Creative Ways to Put Your Rock Collection to Good Use
Updated on August 12, 2016
Collecting rocks is a fun pastime for people of all ages, but figuring out what to do with all those stones can be a challenge. This roundup of creative rock crafts will help you turn your favorites into toys, home decor, and more.
Story Stones
Story stones are rocks with different images that can be used as prompts for creative writing or storytelling. This is a fun activity for kids as well as adults, offering a unique way to enjoy family time together. Artful Parent has five ideas for making and using your own story stones.
Alphabet Rocks
DIY alphabet rocks can be used to help children practice spelling words or to leave creative messages on the table for your loved ones. Learn how to make them at Hello Wonderful. There’s even a free printable to speed up the process!
Tic Tac Toe Rocks
Painted rocks and a burlap sack make a cute tic tac toe travel game. This is an ideal DIY party favor for a children’s birthday party. Balancing Home has the details.
Mandala Stones
Create a zen like atmosphere in your home with mandala meditation stones. Colorful Crafts explains how to tackle this painting project, with lots of tips for beginning artists.
Wire Wrapped Stone Necklace
Wire wrapping lets you turn your favorite rocks into pretty necklaces. Polished stones are most commonly used, but you could apply this technique to a painted rock if you wish. Lisa Yang Jewelry has the details.
Rock Magnets
Painted rocks make easy and economical fridge magnets. Alisa Burke has a visual tutorial for this project on her blog. (Using E6000 adhesive is the most important part, since your magnets will fall apart without a strong glue.)
Crochet Rocks
Add a pretty crochet cover to rocks collected from your travels to make meaningful home decor. Arrange them next to your favorite seashells or framed vacation photos for a an eye-catching display. Purl Soho explains how to complete this project.
Rock Bookends
Use painted rocks and scrap wood to create one-of-kind bookends to show off your favorite titles. This project would be an excellent DIY gift idea for the avid reader in your life. Photo via Kayla Is a Machine.
Wall Art
Turn your rock collection into rustic wall art with a strong adhesive and some markers or paint. Bored Art has several inspirational suggestions to help you get started.
Garden Markers
Use a white paint marker and a clear sealant to turn rocks into pretty yet practical markers for your garden. One Good Thing by Jillee has the details for this quick and easy DIY project.
Rock Cactus
If your lack of a green thumb has you struggling to keep a cactus alive, don’t worry. This cute cactus is actually made from painted rocks. Salt and Pepper Moms explains how to make it.
Rock Fishbowl
These colorful fish don’t need any care at all, because they’re painted rocks. This project would be a whimsical addition to a child’s playroom or a cute centerpiece for an “Under the Sea” themed party. Photo via Decor Craze.
Painted Paperweight
Paint rocks of varying sizes to look like city houses to make this eye catching paperweight. Photo via Kezhan Myself.
Rock and Candle Centerpieces
Goodwill shows you how to combine rocks and thrift store finds to make stylish centerpieces for your dinner table. Give this project a different look by adding a few shells or silk flowers into the rocks at the base of each bowl or tray.
Rock Trivets
Bring a little nature inside your home with a river rock trivet. The backing is made from felt to protect your furniture from scratches. Head over to Craftaholics Anonymous to learn more.