Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Painting rocks and a frog

I've been feeling a bit blah with my routines, so chose an artistic outlet. I am painting rocks and it is so fun. I don't think about anything else when I am painting, which is a good thing.
The rocks are not completed so I will post photos when I have completed painting some. The main one you can see in this photo has a butterfly I painted on it. I am holding some Acrylic Paint pens which worked very nicely. I don't know much about paints so scouted around on blogs, etc. for info. I also ordered some matte finish acrylic paints and paint brushes; the paints are designed for outdoor projects. I used the paints on this project below. The frog welcome sign was completely faded after 20 years of being in my garden.

He used to be a bright happy green. So I painted him with my new paint set. See how he turned out below. My next step is to paint on Duraclear Gloss Varnish, which is meant for outdoor use and is soap and water cleanup. This varnish is applied by brush which probably wastes less and is kinder to our planet and the air than a spray. The paint set I bought is FolkArt Gloss Acrylic Paint Outdoor and the acrylic paint pens are Flyset Graffiti. All the paints are soap and water cleanup.
Have you taken on a new hobby? In these times of many of us staying home for long hours, a new activity is very absorbing and diverts my attention from worry to enjoyment.

49 comments:

Marie Smith said...

Our grandkids have painted rocks over the last few months during lockdown. They especially enjoyed placing them in different areas when they could be out around again. I’ve taken photos of s few we found on the trails here. It is a great hobby.

I find writing, reading, walking/hiking And photography keep me going.

Margaret D said...

Nice photos.
No new hobby, I crochet, do graphics for fun.
Take are.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Lovely, painting garden ornaments is on the list. Thanks for the tip on what to spray them with.
For try, I dyed a tee shirt using the Japanese Shibori technique. The results are surprisingly nice. It is like tie dye, but with a deliberate verticle style, movement of color.

Billie Jo said...

Oh my goodness! What a wonderful idea! Thanks for the inspiration. My Flynn will love this.

Kit said...

You have inspired me with your frog! I have a gnome who is sun bleached and creepy looking. I am going to repaint him. Can't wait to see your rocks. Kit

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Love that photo of you dear Terra. What a difference paint can make, bringing something faded back to life. I look forward to seeing your rocks.

Happy Creating ~ FlowerLady

oldgreymareprimitives said...

Our folks were correct when they said "idle hands" I'm trying everything to avoid thinking about the BIG stuff too often. You've found a great diversion! I bought a paint by number set I plan to do, but the library semi-reopened and I'm afraid the books are calling me too often.

Barb said...

I have a girlfriend who paints rocks and even blongs to a "Littleton Rocks" group. She takes them and hides then in in different places and sometimes puts the name of this facebook group so they can let her know she finds them. She would also make them for all of us who are meeting for lunches when we were still doing that, I love your rocks will love to see them whenall done!

Betsy said...

There is a family here at the lake that paints rocks and hides them around the small town nearby. They have created a facebook group to post on when you find one.
I really LoVe what you've done with your frog welcome sign. It looks brand new!
No new hobbies for me. Moving and knitting have taken up all of my time.
Blessings,
Betsy

Eileen T said...

I had a go at painting rocks but only did one set in the end. It's quite a big thing here with a Facebook page for children to log their finds or give clues to where they've re-hidden them.

I haven't taken up any new hobbies during lock-down but have dedicated much more time to existing ones - piano, family tree and reading.

Olga said...

I have recently renewed interest in sewing, Of course there was the making of masks. Then my state banned plastic bags at the grocery store so I have been making shopping bags since I have lots of fabric pieces. But I just ordered some fabric on line that I plan to use for making some tunic tops. I haven't sone clothing for quite some time.

Ann Thompson said...

Getting involved in a project always keeps my brain occupied but lately I've had a hard time getting myself to work on anything.
The butterfly rock is pretty and that frog looks fantastic. It looks like brand new.

Granny Marigold said...

That sounds like a lovely hobby!! We see painted rocks that have been left by the trails in the park. Obviously many are finding it lots of fun.
.You've totally rejuvenated your frog welcome.

Martha said...

Hi! I've taken on art as my new hobby for 2020 and I sure picked a good year to do it. The kindness rock project is one of the things I have been doing. Any kind of art is definitely therapeutic. I'm really enjoying this new to me adventure :)

Mevely317 said...

What a difference! Your lil' frog is sure endearing. (*smile*)
My Hubby recently repainted the bird bath, but I'll wager he wasn't familiar with this FolkArt product.

justjill said...

Well done and lovely painting.

Inger said...

I think this pandemic has inspired creativity in so many. I read about new gardeners, cooks, painters, writers and so on. I have a rock from Ojai, it says Journey on one side and one the other is a drawing of a sail boat. I love it. Have fun with your project.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That's a great idea to touch up some paint. AND...I love finding a painted rock from time to time on my hikes so they would be neat to make. I have been decluttering lately so when I find a stopping place, I'll do a fun hobby! I still read a lot too. Hugs, Diane

Michelle said...

Love the frog!

Bonnie said...

I've always loved painted rocks and I look forward to seeing yours! I love what you've done with your frog welcome sign - it looks fabulous!

Linda said...

I love how you redeemed your frog! I love redeeming things!

