I’m going to show you how to make these adorable ladybug painted rocks, which you can keep outside in your garden. But first, there’s a back story about this super easy craft for kids I first made almost a decade ago. These are super cute garden rocks that you’ll be able to leave outside in the elements.
Related – You may also love this Halloween version of garden rocks, Glow in the Dark Monster Rocks! I’ve even put together a collection of ideas for painted rocks for you! Don’t miss our cactus rocks too!
The backstory on my ladybug painted rocks
Back in 2006, I started working for a company called Kaboose. They had actually purchased the website owned by a woman I had known since 1997. She had a site called Kid’s Domain. We were webmasters back in the day, long before blogs were around.
She sold her website to a company in Canada. They renamed it Kaboose and hired me to revamp some of Grace’s older projects that didn’t have photos. They liked my work enough to hire me to create new kid’s crafts for their site.
A few years later, Kaboose was sold to Disney. I remained on as a freelance crafter and their resident craft expert for quite a while, until Disney made the decision to stop producing content for Kaboose. Sometime later Spoonful was born and by that time I had created over 500 projects for them!
Most of the Kaboose projects were moved to the new Spoonful site and not long after I started working for them again. It was short lived though as about a year later Disney closed the doors at Spoonful and that was that. I had a great run with them and made MANY projects for their sites.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Where can I get the rocks?
You can find river rocks at any home improvement store (like Lowes, Home Depot, etc), at garden centers and craft supply stores like Michaels. I have also been told the dollar stores and Walmart carry them. Be sure to check the floral department in craft stores if you are having trouble locating them. And of course, you can buy them here on Amazon.
2. I’d like to buy some, not make them. Do you sell ladybug rocks?
I personally do not sell my ladybug rocks, however, there are several sellers on Etsy that are selling ladybugs similar to mine. You can find those here.
3. What kind of paint do I use so I can keep these outside?
You will see the paint I used below and in the supply list. It’s called Patio Paint and is formulated specifically for outdoor use. I love it and have been using it for years. You can get it on Amazon here, or check your local craft supply store.
Ladybug Painted Rocks
One of those projects were actually these exact ladybug rocks that are now over at Parenting.com. I made them sometime around 2007 or 2008. Over the years these ladybug painted rocks have made their rounds on the Internet.
But when Kaboose and Spoonful disappeared, Parenting was the only one left with my project. The ones I made for them were similar to the ones I’m going to show you today. The ones I have on this blog do not use googly eyes because they will be kept outside and glue will eventually break down due to the weather.
The other differences include using outdoor paint and the ones I made before had a little line going up their backs. Other than that they are pretty much the same!
How to make ladybug painted rocks
I’ll show you how to make them in the video within this post.
Things you will need:
- Patio Paint in colors of your choice (I used Larkspur Blue, Petunia Purple, Fiesta Yellow, Fuchsia, Citrus Green and Salmon)
- Smooth rocks, preferably oval or round in shape
- Paintbrush
- Toothpick
- Outdoor sealer, Outdoor Mod Podge or Patio Paint Clear Coat (my choice)
There! Wasn’t that fun!? I had my ladybugs in the flower boxes outside of my studio. Hopefully, no one walks off with them! (Update: people did walk off with them!) Worse case scenario? I have to make more. And that’s not so bad. :) There are over 250 easy crafts for kids here so don’t leave without bookmarking some first. :)
MORE GARDEN CRAFT IDEAS:
- These adorable strawberry painted rocks are another colorful rock painting idea!
- Using the same concept, my rock garden markers are a great way to label your plants.
- This watering can appears to be pouring crystals and you can make one for your garden! Video tutorial available!
- Learn how to make your own fairy garden. I made mine to occupy a dead spot where nothing would grow.
- Another great painted rock idea is these Jawa Rocks! Great for Star War fans of all sorts. You can display them on your shelf, as a paper weight for your desk, or outside hidden throughout the yard.
