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Finding a Project

Pinterest has countless ideas for easy art projects that are workable for my daughter Miss Bee. Over the summer, I found several Pinterest pins for creating flowers out of painted river rocks. We had an empty flower bed at our front entrance. An easy garden art project to fill this space was an ideal project for us to tackle.

Locating the Supplies

The first step was to purchase the supplies. As much as possible, we order online and use curbside pick up to minimize virus exposure. I ordered a twelve-pack of brightly colored Craft Smart acrylic paints, sponge paintbrushes, and a can of Rust-Oleum clear topcoat from Michael’s.

An Easy Art Project — Acrylic Paints Purchased in Packs

An Easy Garden Art Project — Top Coat Spray Seals the Painted Rocks

Flat river rocks that are big enough to be a flower petal are available at Lowe’s outdoor garden center. A quick run to the garden center with a mask was low risk. The total cost for supplies was approximately $30.

Teen Buy In – NOT

Miss Bee initially thought this project would be fun. She enjoys painting. This was meant to be an easy art project with minimal expectations. With supplies in hand, we were ready to begin painting. The only problem was Miss Bee was no longer interested. In her words, this is “boring.”

Insisting that she follow through on an activity when she is unable or unwilling will result in a meltdown. Anxiety creeps in, and my grumpy teen tries to pick a fight as an avoidance response. Her behavior lets me know she can’t at that moment.

The Walkway is Edged with White River Rocks

A redirect to another activity or some downtime is necessary. Plans frequently change on the fly. As much as possible, I adapt to keep the peace.

Much to my chagrin, Miss Bee would not budge. Crud, I was looking forward to hanging out on our lanai (Florida speak for patio) and paint lots of rocks.

Mom’s Garden Art

I had already braved the bugs and heat to prepare the empty flower bed by weeding and laying mulch. Returning the supplies meant more Covid exposure. The risk was not worth it.

Plan B – I proceeded solo. A book on tape kept me company as I painted when the mood hit. Rare Florida, summer days when the humidity wasn’t horrendous were ideal. This project is better suited to working outdoors.

Anxiety Be Gone

Who knew that painting rocks could be so relaxing! It took about three weeks to paint enough stones to fill the flower bed. Artists can choose paint colors based on the living foliage and decorations in your yard or go wild with color. A few suggestions: A bed full of daisies, black-eyed Susans, or whimsical colors.

I went bohemian. My flower petals were the same color for each flower; however, each flower was different. Mix and match, have fun.

Each rock takes two coats of paint to cover. Once the paint is completely dry, place the stones on cardboard and liberally spray with the topcoat. Be sure to spray outside due to the fumes. When the topcoat is dry, flip them over and spray the other side.

Suitable for All Ages and Skill Levels

There are countless examples online on how to add a pretty, maintenance-free rock garden to your yard. What is ideal about this particular art project is it is suitable for differently-abled kids and adults. Perfection is not necessary.

Paint texture and a bit of natural stone peaking through add character. Have your painters, if they are able, lay their stones into the flower design they envision in the flower bed. Adjust as necessary.

No Maintenance Garden Art is Fun and Easy

Our neighborhood recently had a community garage sale. My garden is next to our garage. More folks were interested in my rock flowers than the items I had for sale. Several customers even took photos.

This type of art project is ideal for all members of your family. Everyone can participate. Have fun, be creative. Families like mine are always looking for projects like this. An easy garden art project will give your yard a boost of color and creativity.