Rock solid kindness: A DIY to spread some joy

15 Aug 2023

Spread joy and positivity by transforming ordinary rocks into vibrant works of art to brighten someone's day. All you need are smooth rocks of various shapes and sizes, Resene paint in vibrant colours of your choice and some creativity as you paint uplifting messages, inspiring symbols and delightful designs on each rock. You can share the love by strategically placing these colourful kindness rocks in public spaces or give them to a loved one to make their day. 

You will need:

• Rocks
• Paintbrush, including a small craft paintbrush
• Pencil
• Resene testpots in paint colours of your choice. Fleur used Resene Black, Resene Billabong, Resene Undercurrent, Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Japonica, Resene Pirate Gold, Resene Rusty Nail, Resene Gondwana, Resene Fire, Resene Dawn Pink, Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Resene Hot Chile and Resene Wax Flower.
• Resene Clearcoat UVS (optional) 

Step 1: Start by painting your rocks with a base colour in your chosen shade. Fleur painted each of hers a different colour – (from left) Resene Japonica, Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Fire, Resene Pirate Gold, Resene Rusty Nail, Resene Gondwana, Resene Undercurrent, Resene Billabong and Resene Black.

Step 2: Once the base colour is dry, use a thin craft paintbrush to paint on your positive words. Try writing them with a pencil first to help. Use some of the same base colours you chose for the wording, or add whichever colours you like. Fleur also used Resene Dawn Pink, Resene Kingfisher Daisy, Resene Hot Chile and Resene Wax Flower.

Step 3: You can leave your rocks as is. Or if you want a glossier finish, once dry, paint on a coat of Resene Clearcoat UVS for a shiny finish.

project and images Fleur Thorpe

Published: 15 Aug 2023