Make Your Own Positivity Rocks
Paint and decorate small rocks with cheerful designs and positive messages using safe paints and markers, then place or gift them to brighten someone’s day.
Step-by-step guide to make your own positivity rocks
Step 1
Gather 5 to 10 small smooth rocks from your yard or a safe outdoor spot.
Step 2
Wash each rock with soap and water to remove dirt and grit.
Step 3
Dry the rocks completely with a towel or let them air dry.
Step 4
Cover your table with newspaper or cardboard to protect the surface.
Step 5
Put small amounts of paint on a paper plate to make a palette.
Step 6
Paint a base coat on each rock using a brush and one of your paint colors.
Step 7
Let the base coat dry completely before you add more paint.
Step 8
Use paintbrushes to paint cheerful shapes and pictures on your rocks.
Step 9
Use paint pens or markers to write short positive messages on each rock.
Step 10
Use a toothpick or fine brush to add tiny dots and outlines for detail.
Step 11
Let all the decorations dry completely so the paint won’t smear.
Step 12
With an adult's help apply a clear sealer or Mod Podge to protect your designs.
Step 13
Leave or gift your finished rocks to brighten someone’s day.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
If I can’t find Mod Podge or a clear sealer, what can I use to protect the rocks?
If Mod Podge or a clear sealer isn’t available, use a clear spray acrylic or clear nail polish to protect your painted designs in the step 'apply a clear sealer or Mod Podge'.
What should I do if the paint keeps smudging or peeling on the rocks?
If paint smudges or peels, follow 'wash each rock' and 'dry the rocks completely' before painting, apply thinner base coats, and be sure each base coat dries completely before adding more paint.
How can I adapt this project for different ages?
For little kids, simplify 'paint cheerful shapes' with large brushes, washable paints, and stickers, while older children can use paint pens, a toothpick for tiny dots, and handle the 'apply a clear sealer' step with adult help.
How can we extend or personalize the positivity rocks activity after finishing them?
To extend the project, add glow-in-the-dark or metallic accents during the 'paint cheerful shapes' step, write each person’s name with paint pens, and make the 'leave or gift your finished rocks' step into a neighborhood scavenger-hunt game.
Watch videos on how to make your own positivity rocks
Kindness Rocks Art Tutorial - Art With Trista
3 Videos
Kindness Rocks Art Tutorial - Art With Trista
How To Paint Rocks | Kindness Rocks Project | Kids Craft Tutorial
Growth Mindset Rocks Challenge for Kids
Facts about rock painting for kids
🎨 Acrylic paints dry quickly, are water-based, and many formulas are non-toxic—great for kid-friendly rock painting.
🛡️ Sealing painted rocks with a clear varnish or waterproof sealer helps protect designs from rain, sun, and wear outdoors.
🪨 Smooth river rocks and pebbles are ideal for positivity rocks because their flat surfaces make painting and lettering easier.
💖 Studies show small acts of kindness, like gifting a painted rock, can boost happiness for both the giver and the receiver.
🌱 The Kindness Rocks movement inspired thousands to paint uplifting messages on stones and leave them in public to brighten strangers' days.
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