65 WOW-worthy Rock Painting Ideas to Cheer You Up

If you thought decorating stones was just for kids, you’ll think differently when you take a look at these wow-worthy rock painting ideas. As simple or as intricate as you want them to be, painted rocks can make beautiful home décor ideas, look fabulous in the garden, and can brighten up someone’s day when they find them hidden around the neighborhood. From muppets to zombies, and all kinds of animals, there are also designs for celebrating every holiday, too.

Simple Rock Photo Holders

These photo holders make great gifts for pretty much anyone, and can be decorated to suit each person’s personality. A fabulously fun way to display photos on a desk or bookshelf, these holders are super easy to make using just rocks, paint, copper wire, and Mod Podge to seal the design in.

Zombie Painted Rocks

This Halloween activity is great fun for kids and adults alike, and would make a fab idea for kids at an October 31st party. Using green acrylic paint and paint pens in black and white, they can try to outdo each other by creating the creepiest, ugliest (or cutest) scary Halloween character.

Rock Fish Craft

Kids will have a ‘whale’ of a time creating rock fish, just like the ones in this post. A fun way to spend a rainy afternoon, just supply the kids with paints and/or chalk markers, and let them paint different kinds of fish, from vibrant tropical ones, to simple but striking one-color varieties.

Muppet Rocks

We all know that The Muppets rock, but what about Muppet Rocks? This brilliant idea is a great way to carry on the fun after watching a Muppets Movie, and because the characters are so colorful, it means the kids can really go to town turning stones into their favorite fuzzy puppets.

Halloween Painted Rock Eyeballs

Ghoulish girls and boys will love turning ordinary pebbles into these fiendishly good eyeballs, especially for Halloween. Surprisingly realistic, these eyes need a steady hand if you want to get the detailing right, or why not adapt the instructions and make funny cartoony peepers instead?

Rock Monsters

If you’re looking for a rock painting idea that will appeal to all ages, take a look at these awesome googly eyed monsters. They can be as detailed or as simple as their artistic scope allows, and the best thing is there’s no right or wrong way to do them!

Flower Painted Rocks

This tutorial will take you step by step through painting a beautiful pink zinnia onto pebbles and stones, and the results are beautiful. But you don’t have to stop there; once you’ve mastered the zinnia, you can turn your hand to painting any or all of the flowers you can find!

Fish Painted Rocks

Even the most artistically-challenged will be able to make these pretty glittery fish rocks, because the tutorial includes a video on how to get the fish shape just right. Using beautiful shades of blues and purples adds an instant watery feel, while the glitter on the scales adds shimmer and shine.

Minions In Jail Rocks

Fans of Despicable Me 3 will jump at the chance to create a cast of characters from ordinary river or beach stones. Using yellow, black, and white paints, along with gray and black markers, you and your kids can create the adorable Minions as they languish in jail.

Easter Egg Rocks

You could use this rock painting idea for a new addition to your Easter décor, or as an alternative to hiding chocolate eggs when doing an Easter hunt. It’s a fun activity to do with the kids, too, and all you’ll need are some oval-shaped stones, acrylic paint, and Mod Podge.

Intricate Design Rocks

If you’re looking for design ideas for older kids, teens, or even adults, take some inspiration from the rocks in this blog. You could use a mix of paints and markers to create similarly intricate patterns, and even match the colors you use to the room you want to place them in.

Painted Mouse Rocks

Spend time with the kids in the fresh air searching for the right shaped rocks for this project, and then set to work turning them into these adorable mice. Using pink, white, and black acrylic paints for the features, you can add felt and yarn for the ears and tail.

Rock Painting Bunny Rabbits

Add some bunny charm to Easter with this sweet rock painting tutorial. With step by step instructions and an instructional video, too, this tutorial will show you how to create a beautifully whimsical spring-themed bunny scene on any suitably-shaped stone using both paint and paint pens.

Modern Rock Magnets

Take inspiration from the photos in this blog post, and create some colorful fridge magnets using smaller pebbles and stones. Decide on your color theme, and then paint patterns on the stones with brushes and pens, before allowing to dry. Then simply add magnets to the back using E6000 glue.

