Hello fellow sports fans!

We all love to celebrate our favorite sports teams, with tailgate and game day parties.  And if you are like me, you also love celebrating the holidays with picnics and family gatherings!  And can you believe it is almost Memorial Day already?

I love red, white and blue any time of year, but the summer months get me feeling more patriotic than ever.  Memorial Day, then Flag Day and then the Fourth of July!

If you read last week’s post, you already know how to paint your own Red, White and Blue Wall Art, and I’m back this week with another DIY craft to add even more patriotic spirit to your Memorial Day festivities!

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Are you ready to get started with some red, white and blue rocks?

Step 1 – Collect the Supplies 

Here’s what you need:

  • Smooth Rocks
    • Hunt for smooth rocks near water (oceans, rivers, streams & lakes)
    • Or purchase from craft or home improvement stores in the garden department.
  • Liquid acrylic paints in red, white and blue (Acrylics wash up with just water).
  • 1 wide paintbrush (1” to 2”)
  • 1 small paintbrushes (1/4” for painting details)
  • Clear sealer (optional, but get something non-yellowing and marked specifically for exterior use if you plan to use your rocks outside).
  • Newspaper (to protect your work surface)

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Step 2 – Clean Your Rocks

  • Soak rocks in hot water for a few minutes
  • Scrub away any dirt with an old toothbrush or a sponge
  • Pat with a towel and let air dry completely before painting

 

Step 3 – General Instructions

  • Choose the smoother, flatter side the rock for the front
  • Shake the paint well before starting
  • Wash out your brush after each step
  • My paint dried in just an hour, but check your paint label for dry time
  • The clear coat spray is optional, but recommended if you will be using your rocks outside (and spray it on outside)

 

Step 4 – Paint the Flag Rock

  • Shake the white paint
  • Put a puddle of paint on the front of the rock
  • Use a large brush to paint the front of the rock
  • Let dry
  • Repeat with a second coat of paint, if needed to completely cover the color of the rock
  • Shake the blue paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on one side of the rock
  • Use the small brush to paint the blue “square”
  • Let dry
  • Repeat with a second coat of paint, if needed
  • Shake the red paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
  • Use the small brush to paint the wavy red lines
  • Let dry
  • Touch up as needed
  • Shake the white paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
  • Use the small brush to paint the stars in the blue square
  • Let dry
  • Spray the rock with clear sealer

 

Step 5 – Paint the Fireworks Rock

  • Shake the blue paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the front of the rock
  • Use a large brush to paint the rock
  • Let dry
  • Repeat with a second coat of paint, if needed to completely cover the color of the rock
  • Shake the red paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
  • Use the small brush to paint the lines of the fireworks
  • Let dry
  • Shake the white paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
  • Use the small brush to paint the lines of the fireworks and sme stars
  • Let dry
  • Spray the rock with clear sealer

 

Step 6 – Paint the USA rock

  • Shake the red paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the front of the rock
  • Use a large brush to paint the rock
  • Let dry
  • Repeat with a second coat of paint, if needed to completely cover the color of the rock
  • Shake the blue paint
  • Put a small puddle of paint on one side of the rock
  • Use the large brush to paint half of the rock blue
  • Let dry
  • Repeat with a second coat of paint, if needed to completely cover the red
  • Shake the white
  • Put a small puddle of paint on the newspaper
  • Use the small brush to paint the USA lines and a few stars
    • You can use a pencil to lightly draw the lines first
  • Let dry
  • Spray the rock with clear sealer

 

There you go!  Patriotic rocks ready for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and more!  I arranged mine in one of the flower pots on my front steps, but they also would look great in the garden, as paper weights or as table decorations!  Where will you put yours?

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Until next week,

Carrie

How to Make Amazing Painted Patriotic Rocks