Busy Fingers

Under 5's make…Pet Rocks

Every month Marlborough District Libraries has story and craft sessions for Under 5s. Recently we made pet rocks and read the books Stone Soup by Tony Bonning and Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper. Making pet rocks was really simple.

Here are the instructions:Your kids can make these adorable ladybugs as shelf decorations, or make a large one to be used as a paperweight. While the average ladybug is red, ours come in several vibrant colors. Let your kids pick their favourite!

Joe (3 years old) with his pet rock.

What you'll need:

• Smooth, round or oval rocks, washed and dried
• Acrylic craft paint in colors of our choice
• Black acrylic craft paint
• 2 wiggle eyes for each ladybug
• Black Sharpie marker
• Acrylic matte sealer spray (optional)
• Glue

1. Completely wash and dry all rocks.
2. Paint rocks in desired colors, allow to dry. Apply second and third coats if needed. Lighter colors will require more coats than darker shades.
3. Paint head on using black acrylic craft paint. There is no pattern needed, simply paint about ¼ of the rock black in the "front".
4. Use a black Sharpie to draw a straight line down the center of the rock, starting at the center of the base of the "head".
5. Dip the end of a large paint brush, or the rubber end of a pencil, in black craft paint. Dot on the spots, reloading with paint after every dot.
6. Once the paint is dry, spray the rock(s) with acrylic sealer spray. Allow sealer to dry completely.
7. using white craft glue, attach wiggle eyes and let dry.

• Bigger rocks are easier for small hands to manipulate. They are also heavier, so be sure that there are enough adult helpers for a group of little ones.
• White and black paint can be used instead of wiggle eyes. Simply dot on white paint, allow to dry, then use a smaller tool to dot on the black.