Tic-Tac-Toe Painted Rocks

Do away with store-bought plastic games, and create your own version of Tic Tac Toe using resources found in nature. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, this set includes a wood slice board, and stones painted in beautiful colors with X’s and O’s drawn on the top.

Cactus Painted Rocks in a Pot

This rock painting idea is amazing, and will make a fabulous gift for any occasion (especially for people who are serial plant killers!). Create stony cacti and succulents using varying shades of green, add the ‘prickles’ with white markers, and then arrange them in a pot of small pebbles.

Painted Rocks for Kindness

Take some ideas from this post and create your own colorful painted rocks. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor décor, these rocks are painted in colorful designs, and then finished off with inspirational messages. Keep some at home, and leave some outside to give a stranger an uplifting boost.

Patterned Rocks Snake Craft

Create a sweet and easy craft for little ones to play with by following the ideas in this fabulous post. Using a dozen flat black rocks, paint them with various patterns and colors, and add googly eyes and a tongue to one. Then give them to tots to arrange into snakes.

Pumpkin Rocks

How awesome are these pumpkins? The perfect Halloween activity, just follow the step by step instructions to turn round(ish) rocks into brilliant Jack-o-Lanterns, using just acrylic paints, ink pens, and varnish. They look super effective, and make great décor ideas for both indoor and outdoor use.

Bohemia Painted Rocks

These painted rocks are so adorable, and would make great paperweights for anyone who loves owls. Take some inspiration from the style used in these examples, and then add your own touches to make them truly yours – different colors, perhaps, or maybe some embellishments like googly eyes for a more comical feel.

Painted Rock Photo Holders

This is such a fun project to do with the kids, from the collecting of stones to the painting and creating; even tiny tots can join in with some ‘abstract’ painting! Then add some wire and beads as shown in the post, and turn the stones into beautiful photo holders.

Pet Cactus Rocks

Cacti are big news at the moment, which is why this rock painting idea will be such a huge hit. Paint some rocks in different shades of green, and then add some prickly detailing using white acrylic paint; the addition of googly eyes will turn them into adorable rock pets.

Troll Painted Rocks

This is such a fun idea, especially for kids (or adults) who love trolls. A firm favorite for many years, these fluffy-haired, colorful creatures can be recreated on rocks using the paint color of your choice, markers, googly eyes, and of course, the vibrant feather detailing that makes them so recognizable.

Watermelon Painted Rocks

These watermelon rocks will add a summery feel to even the dullest of days, thanks to their instantly recognizable pink and green coloring. Collect some river stones, and then follow the step by step instructions to create these smiling, vibrant pieces of fruit, adding in details like eyes among the seeds.

Gnome Painted Rocks

Create a wonderful fantasy garden indoors or out with these adorable gnome rocks. Using acrylics and water-based paint pens, these rocks can be painted as whimsical gnomes by following the instructions shown, with some smaller toadstool pebbles dotted around as well. Don’t forget to seal them if you’re placing them outdoors.

Owl Painted Rocks

Owl lovers will adore having these sweet rocks dotted around the house or garden, and they’re also great to leave for others to find, too. Copy the designs shown in the blog post, or use your own; draw the outline in pencil first, and then use acrylic paints to bring them to life.

Pour Painting on Rocks

Pour painting is a totally different method for decorating stones – there are no brushes needed, so the finished design is totally organic. Ideal for larger stones to be used as paperweights, this technique involves simply pouring different colors onto the rock until a swirly, pretty effect is achieved.

Shark Painted Rocks

These painted stones would make great bathroom décor, or could be used as part of a collection of animal stones in a child’s playset. Pointed rocks are best for this project as they look particularly effective as the shark’s nose, while the scary mouths can be painted on with acrylic paints.

Happy Heart Rocks

Painted rocks can be as simple or as intricate as your artistic skills allow, but this post goes to show that sometimes, simple is best. Whether you use them as home décor, or place them outdoors for people to find, these vibrantly colored heart rocks will add cheer to the dullest days.

Rainbow Rocks

Rainbows add instant brightness to anyone’s day, whether they’re in the sky or in pictures. This rock painting idea is super simple, but will make anyone who’s lucky enough to see it, smile. An ideal project for beginners, it can be done in traditional colors, or even neon or glittery ones, too.

