How to Make Patriotic Pebbles for Memorial Day

Back in the early 1970s, many people had a "Pet Rock" craze. People would collect them from all over and even give them names. Rocks have been used for many different things down through the years. They have been used for houses, roads, fireplaces, walls and walks just to mention a few.

Recently, I came across a web site that shows how to use them for holiday decorations. These were made craft style to be used as paper weights, decorations, and for veterans of foreign wars at their grave sites. Keep in mind, when you put them at a grave site, do not leave them in the grass so that the lawn mower runs over them. Place them on top of the tombstone if possible.

They are very simple to make and can be a great craft project for anyone including children. First you need the flat pebble. similar to what you would use if your tried to skip a stone across a lake or river. You want one side to be as smooth as possible.

Go to your craft store and get paint (red, white, and blue), three small paint brushes, masking tape, and a star cutout for tracing. You will also need a carpenters pencil and newspaper.

First, place your star decal on the rock and trace it with your carpenters pencil. It can be located any place on the flat surface of the rock you want. Some like to put it in the upper left hand corner like a flag. Now paint the star white and set to the side to dry.

Next paint a small blue box around the star and let it dry. Be careful not to get blue paint on the white star. Once again set it aside to dry.

You are now ready to start on the red and white stripes. It is always best to do the white stripes first. You can use the tape to make straight lines on the pebble. After you get the white lines done, again set it aside to dry.

Now you can do the red stripes. Remove the tape and begin painting the red bars down. When you are finished, again set it aside to dry.

Note; It is important that the paint dries. If it doesn't, the white and red could run together and make it pink. The same is true with the blue and white star, too.

I have seen a light coat of clear wood finish placed over the stones when they re finished. Some say that it keeps the paint from cracking on the stone. However, I believe that it is not necessary.

These Patriotic Pebbles are very attractive and can highlight both Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

sources; www.enchantedlearning.com

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