- These Daisy Painted Rocks are the sweetest. You could use these to place around your planted daisies, to hide for someone else to enjoy or as garden decorations. Best part? They’re so easy to make! Grab a friend and give these adorable daisy rocks a try.
- These colorful Clay Pot Toadstools are made with terra-cotta pots and saucers that are decorated with bright and cheery paint colors.
-
Upcycle an old stainless steel cheese grater into a fun and quirky outdoor Cheese Crater Owl garden decoration.
You can also use these cute ladybugs in my most recent project, Ladybug Tic Tac Toe!
Ladybug Painted Rocks
Supplies
- Patio Paint in colors of your choice I used Larkspur Blue, Petunia Purple, Fiesta Yellow, Fuchsia, Citrus Green and Salmon
- Smooth rocks preferably oval or round in shape
- Paintbrush
- Toothpick
- Outdoor sealer or Patio Paint Clear Coat
Instructions
- Wash and dry your rocks.
- Paint with colorful Patio Paint, don't paint the bottoms if these will be sitting in the soil.
- Paint on a black head and let dry.
- Use the handle end of a paintbrush to dot on ladybug spots with black paint.
- Use the handle end of a paintbrush to dot on white eyes. LET DRY COMPLETELY!
- Cut the tip off of a toothpick. Dip in black paint and dot onto white eyes.
- When completely dry, paint ladybugs with a coat of Patio Paint Clear Coat or outdoor formula sealer like Mod Podge.
This project was originally published on this blog on Jun 11, 2016
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Elizabeth says
I’d like to know how to make the mushroom’s
Alicia says
Just click on that highlighted link.
Kath Mallinder says
Love these they are so cute, you have inspired me to have ago myself. Thank you for sharing.
Pat Schutz says
I just signed up to receive your materials. I saw all the wonderful recipes but I think what I really need and want are the “children’s crafts” — not that I have any kids at home anymore, but they are just my “grandma speed”. Especially the painted rocks and anything with shells (we live in Florida). But looking through I found some other nice things to make. So, you can just send me the children’s crafts material if you want and I’ll be happy as a clam! You are so talented!! Thank you. Pat Schutz
April J Lopez says
I as well, Pat! My grandkids are 15 and 12. Not so into crafts right now, so i am starting with the ladybugs🌞
NANA says
Go to a creek or river area to find rocks you can just pick up.
Lady bugs are cute anyone have turtles
Laila says
I hv been dreaming to learn rock painting…but I just don’t know how to start about it especially what kind of paint & tools needed to do this..tq so much for sharing the knowledge…I appreciate it so much….
tina says
Great ideas for Rock Painting! I love the rock garden markers, I will have to put that on my project project! I have rock painting blog with a post called http://www.rockpaintingguide.com/mom-approved-halloween-rock-painting-ideas/ that your readers make like for Halloween Rock Painting ideas too. This is such a great fall family activity!
Gracie says
These ladybugs are so cute ty for sharing.
Amy says
These ladybug painted rocks are so cute. Thank you for sharing how to make them. Shared and pinned.
Linda says
Hi! I think these would be adorable in my terrarium! I will make small ones and glue each to a dowel and insert that so they are close to the soil. Thank you for posting this cute idea. I may make some green frogs, too. ?
Amanda Formaro says
Great idea, Linda! :) Let me know how they come out!
