Today we have a simple Halloween painted rocks art project for kids that creates pumpkin rocks that can be used as treasures, decoration or for some Halloween themed games…more on that in a bit. Painting these pumpkin rocks is great fun for kids of all ages and would make a fun Halloween party activity and Halloween party favor afterward.
Fun and easy painted pumpkin rocks! They’re perfect for homemade games, story-telling, counting and open-ended play.
I’m a huge fan of playing with items found in nature. In particular, stones and rocks are fantastic. They’re so versatile, and can be used for all kinds of play and learning activities!
Make Halloween Painted Rocks
Today I’m showing you how to make these adorable painted pumpkin rocks because there’s a great Halloween math game that we’re going to play with them…details at the end of this article.
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Supplies Needed
- 12 Smooth, small beach stones
- paintbrush
- orange acrylic craft paint
- black permanent marker
- Craft varnish
Directions
Step 1
I applied a thick coat of acrylic craft paint to the top and sides of my rocks. You don’t have to use acrylic paint, but I recommend it because of the coverage it provides.
You could go with a thicker coat than I did in this photo, but don’t worry if the grey of the rock shows through. A second coat will take care of things.
When I say a “thick” coat, I mean slather it on. You want to be able to cover your rocks in two quick coats, and if you brush your paint on too thinly, your rocks will require more than that.
Step 2
Lay your rocks in a warm, sunny spot, and they’ll be dry in a jiffy.
Flip ’em over, and brush a thick coat on the backside of each rock.
When the backs of the rocks are dry, repeat the process
When all of your rocks are painted, you’ll have a collection of beautiful, orange “pumpkins” to decorate. Aren’t they pretty?
The paint will look a little chalky, but don’t worry, we’ll add some shine after we make our pumpkin faces.
Step 4
Faces on the front, numbers on the back.
To make the pumpkin faces on your stones, use your black sharpie marker to draw on some eyes and mouths. I made triangle and oval eyes, and of course, lots of zig-zag jack-o-lantern mouths.
Now, flip the rocks over, and number each one from 1 to 12 with your marker.
Honestly! Look at those little faces! Could they be any cuter?
Step 5
Now it is time for varnishing your pumpkin rocks.
To add a bit of shine to the rocks and to protect the paint from wearing off, I gave them all a quick coat of craft varnish.
And that’s it, that’s all! You’re pumpkin rocks are ready for play!
Play a Game with Your Halloween Painted Rocks
Now you just need to grab the details for that Halloween math game I mentioned, and have some fun!
–>Click here for the rock game instructions: Pumpkin Math
More Halloween Games
- Here are some fun printable Halloween games
- Super fun Halloween games for kids…and adults!
- More Halloween math for kids!
More Rock Painting Fun from Kids Activities Blog
- Rock painting ideas for kids…we have over 30!
- Make heart painted rocks…these are so cute!
- See these teacher appreciation painted rocks
- Check out these rock art painting ideas.
- Check out these rock games and crafts!
- Learn how to make a pet rock! It’s fun and easy.
How did your Halloween painted rocks turn out? Which of your pumpkin rocks is your favorite? Describe it to us in the comments!
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