Easter Chick Rocks

Even beginners will be able to recreate this OMG-worthy Easter chick stone, because there are easy step by step instructions for drawing this sweet little bird. Ideal for springtime craft sessions, why not make a few and leave them outdoors for other people to find and enjoy?

Toy Story Alien Rock Painting

This rock painting idea is ideal for a follow-on activity after watching one (or all) of the Toy Story movies. Simple to make but brilliantly effective, these little aliens will look great in their Toy Story toy collection, or are equally fun when hidden outside for other fans to find.

Glow in the Dark Kindness Rocks

Add a fun twist to rocks left for other people to find by finishing them with glow in the dark spray paint. Try different patterns, or add inspirational or motivational words, and then leave them in grass, on walls, or on the beach for other people to discover.

Fairy Door Painted Rocks

This is a great idea, and something a little different to the usual painted rocks. Paint fairy doors onto flat rocks in bright colors, then add cute details like windows and door knockers. Hide them in moss or at the bottom of trees to add a delightfully magical feel to the outdoors.

Train Rocks for Teaching Colors

Painting rocks is a great way to create toys that little ones will love, and this tutorial shows you how to make an awesome color-matching train. Using bright shades of acrylic paint, you can decorate each ‘carriage’ in a different color, and then have them match the stones to the tracks you’ve drawn.

Galaxy Rocks

Galaxy arts and crafts look awesome, and because they are painted randomly they are great for beginners and experts alike. Follow the ideas here to create a heap of beautiful galaxy rocks using blues, purples, and pinks, and then add ‘stars’ by flicking white paint on top.

Neon Ladybug Painted Rock

Whether you make these ladybugs to decorate your own garden or to dot around the neighborhood is up to you, but they add a wonderful splash of color to any plant display. Using patio paint will ensure the designs stay vibrant, and the design is easy so it’s perfect for beginners.

Minion Stones

The beauty of this Minions craft idea lies in its simplicity, because even an amateur artist can recreate the look perfectly. Using acrylic paints, cover one third(ish) in blue, the rest in yellow, and then add the different characters’ features using silver, white, and black Sharpies.

Alphabet Pebbles

Make a long-lasting and robust set of alphabet letters using flat stones instead of wood or felt, and open up a world of learning opportunities for little ones. You can use them to help tots learn how to spell their name, ‘write’ simple words, or even to match colors.

Magic Disney Stones

These magic Disney stones were designed to add enchantment to the queueing process at theme parks, but they can be adapted to suit any environment. You can paint them with any symbol you like on one side, with ‘magic’ on the other to tell kids what it is that they’ve found.

Garden Gnomes Rocks

If you like the idea of decorated rocks but you don’t trust your skills with a paintbrush, try this method instead. Print an image onto paper, like this brilliant gnome example, and then transfer it directly onto the stone using gel medium for a hyper-realistic decoration. You could use photos, too.

Puffy Paint Rocks

Puffy Paint adds an interesting feel to lots of arts and crafts, but have you thought about using it to paint rocks? Take a look at this example, which shows you how easy it is to create colorful, fun designs on stones, with paint that literally stands out.

Blue Birdy Painted Rocks

Although this tutorial uses blue candy for their base, these cute little bluebirds could also be made by choosing small pebbles and painting them in a pretty pale blue color. The eyes need just a black marker, while the yellow beak could be recreated using yellow puffy paint.

Turtle Rocks

This beautiful turtle can be made with a selection of stones – some big and some small. Take a walk and collect them on your way, or alternatively buy them from a craft store. Then follow the instructions to turn them into this adorable rock turtle as a home or garden decoration.

Natural Garden Rocks

Take inspiration from nature and create a whole set of these gorgeous garden rocks, complete with a felt bag to keep them in. You can choose random animals and plants and make a mixture, or concentrate on flowers, or insects, or birds. Then gift them to kids to spark their imaginations.

Rock Fish Pond

The clever use of a mesh baggie gives these sweet fish a great scale-like appearance. But beautiful fish need a beautiful pond, and that’s where the rest of this project comes in. Larger rocks can create the outline for the pond, while blue glass gems give a great, watery effect.

Bright Painted Flower Rocks

These painted inspiration rocks make beautiful gifts, or can be kept to use in the home to add a touch of summer color. While they look like they require a lot of talent, the flowers are actually pretty simple to do by following the step by step instructions included in this tutorial.

