When out and about have you seen them yet? You may be in too much of a hurry, but sometimes there it is hidden among the ordinary is something colorful, and different. You may think that I am writing about people, because that does happen then also, but actually, I am writing about rocks. Not the ordinary, drab gray rocks, but rocks that have been painted, decorated, and hidden for you to enjoy. What is this new rock craze about, and could it be used for more than just brightening your day?
I am not sure how the rock craze began, but I do know that it can be used for more than just painting and hiding rocks. Painted rocks can also be used in order to spread awareness. One such example is the rocks for #EFNRocks. These rocks are concealed in order to spread the word about another “hidden jewel,” the Exceptional Families Network. The Exceptional Families Network is a non-profit organization here in Washington state that supports, and helps find aid for families, and individuals with special needs. More on the EFN can be found at their website: http://www.exceptionalfamilies.org/. There is also even the EFN Rocks facebook group for sharing about this activity. My children were able to participate in a rock pouring class at the office this last week, and the rock painting has not stopped.
The process is easy. Find a rock, and wash it (do not steal if from someone else’s property). Next buy some acrylic paint. After painting the rock, allow it to dry. This may take up to 24 hours. After your art piece is dry, you can flip it over, and write whatever tag line that you want. We have seen Tacoma Rocks, Eatonville Rocks, and of course, #EFNRocks. You could use more acrylic paint, or your could write on the rock with a marker, and then seal it with clear sealant. This protects the rock it if it is rained on. The next step it is the fun part. All you have to do is hide the rock, and wait! These rocks can be as easy , or as difficult to paint as you would like. There are pouring techniques as shown in the pictures, or you can draw anything that you would like.
Whether or not you are painting rocks in order to spread awareness, or to spread joy, just keep on spreading it. When you find a rock, you can rehide it or keep it, but to really join in the fun, you should try and find some time to paint. My children have, and I don’t think that they are ever going to stop!
