One of the newest crazes that has reached Middle Georgia this summer is the painted rock movement: young and old alike enjoy the fun of creating brightly painted rocks, then “hiding” them around town for others to find.
Rocks are painted with anything and everything, from animals and nature symbols to uplifting words and sayings. It doesn’t matter how artfully or skillfully the rocks are painted, as long as the message is a positive one that will bring happiness to the person who finds the rock — and the person who creates it!
While some folks go the distance and purchase perfectly smooth rocks at craft stores, garden centers, or outdoor supply stores, others start their fun by hunting for nicely sized and well shaped rocks in nature so that they can clean them, dry them, and begin their painting. Since these rocks are meant in the spirit of community unity, remind your children not to take rocks from private property, including homes and businesses.
There are many places to purchase paint for your rocks. Acrylic paints can be purchased at any craft store or at Wal-Mart quite inexpensively. Enamel paint and patio paints can also be used to create beautifully colored rocks, and these paints can be found at craft stores and outdoor supply stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, and Ace. Look for a clear spray-on sealant if you want your rock to shine.
Once your rocks are painted and dried, the fun begins. Rocks are hidden all over Middle Georgia, from restaurants to public parks. Many people love to find the rocks, take pictures of them, and then re-hide them several days later. There are even Facebook pages for Macon GA Rocks, Perry Rocks, Byron Rocks, Warner Robins Rocks, and more. If you join these pages, you’ll get great tips on where to hunt for the rocks, and you’ll also see fun designs to inspire your rock painting projects.
If you remember to tag your rocks by painting Macon, Georgia, on the bottom of them, you may even find that your rock turns up in another city, state, or even country.
In the coming weeks, be on the hunt for Macon Community News rocks hidden around Middle Georgia. Then try making some of your own, and get in on this summer’s latest family fun.
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