Create this crafty keepsake!
Little hands will stay busy creating a special keepsake that has unique features just like your child! This painted rock photo holder is fun for working together sorting beads, painting vibrant artwork, and forming wire into something beautiful. Counting, sorting, measuring and carefully stringing beads all come into play to form important math skills and pincher-grasp development for writing.
Materials:
- Smooth rocks (clean and dry)
- Craft or floral wire (18-20 gauge)
- Wire cutters
- Needle nose pliers
- Acrylic paint (white and assorted colors)
- Mod-podge
- Paint brushes and cotton swabs
- Beads
- Sand paper
- Sharpie marker
Steps:
- Make sure the beads fit onto the wire.
- Make sure rocks are clean and dry.
- Paint a base layer of white onto the rock.
- Add a layer of colors and designs. Let dry completely.
- Add layer of Mod-podge to protect paint and add shine. Let dry completely.
- An adult will do these steps;
- Add the wire by holding one end of the wire over the top of the rock and wrap it around once, making sure it holds the wire. Twist and secure into place, so the wire sticks up from the middle of the rock and doesn’t slip off.
- Cut the wire so there about 8 inches sticking up from the rock.
- Smooth the ends of the wire and make sure no sharp ends are sticking out.
- Add beads and leave about 3 inches from the top clear. Use beads with larger openings from younger children.
- An Adult will help to create the loop that will hold the photo by wrapping the remaining wire around the marker until it reaches the beads.
- Pinch the loops together to form a secure holder for the photos. Use pliers to adjust and straighten.
Literacy Connection: Turn this activity into a memorable way to celebrate your family’s values with the book Only One You by Linda Kranz. The charming images of painted rocks and the important messages of individuality, belonging, perseverance, and appreciation will show you that beauty is everywhere, especially in YOU.