Rock Mummies

Grab some stones, paints, and kids, and have a blast creating these awesome Halloween decorations. Using white and yellow craft paints and a black marker, little ghouls can make a ton of these easy rock mummies, and can even put their own spin on the ones featured here.

Woodland Animal Painted Rocks

This helpful tutorial will show you how to create not one but three delightful woodland animals to feature on rocks and stones. Using multi-surface acrylic paints, you can learn how to paint a fox, owl, and bear which all look brilliant, and will inspire you to paint other animals too.

Pokemon Painted Rocks

Pokémon fans will go crazy for a set of these fantastic rocks, as each one has been decorated to look like a well-known character from the Nintendo game. Using paints, Sharpies, and clear gloss enamel, you can add a new twist to Pokémon Go by hiding the rocks in the garden or neighborhood.

Ladybug Painted Rocks

Make a whole family of ladybugs by following the simple instructions in this blog. Choose a selection of stones in varying sizes, and paint them all red before adding the finer details; paint pens in black and white are ideal for making the spots, eyes, and antennae.

Rock Garden Markers

Brighten up a garden with these stunning painted rock markers, which do so much more than identify a plant. Ideal for herbs, vegetables, fruits, and/or flowers, these markers can be painted in bright colors, and then finished off with the name of the plant they’re for.

Marbleized Finish Rocks

Marbled paint effects look super impressive and difficult to achieve, but as you can see from this post, it couldn’t be easier. With three methods available, you can turn plain river or beach rocks into stunning paperweights, kindness stones, or decorations, and have lots of fun while you’re doing it.

Hedgehog Painted Rocks

Whether you’re just starting out in the world of rock painting, or you’ve been at it some time, these little hedgehog stones are a must. Using just brown and beige acrylic paints and a black marker, you can make a whole brood of these prickly little favorites for a sweet woodland theme.

Garden Tic-Tac-Toe Rocks

Make an outdoor game of Tic Tac Toe by following the example shown here. Using a plain paving slab as the base, you can create the grid with either chalk or paint, and then add in a set of X’s and O’s using two differently colored stones to make them stand out.

Rock Farm Animals

Even if you’re not a dab hand at painting, you can create this awesome set of rock farm animals using printed pictures and Mod Podge. A wonderful aid to open ended play, these cute animal stones can be used indoors and out for fun make-believe days on the farm.

Kawaii Candy Corn Halloween Painted Rock

Much sweeter than the kind you eat, these candy corn painted rocks will make fab Halloween decorations. Make them as big or as small as you like; you could even make several and have a little family on your doorstep. Add cute kawaii features for an adorable twist.

Vintage Camper Painted Rocks

Add a free spirited hippy vibe to your rock painting with this pretty vintage camper idea. Check out a few pictures online, and then copy the design onto the rock in chalk before filling it in with pretty spring colors and cute details, like a pink door and a string of bunting.

Strawberry Painted Rocks

These little strawberries look super cute, and will add a touch of summer to the kitchen or the garden. Smaller pebbles are better for this project, and you can paint lots in a short amount of time. Scatter them around or place them in a bowl for a sweet décor idea.

Nativity Painted Rock Sets

Funny and cute at the same time, this painted rock idea will keep winter alive, even as the snow thaws. Super easy to do, this melting snowman is fun and quirky. Just glue two stones together, paint them white, add details as shown, and finish with glitter glue for a shimmering finale.

Rock Skulls

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in colorful style with these vibrant Day of the Dead skulls. Painted in vibrant shades, these stones become the perfect base for adding in the prettier details with paint pens and markers, drawing flowers and dots to add beauty. They’re perfect for Halloween, too.

Dot Painted Rocks

Dot painting is so versatile and easy that kids of all ages can join in. This example uses pencil rubbers to create the dots, but you could use cotton swabs, too. Random dots are perfect for little ones, while older kids and adults can try their hand at mandalas, swirls, and flowers.

Garden Treasure Hunt

Once you have a stash of colorful painted rocks, why not use them for a fun treasure hunt? Place them in spaces around the garden, or, if it’s too cold or wet, hide them around the house instead. It’s a great way to burn off some excess energy and relieve boredom.