Bonnie says
Did you make frogs, maybe a small turtle too? I love to craft and have loads on river Rick in an old upturned satellite dish that once held a desert scene. Time for a change! Please share with me if you are gifted enough to do turtles and frigs. I don’t have that kind of creative mind without a pattern. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine Van Horne says
Could I use regular acrylic paint for these projects?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Catherine! Sorry for the late response on this. You can certainly use acrylic paint for your rocks, though I would definitely suggest using an out door sealer if you’re going to put your rocks outside. :)
RHONDA says
Hi Amanda I am from new Zealand and living at our holiday park retired but still refired. I love your night and cheery lady bugs and have a daily walk and find heaps of lovely shaped rocks smooth edges and will start making them soon .will buy some test pot paints to use. I do craft for operation Christmas child and would like some ideas to make for the shoe boxes that get sent to other nations to bless the kiddies .i have been decorating flip flops with the colourful water balloons so cool to do and will be a hit with the kids .i love your crafts blessing from nz
Amanda Formaro says
Love the balloon flip flops, so nice of you to do! :)
Shirley Booth says
Love your crafts
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Shirley! :)
Recie says
Love them! Great idea, thanks for sharing.
Natasha says
These are so cute! I didn’t know DecoArt had a “patio” line of paint. I know my local store doesn’t carry it, but I’m already planning a big craft store run while on vacation and I’ll have to keep an eye out for it!
Mare says
You’ll find that paint in Michaels Craft Stores!
Erin says
Can you use regular acrylic paint and then coat with the outdoor mod podge?
Amanda Formaro says
I have not tried that so I don’t know how well it would hold up. If you try it, let me know how it does when the season ends!
Sharon Hahn says
Yes, you can use regular paint and then use a sealer. I re-do my outdoor ceramics this way all the time and they hold up for several years before I have to repaint them.
Kelley says
I love these little guys and do remember the original posts when my daughter was 6 or 7. Now, my step-daughter has blessed us with a granddaughter & I hope at almost 3 years old she’ll be able to help create these.
Side question though about the patio paint… will it work on a plastic rain barrel? My daughter is an artist and I’ve asked her to beautify my rain barrel with her artwork. I hope this paint would do the job.
Thank you for sharing your creativity!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Kelly! Well it’s possible. I would suggest roughing up the rain barrel plastic with sandpaper first, so that the paint has something to grab on to. Then when finished give it a few coats of outdoor sealer!
Jessey says
Very cute.
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you, Jessey!
Janice hardidon says
I love these lady bugs. Can’t wait to paint some
Sabrina Brannon says
It has been a long time since I was a Girl Scout Troop Leader but your ideas are great. I wish I had know about this then. of course I am 60 years old now and my daughters are younger than you. Sucks when you cannot go back and do a “Do Over”. Thanks.
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
Oh my goodness, adorable! My kids would love making these! :) Lisa
Liz Bates says
I love ladybugs and love crafting as well. I did the painted rocks and I also painted the ladybugs on my nails. Both were a big hit.
Amanda Formaro says
How cute, Liz! :)
Yesenia says
Omg. I used to work for an after school program and one of my favorites sites to use was kaboose. I was wondering what happened to this site and you answered my question! Thanks for this post!
Naomie Moore, Castaic, CA says
These are so darn cute! Ladybugs are my “thing” too. I make mini- gardens in pots as gifts and everyone I make, I hide a ladybug somewhere.
These are perfect crafts for when I watch the neighbors kids. Would make great paperweights for the girls at the office too! Who doesn’t want bright and cheery?
Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing!
Marcella says
Their were 10 in my family and my mother would take us for walks in the park, we would collect rocks. , She showed us how to make Ladybug Rocks… Now I’m 70 years-old, you have bought back some Wonderful memories. Blessings On You.
Amanda Formaro says
What a wonderful story, Marcella :)
Betty Foster says
Amanda: I loved the ladybugs and would like to make a batch for my Daughter-in-Law’s upcoming birthday. She loved Ladybugs.
Where can I purchase flat stones like the ones used? I found the paints at Michaels but they did not have any of the stones. thanks
Betty Foster
Amanda Formaro says
Hi, Betty! I actually just used rocks that I found around my house, but you can purchase some black smooth rocks here >> http://amzn.to/2m1AmOG . I hope these work out for you! Otherwise, I would just keep looking around stores. Maybe Hobby Lobby or online at Michaels. Best of luck!
Jan says
Try looking in “dollar stores” for the rocks (our local dollar store had bags of them already clean & ready to paint) ?
