A Pinterest Summer: Rocks

 I don't know about you, but you can't go far on social media without hearing about the crazy rock craze happening now.  But, seriously, it is sooo much fun!  It has been on our bucket list this summer and we just got started last week!  A sweet friend of mine invited the kids and I over for some rock painting and let's just say that we are hooked!  This is definitely going to be an activity that continues through the school year. . . even my husband got involved! 

 This activity is super simple.  Paint some rocks, let them dry (of course!), and then go hide them and post them to your local Facebook page.  Then, check your Facebook page for any others that you can go hunting for.  Once, you find some new ones, rehide and post and keep on going.  Just be prepared to want to paint all the time!  I can't seem to stop!  

 Here are some helpful tips that we have learned so far:
:: Put your FB group on the bottom of the rock, so the finder can post that it was found and if they re-hide it.

:: Use a sealer like modge podge, a spray like this one, or clear finger nail polish. This just helps protect your hard work and your kids masterpieces from the elements.

:: Kids Tattoos are super fun to rub on after paint has dried and before you seal it.  If using temporary tattoos, you definitely want to seal it.

:: Have friends over and paint!  My friend and I were talking about how much fun it would be to get together with some of our mom friends and paint rocks and drink wine.  This activity is not just for the kiddos!

:: Involve the whole family.  We all had fun doing this as an activity last weekend and my husband really had fun painting.

:: We used acrylic paint.  My favorite is the Martha Stewart Brand or the Hand Made Modern (Target).  But, you can find other brands at that are less than a dollar at Michael's and Walmart!

:: There are so many different ideas on Pinterest. . . You should search them and have fun!  I want to try one with nail polish!

:: You can find rocks in your back yard or buy some at Lowes or Home Depot for about $12.

:: Don't hide them in the National Parks. . . they don't like it.  They will be considered litter and thrown away.  Also, don't take rocks from National Parks. . . probably not a great idea. . .and I think it's illegal.

 The whole point of painting these rocks and hiding them is to have some fun and spread kindness.  The other night, when the weather was not squelching, we walked to the kids' school and hid some rocks around the front area.  Some friends of ours found one of them and posted it, while a couple of the others were found my a new student, that wasn't sure about the transition to a new school and a new state.  After their tour, he found the rocks and it just made his day!  That story just warmed my heart and made me want to make more!  The boys have so much fun hiding them and finding them! 

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If you are local to the Central Valley. . there are rock groups of Facebook for Fresno Rocks, Clovis Rocks, and 559 Rocks.   I think there are a lot of them out there with the name of your town and the word ROCKS.  Check it out!

Have fun!