I've been a beachcomber for years. Mostly collecting seaglass and heart rocks....it's kind of an obsession. Lately, I've been picking up some beach rocks...all tumbled and smooth. I wanted to paint them but wasn't sure exactly what to paint. So, in my typical fashion, I just kept collecting and waiting for the perfect idea so I didn't "ruin" these beautiful stones.
Well, the perfect idea never came. Which made me remember that ideas don't usually just pop into your head...perfectly formed. No, they begin as an idea and then become molded into what they are supposed to be....and never perfect. What is my deal with perfection anyway??
Yesterday was the day. I sat down, gathered my rocks and paints, and just STARTED!
I experimented with different paints, designs and techniques and came up with an idea and process that I loved.
- Wash your rocks to eliminate any sand, dirt or debris....and wait for them to dry thoroghly.
- After trying a lot of different paints, I found that I liked a lighter weight paint. I used Golden Fluid Acrylics.
- I painted a layer of white as a background to help make the color pop.
- I painted my designs and added finishing touches with Sharpie Poster Paint Markers
and other permanent markers.
- As a finishing touch, I coated the painted surface and sometimes the entire rock with Mod Podge Hard Coat
.
This is just the first round...I have some good ideas and I want to keep going.
