Does the idea of turning your beach memories into mini-works of art fascinate you? So get started in pebble painting to make pretty drawings with ease. The principle is simple. Bring pebbles back from the beach or pick up pebbles from your nearest hobby store and choose the painting technique that works best for your project. The rest is a matter of imagination and patience. Above all, let yourself be inspired by the variety of natural shapes and colors of stones for a unique creation.
A few tips before painting on pebbles
· For the less fortunate who couldn’t get hold of one on a nature walk, don’t worry. You will find a variety of decorative pebbles at hobby stores, garden centers, or building material suppliers.
· Start by cleaning the pebbles well with hot water and soap. You can even rub them with a toothbrush. If there are any rough spots or dents, sand them down with 100, 150, and 220 gauge sandpaper.
· Before you begin, feel free to practice drawing your design on a sheet of paper. Likewise, if the design is more elaborate, the first sketch with chalk, pencil, or even an ultra-fine paint marker. The latter allows you to draw with greater precision.
· Always start with the largest design. Let dry after each coat of paint. You can use a hairdryer to obtain the paint to dry quicker and easy landscape drawing.
Pebble painting is a creative activity suitable for both adults and children, here are some ideas to consider for a future DIY project to share with your little ones:
1. Make magnetic pebbles to decorate the fridge and fix the shopping list.
2. Put the already decorated pebbles in a natural setting as an original garden decoration. You can make labels for the home garden or just decorate a few pots with succulents.
3. The holidays are also a good time to get started in pebble painting. Satisfy yourself with a personalized yearly prize.
4. It is also the ideal manual activity to share with children. Cartoon characters, funny animals or monsters, children’s imaginations have no limits.
5. The polished surface of the pebbles is the perfect canvas to write your little calligraphy messages on.
6. Make your stone pet.
7. Still a myriad of creative ideas to explore.
What material to choose to decorate your pebbles
· You can use all kinds of craft paints, acrylic or water-based paints. Acrylic paint is harder to clean, so be careful. Remember to protect the work surface as well as your clothes. If the painted pebbles will be used as a garden or terrace decoration, opt instead for a paint suitable for the exterior.
· Very fine point markers are ideal for drawing subtle details.
· If you’ll want the precision of a fine-tipped pencil combined with the effect of paint, opt for water-based or oil-based paint markers.
· To make the paint on pebbles last longer, you will also need a Mod Podge varnish. If your creations are intended for interior decoration, you can also use an acrylic gloss varnish which will enhance the colors and give a more uniform finish. On the other hand, urethane varnish and Mod Podge are more suitable for the exterior.
· For your magnetic pebbles, you will need the round magnets. Also, avoid fixing them on stones that are too large or heavy.
· Every artist needs paintbrushes of different shapes suitable for different uses.
To make these magnetic galaxy pebbles
Steps to follow:
1. Start by painting the pebbles in a very dark midnight blue. The dark base color is very important to achieve the galaxy effect.
2. With the foam brush or simple sponge paint the other colors, finishing with the lighter shades.
3. Leave to dry.
4. Dilute the white paint with water to get a liquid consistency. Take a paintbrush and dip it in the white paint. Then tap the brush on the sponge above the pebbles to make small white drops.
5. Let dry and glue the magnets to the gun
Nougats and crosses game with decorated pebbles
Materials needed:
· A large tile
· Silver paint
· Tape and stencil
· A brush
