During the past decade the popularity of painted rocks and painted seashell gardens have skyrocketed. Over the past year I’ve personally visited or see at least 2 dozen in my travels. I think they’re creative and a great way to add a pop of color to your outdoor garden and decor. On top of that…painting rocks and shells is a relaxing hobby and it’s always fun to trade your creative works with another artist.
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I’ve been painting on seashells and rocks since 2009. Usually I just place a few in my flower garden or around our swimming pool area. The majority of the time I give them away to friends, family and complete strangers. I also participate in 2 different pay-it-forward kindness rocks and kindness shells projects.
Two months ago I decided to set up a painted rock and seashell garden on our property for our neighborhood to participate in. It’s always nice to see adults and kids stopping by to take home an unpainted rock or shell…then bring it back totally decorated! Once they place their artwork into the garden they can choose a completed piece to take back home. I don’t know who’s enjoying this more…the adults or the kids that live in my neighborhood!
You don’t need much to get started…just a small area to place them in and some completed works of art to get you started. Then, it’s time to spread the work about your new painted rock and seashell garden. It’s fun to see it grow and I enjoy adding new pieces of my artwork to it on a weekly basis. A great hobby that allows me to be creative and allows others in my neighborhood to explore their creativity too!
Here’s a few important tips to remember:
1. Always remember to SEAL coat the paint rock or shell with a clear sealer. I like to brush-on 1-2 coats of Clear Mod Podge. This protects the painted surface and allows them to be displayed outside in the weather elements.
2. I personally prefer that artists don’t “glue-on” beads, charms, trinkets and other items that can easily fall off. Those type’s of items can harm our wildlife if ingested. Try to keep your design work to paint, sealed stickers, sealed rub-on transfers, etc.
3. Keep the designated area clean and maintained. You don’t want weeds, trash and other items in it.
4. Signage. Instead of poking wooden signs into the ground I selected 2 large rocks to paint the words Rock Garden and Shell Garden onto. This helps to identify the area that people can place their artwork in.
5. Supplies. A great source for affordable supplies is Amazon, Dollar Tree, Dollar General and don’t forget to check out the sales at Hobby Lobby. This doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby!
6. Design Ideas! Check out the 300+ design ideas right HERE on the TwoClassyChics blog! We have painted rock and seashell designs that are perfect for beginners.
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