Kindness Rocks

I began painting kindness rocks in 2017 when I first heard about the painting rocks for kindness movement. For those of you who aren't familiar with this movement, it is based on using painted rocks to spread kindness in the community.

The purpose of  painting kindness rocks is to hide them so others can find them. The rocks are painted with inspirational words, phrases and images and they are a great way to bring joy to someone else's day.

The painted rocks are usually labeled and linked to a social media page that can be used to share kindness experiences with others. Social media is not a requirement to participate in this movement. It's just a way to bring people together by possibly hearing the story about how and where your painted rock was found. It's also a great way to share about the painted rocks that you find too!

Painting rocks for kindness is so much fun and I could have never imagined how it would change my life. Not only does it bring me joy, painting rocks for kindness has led me on a path that has made me a better person.

Since I started painting rocks, I've met so many wonderful people. I've been blessed with amazing opportunities and experiences and I've expanded my art career to include writing, illustrating and publishing a book about rock painting for kindness.

Rock painting for kindness has also inspired me to lean on others to help  spread kindness in the community. I have hosted local rock painting events, facilitated rock painting activities at schools and so much more!

There is something to be said about painting a kindness rock for someone you have never met. This selfless and heartfelt act of giving is a beautiful thing and the  wonder about who might find your painted rock and what it might mean to them is priceless. 

Sometimes I paint the  simplest of things on rocks and sometimes I paint elaborate pieces of art on them.

Anyone can paint on rocks to help spread kindness in the community. 

If you'd like to join me on this kindness journey, here's how:

1. Collect or buy rocks for painting

2. Use a permanent marker to label the bottom of your rock with "Artie and Bones on Facebook" (This step is optional)

3. Use  acrylic paints or permanent markers to draw  inspirational, fun and uplifting messages and/or images on your rocks

4. Paint a clear coat of a decoupage sealer over the top and bottom of your rock once the paint and marker has dried

5. Like and follow the Artie and Bones Facebook page and post photos of the rocks you painted and are about to hide.

(This step is optional)

6. Hide your rocks!

*Please be sure to be careful when collecting and hiding rocks. Hide rocks in public areas only where they can be seen and out of the way of walkways, parking lots, steps and streets. 

*Children should have the permission of their parents or trusted adults and only collect and hide rocks with their supervision. 

*Children are not encouraged to engage in social media or with strangers while joining in the painted rocks for kindness movement.

SAFETY FIRST!