AGE
WATCH OUT!
Things can get messy during your exploration and the activity too. Cover yourself, your child and be prepared for cleaning up dirt and art materials.
MATERIALS - click to buy
- Bag, to hold the rocks your child finds. We like to keep foldable, washable, rip-stop cloth bags like these on Amazon on hand. You never know when a good rock will present itself!
- Liquid tempera paint, from jars like these or tubes found here work best for this activity.
- Small container(s) for paint. We like to use small, 8 ounce plastic containers with lids like these. But a recycled yogurt container or jar works just as well.
- Paint brush - Check our Materials page for size appropriate for your child’s age.
- Elmer’s white glue or Aleenes glue found here for quick drying.
- Optional - Thin non-toxic, washable markers. Markers can do in a pinch if you don’t have paint on hand or if you’re on the go.
- Optional - Fun extras such as scraps of craft felt like this, wiggle eyes, colorful beads, turkey feathers …
HOW TO
- Skilly Spark #1: Take your bag and go on a rock hunt with your child in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Take a moment to chat about why they have chosen this or that rock as you gather.
- Skilly Spark #2: When you get home, spend some time studying each rock to discover its creative potential. What does the shape remind you of? What could this rock be?
- Thoroughly wash and dry the rocks.
- Use paint to make designs or even faces on the rocks.
- For more fun, glue on felt features like noses or ears, wiggle eyes, feathers or anything else that appeals to your child’s eye.
Keep the fun going
- Rock critters make great gifts and are the perfect size for stocking stuffers.
- Simply glue felt to the bottom of the rock and voila! A fantastic paperweight.
- Ask your critter to join in your pretend play with dollhouses or blocks.