Painting and selling gift rocks is what I've been doing for the past fifteen years.Many childeren and adults have purchased them to give to others or to keep for themselves.I am honored and blessed to have such a following.The rocks are called "Spirit Rocks" mostly because they glow in the dark, and to which some will cradle in their hands for "focusing" in their meditation practice.
The rocks alone make unique, one-of-a-kind presents. They are heirlooms that have been passed on to subsequent generations.The rocks are mostly from California beaches. They are particularly smooth, flat and round. Preferably a size suitable to carry, like what has been called a "Worry stone" that some will hold when doing a public speaking engagement for instance.
Others are small enough and light enough for making keychains,pendants and even earrings. Refrigerator magnets and bottle stoppers have also been added to this list of creations.These rocks offer a lot to one's imagination.However beautiful, they are not to be confused with gemstones which have their own precious qualities.
The large rocks have been coated with resin so that they can be placed in a garden pond or even a fish tank because they are not only water proof, but non-toxic after they've been hardened.These rocks make great desk ornaments, door stops, place markers and last-minute reminders.
When a rock gets sold, I usually offer a pretty bag and an Ultra Violet (UV) blacklight with an important and informational/ affirmation sheet.The colors get activated under any kind of light, except infrared. The glow on the rock usually fades in under five seconds, but will continue to glow in the pitch darkness.The UV blacklight will make flourescent (i.e. super bright, Dayglow) colors really pop out. However, these same colors will NOT glow in the dark without a UV blacklight. Some will recall the Jimi Hendrix or Chesire Cat posters back in the day.
If you scroll back to the main page, you will see a list on the right of all the posts since I began doing this in 2010. The first one tells the story of how this all began. I encourage you to read it. Since then, I've enjoyed visiting the beach to collect rocks.In a sense, they have chosen me to embellish them with metallic acrylic and puff paint to add texture. I've even played with glitter gel and invisible ink to enter secret symbols and messages on the back.
Other artists like to use dotting tools to create mandalas on rocks they've used for these purposes. I respect and admire their work. Although I've had my hand at this, It's just not my particular style.
Lastly, I've taken to hiding rocks from time to time in places like knot holes in trees,behind buildings or other enclosed spaces. Occasionally I'll add on the back a bar code that when scanned will enable you to arrive at this web site. It's fun to have youngsters discover a rock when out hiking with their parents. Below is a picture of two such winners. It took awhile to have them calm down a bit...Their excitement is contageous!
Test
ReplyDelete