Cold Weather and Thanksgiving Rock Painting
We have quickly turned from hot to cold in Oklahoma. Last week, the temperature was over 80 degrees and sunny. Today, we barely reached 35 and had the first measurable snow of the season. Oklahoma is famous for its weather-related mood swings. Mother nature is quick to remind us that she is in charge and summer is officially over. I guess we were lucky that the warm weather held out through Halloween. My ghost and witch decorations have been stowed away and it is time to think about the turkey.
This year, my kids get a full week off of school for Thanksgiving break, so I am looking for lots of creative ways to keep them busy. Painting rocks is one of our favorite activities. I am going to show you how to paint a turkey rock and a pumpkin patch rock.
For each design we are going to take the 4Ps approach: Prime, Pencil, Paint and Protect.
Supplies needed for Thanksgiving Rock Painting:
• Smooth rocks
• White acrylic paint
• Paint Brush
• Paint markers in assorted colors
• Acrylic spray sealer
• Paper plate
Thanksgiving Rock Painting Design 1 – Turkey Painted Rock
Nothing says Thanksgiving like the turkey. It just doesn’t make sense without one. I decided to keep the turkey a simple shape and add some detail to the tail feathers. When I asked my kids what subject would be best for a Thanksgiving rock painting project, turkey was the first thing that came out of their mouths.
Priming
To Prime this rock, I applied two coats of white acrylic paint. Be sure to let each coat dry completely before you move on. I use Folk Art brand paint which tends to be a little thick so it gives good coverage. A different brand may be thinner and require more coats of paint.
Pencil
I used a pencil and a light hand to draw the outline of the turkey design. I always put down the initial drawing in pencil so that I can erase any mistakes. Don’t worry too much about putting in the fine details, they will likely be covered up with paint.
Paint
I used a brown paint marker for the body of the turkey. I painted the tail feathers using red, orange, and yellow paint markers.
Then, I added some detail to the turkey. I outlined the whole thing with a fine-tipped black paint marker. I also added some detail to the head and face using the same yellow and red paint markers. Be sure to add some texture to the tail feathers using a fine-tipped black paint marker. I went with a simple feather pattern, but you could change it up and get creative with the design of your feathers.
Check out this article on the paint pens I use: 8 Paint Pens for Rock Painting – What I Use
Protect
Lastly, I sealed this rock using a spray-on acrylic sealer. I recommend doing this step outside, these spray-on sealers can produce a lot of fumes. Please read the directions on your can of sealer carefully and be sure to follow them. I use a paper plate to protect my surface area from splatter.
More on how to seal painted rocks: How to Seal Painted Rocks
Thanksgiving Rock Painting Design 2 – Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkins are synonymous with fall and festivities. We will often visit a local pumpkin patch during this time of year. They have great pumpkins that can be used for decorating or pies. The bad part about pumpkins is they spoil easily. I have put several out for decoration only to find them turning to mush way too quickly. Painted pumpkin rocks are a fun activity and they last forever.
Prime
I also primed this rock using two coats of white acrylic paint. If you would like more information on priming rocks, please see my article here How do you prepare rocks for rock painting? (rockrembrandt.com)
Pencil
I used a pencil and a light hand to draw the three pumpkins. Pumpkins start with a center oval and you build on the oval and extend out the pumpkin. Add the stem last. I decided to have three pumpkins in this patch. I did not pencil in any additional detail.
Paint
First, I filled in the three pumpkins using orange paint markers. I was able to find three different shades of orange in my paint marker collection. Then, I used a brown paint marker to fill in the stems.
Next, I added the outlines on the pumpkins. I used a fine-tipped black paint marker for this step.
Finally, I used a green paint marker to add the vines to the stems and the grass beneath the pumpkins. I also added a couple of dabs of white paint to give the pumpkins some dimension.
Protect
I also sealed this rock using a spray-on acrylic sealer.
Now we have a great start on our extended Thanksgiving break. I plan to come up with a few more ideas for Thanksgiving rock painting. I also thought about having them paint names on rocks and using them as the seating chart for our holiday table. I love incorporating rock painting into our family traditions and celebrations!
Happy Holidays!