Pet Rocks: A 3-in-1 Craft for the Kid in All of Us

May 28

May 28 Pet Rocks: A 3-in-1 Craft for the Kid in All of Us

DIY + Craft, Kid-Friendly, Foraging Series, Paint, Sensory Experience, Pipe Cleaner, Chinet, Crayola, MudLove Series, Ages 2+, Ages 3-6, Ages 4-10, Construction Paper, Googly Eye

Forage: 20 min | Paint: 1 hr | Googly Eye: 20 min

When I began this blog, I never thought I would feature pet rocks. Pet rocks, folks. Not only are they great for children, but great for parents. They are a little piece of googly-eyed nostalgia that you can share with your kids. The best part is this is a 3-in-1 craft that can be spread out and tucked into your busy schedule.

The Foraging and Googly Eye phases make great post-daycare and SAHM activities. The Paint phase is great for rainy weekends when every parent is looking to fill the time.

Supply List

Rocks, Pinecones
Kid’s Washable paint* S tarter Set 2oz bottles | Metallics 2oz bottles
Brushes or cut sponges
Smock or old tee shirt
Plastic table cloth
2-3 Chinet plates/1 Aluminum pan
Googly Eyes stick-on or glue-on

Optional: Glue, Pipe cleaners, Cotton Balls, Construction paper

Forage

With 2-year olds, foraging is the best part. For older kids, adults and grandparents, the foraging is still the best part. I mined for rocks as if they were diamonds. Get outside, grab a bucket and roam your backyard. Paint what you collect!

When foraging, don't limit yourself to rocks. Pinecones, thick stubby sticks and large acorns can make great pets.

Paint

Many parents quake at the sight of paint near their child. What is the ROI? Unfortunately there is no monetary gain, but it’s invaluable. To see a child discover new textures, mix colors and develop hand-eye coordination is rewarding.

Chinet and aluminum pans make great craft trays, which keep the paint contained.

I love how these turned out. Let the rocks dry 1-2 hrs before decorating. ...See below for the pinecones after they opened up!

These little beauties opened up the next morning.

Old t-shirts make the best smocks. Don’t bother trying to clean them, just hang dry for the next use.

Goggly Eyes

If world leaders made pet rocks after every summit, the planet would be a happier place. Who can resist a googly eye? They are ridiculous. But everyone wants to stick a pair on something. On a rock, on themselves, on world leaders. They just lighten the mood.

Pipe cleaners and cotton balls are optional, but great for adding personality.

Googly eyes come in sticker sheets and loosely bagged. If you have babies in the house, consider the stick-ons.

Assess the skill level of your kiddo. Our 2-year old picked the rock and eyes, but my husband added the glue, then back to my son for sticking them on.