Rock Artwork – Beautiful Way to Use Sticks and Stones!
Nature can make the most beautiful masterpieces! Here’s one way to make Rock Artwork using sticks, stones, and other nature from the backyard! I love how this activity shows kids they don’t have to have fancy toys or electronics to have a good time! All they need are a few items from nature that they can easily use to create something beautiful, unique, and fun.
Use the Gifts of Mother Nature for Art and Play
We’re always looking for new ways to be creative in our house. And when that means that we’re able to use supplies that we already have, it’s even better! All you have to do is head outside and explore what’s around you. You may be surprised at how full your little one’s pockets will get!
Beyond Rock Artwork, sticks, stones, leaves, snail shells (you name it!), are also really great manipulatives for playful learning. Count the rocks, arrange the sticks into letters, thread the leaves through a piece of string – these are just a few easy ways to strengthen many early childhood education skills!
Many Ways to Create Rock Artwork
Once you’ve collected all your nature treasures, you can start to figure out how you want to construct your art project! My kiddos wanted to create zebras, painting the sticks and rocks white and black, as well as some yellow for a sun, and then adding some grass for some texture! In this video, you can see how you can integrate some fun techniques like whittling sticks to make them easier to paint. Of course, supervision is key and use your best judgment on when you think your kiddo is ready to use a peeler.
Many Ways to Create Rock Artwork
Once you’ve collected all your nature treasures, you can start to figure out how you want to construct your art project! My kiddos wanted to create zebras, painting the sticks and rocks white and black, as well as some yellow for a sun, and then adding some grass for some texture! In this video, you can see how you can integrate some fun techniques like whittling sticks to make them easier to paint. Of course, supervision is key and use your best judgment on when you think your kiddo is ready to use a peeler.
Tips and Techniques
Paint Choice. The best type of paint for rock artwork is Acrylic Paint. It is more vibrant and will not wash away if, for example, you want to keep the Rock Art outside. That being said, not being washable means you’ll have to keep that in mind when painting with messy kids! So grab the art smocks and table coverings! We decided to use paint sticks which came out vibrant and are washable.
Whittle the Sticks. Using a peeler to peel away the top layer of the stick will help in creating a more even coat when painting! But definitely use caution as peelers can be sharp.
Use an Old Shoe Box as a Canvas. We used an old box for our Rock Artwork and it made for a great shadow box! Plus, it doesn’t get more budget-friendly than that!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Materials
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Acrylic Paint or Paint Sticks
- Kid-Friendly Peeler
- Glue
- Cardboard Box
- Sticks
- Rocks
- Acrylic Paint or Paint Sticks
- Kid-Friendly Peeler
- Glue
- Cardboard Box
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Have the kids head outside and gather up some sticks, rocks, and other nature items from the yard.
Step 2
Paint the rocks and other items. Plus you can whittle the sticks for a more even painting.
Step 3
Create fun scenes or animals with the objects and glue them on.
Step 1
Have the kids head outside and gather up some sticks, rocks, and other nature items from the yard.
Step 2
Paint the rocks and other items. Plus you can whittle the sticks for a more even painting.
Step 3
Create fun scenes or animals with the objects and glue them on.
The Educational Benefits of Creating Rock Artwork
Going outside and gathering raw nature materials and then creating something beautiful out of them is a fun way to be creative and think outside the box. It is also a great way to simply enjoy the outdoors and explore the world around them.
Plus, kids can also use their fine motor skills to pick up, whittle, paint, glue all these objects. Whittling sticks is extra exciting, but it’s also hard work!
It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination to do it safely, so be sure to do that when they are ready to follow directions safely!
For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities!
The Educational Benefits of Creating Rock Artwork
Going outside and gathering raw nature materials and then creating something beautiful out of them is a fun way to be creative and think outside the box. It is also a great way to simply enjoy the outdoors and explore the world around them.
Plus, kids can also use their fine motor skills to pick up, whittle, paint, glue all these objects. Whittling sticks is extra exciting, but it’s also hard work!
It takes a lot of hand-eye coordination to do it safely, so be sure to do that when they are ready to follow directions safely!
For more arts and crafts activities, visit our comprehensive list of ideas and activities!
More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums
Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!
Water Marbling Kit
Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!
Spin and Spiral Art
This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.
Sand Art Kit
This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!
String Art Kit
This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string. Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!
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