Painted Rock Ideas – Back to School Rocks

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These ideas for back to school painted rocks are the perfect gift for a new teacher. They are also wonderful to hide as kindness rocks around schools or town.

And if you want a cute way to give them as a gift, make one of these school supplies mason jars to put them in. These school painted rocks are sure to bring lots of smiles. The best part is that they are fun an easy to make. See below for the best rock painting supplies and learn how to create these school supplies rocks.

Back to School Painted Rock Supplies (affiliate links provided for convenience)

• Rocks – There are a ton of options on Amazon for rocks. Below are a few favorites.
  • Capcouriers white rocks 
  • Capcouriers smooth rocks
  • 3-4.5″ rocks
• Acrylic Paint
  • FolkArt Acrylic Paint
  • ARTEZA Acrylic Paint – this is a great option for a variety of colors.
• Paint Markers – These extra fine Posca Paint pens are my favorite paint pens for rock painting details.
• White Spray Primer + Paint (optional) – Often when I have a bunch of rocks to paint at once, I use this paint+ primer spray first as it makes it easier to cover the rock with colored paint. Sometimes when you just apply paint directly to a rock, it can take many coats of paint before you can get full coverage. Having the rock primed first, makes it much easier.
• Fine Line Black Pen – These are by far the best black pens for details and fine lines on rocks. I use them all the time for rock art projects.
• Sealant (optional) – I like this glossy option and this matte sealant spray.

How to Make School Supplies Painted Rocks – Step by Step Directions

Prime the Rocks

Cover your rocks in white acrylic paint or use this white spray primer + paint. NOTE: I left the art palette rock with a rock background.

Add the Main Color

Paint the main color details on the rock with acrylic paint.

Paint a Notebook Rock

For the notebook, add paint splotches all over the rock using a paintbrush and white acrylic paint.

Add Details

Add color details using paint pens.

 

 

Elmer’s Glue Painted Rock

To paint the Elmer’s glue school glue themed painted rock I painted the main colors then added the details with a paint marker. The glue bottle was great for inspiration!

Add Letters

Add lettering and extra fine details using a black liner pen like I did for this pink eraser rock.

Crayon Painted Rock

Crayon rocks are really easy back to school painted rock ideas – you can make them in any color you like! I painted the stripes first in light purple, dark purple, and black. Then once they were dry I added the squiggly stripe over the black and the crayon name with a marker.

No. 2 Pencil Back to School Rock Idea

To paint a number 2 pencil rock I used a brush for the main areas. The metal band is actually done with metallic paint to get that shiny look. For the details, a fine black marker makes it easy to outline the top of the pencil and add the “no. 1” to the middle.

Art Pallet Painted Rock

This is the only rock I didn’t paint a base coat on. Instead, I used paint markers to draw in all the color blotches. Once you have your brush and paint drawn in, use a marker to outline your designs.

Seal the Rocks

Once your rocks are dry, you can add a sealant to help protect them from the elements. I like this glossy option and this matte sealant spray.

Rock Painting Ideas for Teachers

I would love to see your version of these school supplies painted rocks. Come share with me a picture of your finished rocks on Instagram or Facebook! I love showing examples of my tutorials being made!

If you like this tutorial, you can find over 30 other rock art tutorials featuring dot painting, marbling, embellishments, and much more in my book, Rock Art Handbook. You can also find more rock painting tutorials right here.

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