Christine says
Love these so much! I’ve painted lady bug rocks before but just now discovered the patio paints. Been searching high and low for outdoor paint because I leave them around town for others to find.
Amanda Formaro says
Oh my gosh, that is the funnest idea!
Danielle says
Thank you Amanda for this wonderful idea. I am currently in the process of creating a small memorial garden for our little dog that just past away. This would be wonderful to add to his little garden. I am not creative so I can definitely start with little ladybugs our little Rocky would of loved them.
Amanda Formaro says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Danielle :(. What a thoughtful way to accent his little garden!
Naomie Moore, Castaic, CA says
That is AWESOME! Good for you! Love that idea.
Angeline says
Hi Amanda,
I showed my 2 year 10mths old daughter your YouTube video on how to make these ladybug painted rocks and she wanted to make them right away. We went to Dollarama and bought black river rocks and painted them with acrylic paint. Will paint a coat or two of varnish to protect them. For the dots on the backs of the ladybugs, I used gold paint instead of black and it turned out really well. Too bad I can’t attach a pict for you to see. Thank you so much for sharing a simple yet fun tutorial! :)
Amanda Formaro says
How fun! Love the idea of the gold dots, so glad you enjoyed the project!
Kimberly says
I love these! I paint rocks too but I paint crazy faces on them. I wanted to start a you tube page for them but not sure if people would like them
cindy says
I like your web site! I hope to do crafts with my Granddaughters. Thank you.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Cindy! Hope you find some fun things to make together!
sue lyno says
brilliant ..defo going to try this love the ladybugs and so simple to make
Bilingual Kidspot says
I love this idea!! I will definitely try this with my boys :)
David Bradley says
Hi Amanda:
As part of a family project with our Grandson’s, we made some Lady Bugs as you described on a post we found on Face Book. They turned out pretty good, but we used Ceramic Acrylic Paints.
What is the difference between Ceramic Acrylic Paints for this project and Outdoor Patio Acrylic Paints? Do the Outdoor Paints fare better being exposed to the elements?
If so, what retail store can I purchase the Outdoor Acrylic Paints or do I have to purchase them on-line?
Amanda Formaro says
You can get them from most crafts store, but I would call first. I know that Michaels carries Patio Paint. I’m not familiar with using the ceramic acrylics so I don’t know whether they will fair in the weather. But you could simply add an outdoor sealer and they should be fine!
Zan Roberts says
Thanks Amanda I just watched your video for the painted rocks, thank you it is beautiful and cant wait to start with my own.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, hope you have fun!
Billie says
I Like Your Page. I’m Going To Make The Lady Bugs.,Thank You.
Amanda Formaro says
Great, hope you have fun!
Loretta says
These are adorable. Patio Paint just found its way onto my shopping list for the week!
Amanda Formaro says
I love Patio Paint, it’s the best!
Donna watts says
Ver beautiful. Can’t wait to try these with my grandchildren.
Amanda Formaro says
So fun, thanks Donna!
Andrea says
Oh wow oh wow oh wow. What a wonderful background story to your ladybugs. They are so cute. I’m going to go to the beach this weekend and find me some of those shaped stones for sure. Thank you do much for sharing (and the fairy garden to) you have a very new fan.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Andrea! So glad you found the blog and will be making the ladybugs! :)
Debbie Sims says
I love your craft ideas!! Many of them I pass off to my grand-daughter and she just loves making them. Keep them coming!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Debbie, and I appreciate you sharing!
Mary Jane Flores says
Thank you for doing this project with a two -year-old and a seven-year-old. They come to their grandma’s house and there was a larger project to look forward to it so this is perfect. So I just wanted to say thank you. It’s simple and easy terminal illness and I want little things that don’t always have to keep. Thank you for that I just wanted to mention that your size awesome best wishes always..
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Mary Jane! I hope you enjoy making these with your grandkids :)