Tabor said...

Using acrylic ens is a good idea. I had not thought of that. I have a bunch of river rock from Canada. Maybe that needs to be painted.

Donna said...

The paint job on your frog is wonderful! This gives me an idea of what to use on my lawn decor pieces that have faded. Thanks for the inspiration and the supplies needed!

Mari said...

I am impressed! That frog is cute and looks brand new!

Wanda said...

What a delightful frog, and the colors are so "happy". Looks like a wonderful way to take a break from all that's going on. I have a friend that paints rocks up in Brookings OR and sells them at a little boutique.

dori said...

THis is wonderful!

These stones you find all over the country, here in Europe, too. It is a great project - - gathering us in the middle of the pandemie - -

I like your "new" frog!

I enjoy the pfoto of you and the dear dog. Very pretty!

Ramana Rajgopaul said...

Interesting medium!

Britta said...

Dear Terra, it is a wonderful thing to be able to paint! And I see it as a sort of meditation too. Mostly I do a sort of drawn diary.
(I have problems with the new blogger to get your/and other blogs at the side of my Blog, thus my way of commenting seems very erratic - sorry, but I work on it!) Britta

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I love when I find a painted rock. I always leave it for others to find but someone told me that the finder is to take it and place it someplace else.

Jeanie said...

Love the frog and can't wait to see the finished rocks. When we were kids, we painted rocks all summer long. I haven't done it in decades! Have fun!

Red Rose Alley said...

It's wonderful that you are painting rocks, Terra. It's a good pastime, and you can create so many different sayings and flowers and looks on them. I've always loved painted rocks. And your green frog looks great! I hope the California heat hasn't been too bad for you. I'm looking forward to Fall.

~Sheri

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

I'm painting, too, but mostly in my journal. I agree with you. I've found that drawing and painting is a meditative experience during this time.

Holly said...

We are going to try hydro dipping rocks with nail polish. I love the bright upgrade!

stardust said...

Nice to see you smiling with your adorable dog, Terra. The Frog welcome sign might have been muted in colors but still looks nice for twenty-year-old. Your paint gave it vibrant colors, which makes him look popping out. I’ll let my grandchildren paint rocks in my garden. A boy will paint dinosaur. Your butterfly is lovely. Keep up the good work.

Yoko

Liz Hinds said...

I love the idea of painting but the reality is that my end-product is never worth the effort! I get absorbed in jigsaws instead. Can't spoil the picture there.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Lovely to start a new hobby. My grandchildren have painted rocks and placed them around their gardens.

INXSKY Minimalist Jewelry said...

Such a great idea, I love your new hobby!
That frog looks like brand new!

INXSKY | Gold Stackable Rings

Billy Blue Eyes said...

Love the idea of painting garden ornaments they look great. Thanks for visiting the Church Explorer. I publish the blog weekly

Irina Kovalenko said...

Nice to meet you, Terra. What I loved most in your introduction is “I love to giggle”. That makes two of us!=) As well as being a librarian: you were one and I planned to enter this faculty after school, but ended as a philologist, University Professor, teaching English Literature.
Have I taken on a new hobby? – No. I tried new recipes, read new authors, but nothing connected with handwork. Frankly, it’s not my cup of tea. Your painting exercises look peaceful. Enjoyable!
Best wishes,
Irina

Friko said...

What a brilliant ides; I have rocks lining some of my borders in the garden and painting some of them could be an answer how to add funny moments. I love rocks and love handling them.

crafty cat corner said...

You asked if making the bunting was difficult. If you can do simple crochet stitches you should be able to make this. By the way, Mr Frog is looking lovely.
Briony
x

Pam said...

Hello from Edinburgh - thanks for your comment on my blog. Goodness me, what a lot of comments you get, and followers you have! I hope you're enjoying your painting. I love Suilven and the scenery up in the north west - so beautiful and vast and empty.

Diane Writes said...

Hi Terra! I love your first photo!!! Your smile while holding the rocks is perfect. The chair and your cute companion is ❤️

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi, Terra. It was good to hear from you. Your rock painting is turning out so well. What a happy thing to bring back all the pretty and joyous colors. I just ordered a new bunch of canvas. So plan to start another project of paintings to boar everyone with..Stay well..xxoJudy

Evi Erlinda said...

Hi Terra!
You are so great in painting! The frog looks awesome and cheerful now.
I love your sweet smile too!

Take care, Terra!

The Padre said...

Righteousness

Lauren at Wonderfully Made said...

These all look great - your frog looks brand new and so bright and cheerful! I've painted rocks and yes it is VERY relaxing and fun. I found it quite addicting! I've been mostly sewing but I also just did decorations for a friend's bridal shower which was quite fun too!

Nancy's Notes said...

Terra, I love rock painting and your work is awesome! I've been knitting and blogging again and reading!Thank you for dropping in to see me!

Take care,
Nancy

My Tata's Cottage said...

I have been trying to find flat rocks so I can paint them. A friend told me she added her Instagram info on the back and people have come over there to tell her how she made their day! :-) Always my pleasure to see you here.

I am here today: annesphamily.blogspot.com going here next:
mytatascottage.blogspot.com

It is a good day to see my friends here.

HUGS across the miles XO