Evianne Wijma
These fun garden rock caterpillars was originally poste. but we have updated the information, images, and content to give you better in-process photos and directions. We have been surprised by the popularity of this garden caterpillar but are so pleased so many of you are making this rock craft with your children and grandchildren. It is so delightful to know that you are heading out to find rocks, twigs, and paint to create an old-fashioned type project that reminds us of days gone by. We hope that this remains popular and the new updates will help bring it to those of you looking for easy rock painting ideas. Happy crafting!
Activities that involve using nature’s finds for creating are brilliant for keeping kids busy, and is also great for their creativity. Not only do spend time crafting but they also spend time outdoors finding items. Bonus! You get them outdoors for a bit which, in some electronic filled homes, is hard to do and you get them crafting. This project is great for remembering your childhood and giving your children a piece of it, too.
This fun rock craft is a great way to get your kids excited about the garden! Creating their own garden rock caterpillar to “guard” the garden is a fun activity for the whole family. It’s also inexpensive and easy! And children can help gather up the needed supplies! And, they love painting rocks for garden decorations,
SUPPLIES
foam brushes
rocks
E6000
craft paint
PAINT YOUR ROCKS.
It’s recommended that you paint them multiple colors, for fun. But you can certainly paint them all one color if you like. Have fun! Be prepared to take some time on this part. You need to paint one side, let it dry, and then paint the other. Sometimes for multiple coats. It is not difficult, at all, and a great time to watch a favourite movie and have some snacks.
Pull out your hair dryer to make the drying time go faster. If making the garden rock caterpillar with children, they love to use the dryer on their own!
DRAW THE FACE ON YOUR CATERPILLAR’S “HEAD”
One of the easiest ways to do this is with q-tips and the paint you are currently using. Or, you could pull out some permanent markers (Not recommended with children). Be sure to wait until the paint on the rock has properly dried before adding your face.
Assemble the caterpillar after the paint has properly dried!
Put the head in place and then balance the remaining rocks onto one another. Often you will want to prop up the rocks with a paint container, another rock, or whatever works.
This is another great time to pull out the hairdryer. Prop up as much of the caterpillar as you can and then give it a shot with the dryer. It will help it be more secure and dry faster.
ATTACH THE “ANTENNAE” (STICKS) WITH YOUR WATERPROOF GLUE.
You need to attach your “antennae” to the first rock on the body. Use rocks, bottles, books, whatever you can find to prop them up while they dry. Let dry for several hours.
LET YOUR WHOLE CATERPILLAR DRY AND CURE OVERNIGHT.
Note, if this is a project you are making and sending home with children consider putting it together on a sturdy piece of cardboard or wood so that it can be easily transported. You still want to have several hours before you try to transport it but it will be more secure if moved as one piece.
