patriotic Garden Stones
Smooth River Rocks
Acrylic Paints or Paint Pens
Paint Brush, Water Dish, Paper Towels
Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer, Glossy Finish
Old Newspaper or Drop Cloth
Cover your work surface with old newspaper or a drop cloth to protect it. Kids can be messy when working with paints.
Both of the designs shown in the photograph were base coated with 2-3 coats of acrylic craft paint. One stone was darker in color and needed a full 3 coats while the other one was white and only needed 2 coats. Let them thoroughly dry.
The kids use acrylic paint pens with a medium tip to add the designs. The American Flag design was made by using red and blue paint pens. To add the little stars she dipped the end of a wooden toothpick into white acrylic paint and just dotted them on. The dots worked better since it was a smaller surface, you can make stars if you’re painting on a larger surface.
U.S.A. design was made red and blue acrylic paint pens. Very quick and easy design to complete.
Once your stones are done drying they need to be taken outside and sprayed on each side with 2 coats of clear acrylic spray sealer. Allow 30-45 minutes of drying time between each coat. Once dry they’re ready to be displayed in your garden.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
This is a fun project for kids to make. They will be so proud to show off their work.
It’s always nice to have a fun project that can be displayed for a holiday. A good way to use all of those extra rocks that are in my yard.
Or, I bet you also painted some shells with this…. Would be a fun craft either way.
I like finding ideals for crafts for my great niece. Usually when she has been here about a hour she will look at me with that look. Then hands on her hips when are we going to paint. She would enjoy the rock got to get some supplies
I love the ideas you have for the rocks. There are so many possibilities. Thank you for all these ideas. The kids love them.
I so want to make some of these for myself and some friends. Thank you for sharing this wonderful craft idea. I am super patriotic and this is one for me for sure.