Looking for a simple, creative, and budget-friendly craft that the whole family can enjoy? Making rock animals is a fun way to turn an ordinary nature walk into an afternoon of imagination and hands-on creativity.
With just a few basic supplies and a handful of smooth stones, kids and adults can transform rocks into colorful creatures like turtles, ladybugs, owls, and more. Whether crafting at the kitchen table on a rainy day or adding a personal touch to your garden, rock animals are a charming project that brings nature and art together in the most delightful way.
Materials Needed to Make Rock Animals
- Smooth Clean Rocks: Going on a hike or taking a walk is the perfect way to find rocks for this fun project.
- Acrylic Paint and/or Paint Markers: We like to paint the base with acrylic paints, then add details with paint markers like these.
- Paintbrushes of various sizes
- Sealant (Optional for outdoor display)
- Cement Glue (Optional if you want to glue rocks together)
- Optional: Googly eyes, felt, pipe cleaners, glitter, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rock Animals
1. Collect & Prep Rocks
Start by gathering rocks that are smooth and have interesting shapes—these will give your animals extra personality. Once you’ve collected a nice variety, it’s time to clean them. If the rocks are just a bit dusty, a quick wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick. For dirtier rocks, soak them in a bucket of warm, soapy water, then scrub them gently with a brush to remove any stubborn grime. Be sure to let them dry completely before moving on to the fun part—painting!
2. Sketch your Design
Sketch out your design either on the rock or a separate piece of paper. Let the rock tell you what it wants to be!
3. Paint the Base Coat
Paint the base coat on your rock. Depending on the type of rock and the color of your base coat, you may need multiple base coats to ensure full coverage.
4. Add Details
Add the details like the face, fur, spots, etc. This is the fun part, get creative! We like using paint markers for this part. The colors from the paint markers tend to pop more than acrylic paint.
5. Glue the Rocks Together (if doing so)
Cement glue can be a bit tricky to work with since it takes time to dry, so patience is key. To help the rocks stay in place while the glue sets, use rubber bands, clamps, or even position smaller rocks and bits of clay around them for support. We found that letting the glue set overnight worked well to create a strong bond and keep everything securely in place.
6. Optional: Add 3D Elements
Get creative by adding googly eyes, pipe cleaner tails, and glued-on fur, the options are endless!
7. Seal Your Creation
If you are planning on using your creations outdoors, use a UV protectant clear sealant like this one: amzn.to/453QDY6 to make sure your creation lasts longer. Spray 2 even coats (or follow instructions on spray if different).
Creative Uses for Rock Animals
Rock animals are a fun, creative activity, but what do you do with them once they are done? Here is a list of a few ways to use your finished creations:
- Garden decor
- Paperweights
- Story stones
- Gift toppers or party favors
- Classroom or nature-themed decor
Tips for Crafting with Kids
Keep it Simple
Simplicity is key when crafting with kids. Choose easy designs and materials that are fun and frustration-free. This allows children to focus on expressing themselves, learning new skills, and enjoying the creative process without feeling overwhelmed.
Encourage Creativity Over Protection
When crafting with kids, it’s all about the experience—not the final result. Expect messes and mistakes, and embrace them! Giving kids the freedom to experiment helps build confidence and teaches them that creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having fun and thinking outside the box.
Keep the Mess Controlled
Letting kids get a little messy is part of the fun, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Use aprons, washable paints, and disposable tablecloths to protect clothing and surfaces. Setting up a mess-friendly zone allows kids to dive into their creativity while keeping cleanup easy and stress-free—a win-win for everyone!
Supervise When Using Glue & Sealant
Always supervise children when using strong adhesives or sealants. These materials can be tricky (and sometimes messy), so it’s best for an adult to help with this step to ensure safety and success.
Bring Your Rock Animals to Life!
Creating rock animals is a simple, joyful craft that brings together creativity, nature, and a bit of hands-on fun. Whether you’re spending time with your kids, decorating your garden, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon project, these charming little creatures are sure to bring smiles. Don’t worry about making them perfect—the best part is the process! So gather some rocks, break out the paint, and let your imagination run wild. And if you give it a try, we’d love to see your creations—share them with us or tag us on social media!
If you want more nature-inspired crafts, learn how to create pressed flower bookmarks here.