Rock Painting Totally Rocks!
Saw a post in our Facebook feed announcing a group event. Hiding a painted rock, giving coordinates, and encouraging people to find the cache, leave a painted rock behind. Fascinating. I wanted to find out more.
Well, it's a thing. A beautiful, uplifting thing. The "Kindness Rocks Project", was founded by Megan Murphy. From the website The Kindness Rocks Project: "It all started with a single stone on a beach in Cape Cod and now spans the globe. The Kindness Rocks Project, founded by Megan Murphy, is based on the profound truth that one message at the right moment can change someone’s day, their outlook, and, indeed, their whole life. The messages on these thoughtful pebbles take many forms: gratitude, affirmations, encouragement, and offers of hope—all signposts along the way for someone to find at exactly the right time."
It's pretty easy to participate, even if it's just you and maybe a couple of others. But, YOU can do this alone, and maybe make a tiny difference in the world, quietly, one painted rock at
a time. I'm (Pam) going to start painting rocks. Maybe, just maybe someone who needs to hear something good will find one I tuck away somewhere. Call it "random acts of kindness". "OUR GOAL IS SIMPLE… TO PROMOTE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS TO UNSUSPECTING RECIPIENTS BY PAINTING AND DROPPING INSPIRATIONAL ROCKS" Just thinking outside yourself and getting outside in nature is a good thing. DOING a good thing is even better. For everyone.
There are Facebook groups from all over the country that you can join, and maybe some nearby! Just search Facebook groups.
Here are some tips for getting started from AZ Rocks, a website you should visit:
Rock Painting and Hiding Tips
- Once you’ve found a rock, please re-hide it for the next person to find, and include a clue(optional) to where it’s hidden in your photo post on this page or the page of your particular group
- Smooth sandstone works great. Look at waterways for smooth rocks and unique shapes. Let the rock talk to you!
- Please refrain from taking rocks from other folks’ landscaping. Do not collect rocks in national parks and monuments or in State parks – it is illegal.
- Clean the rocks and let dry – this helps the paint stick. Use acrylic, oil, enamel paints or markers if you like. Acrylic
dries the fastest and a 2oz bottle is very inexpensive and will last and last. - A product called a “Sharpie pen” (not marker) can be found in most office supply areas. I have used this with success to write “Post Pic to Sahuarita Rocks” (or your local neighborhood Facebook Group) on the back of the stone. It will also work over paint for fine details. please include fb icon-Blue or white square with the opposite color. Remember: family-friendly art!
- After creating your unique art – seal the rock on all sides. An inexpensive sealer is Rust-oleum crystal clear enamel. Usually under $4. This will seal a lot of rocks!
- On hiding – Safety First – don’t hide them where you have to climb, crawl, or where someone could trip on them. Remember we have lots of children looking for these. Hiding in plain sight is the most fun. High traffic pedestrian areas are great. Rocks are HAPPY outside so lets keep them out of the stores.