Paint a ladybug rock for a cute and easy classic craft that kids will love to make while learning about backyard bugs.
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Painting a rock to look like a ladybug is a classic craft that kids have been making for generations. It’s easy to do. All you need are paint and brushes.
Collect rocks from your backyard, a neighborhood park, or another natural area where you’re allowed to collect natural items. Look for rocks that are smooth and mostly round or oval shaped. You can choose any size, large or small, thick or flat.
Painted ladybug rocks make a cute addition to an indoor planter or terrarium. Or make a set of several to use as game tokens. Ladybugs and their beetle cousins come in several colors besides red!
Note that unless you use eco-friendly paint, the painted rocks should not be returned to the outdoors permanently.
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How to make a ladybug rock
Supplies
- rocks, clean and dry
- red, black, and white craft paint
- assorted paintbrushes
- permanent marker, optional
Instructions
1. Paint the red section.
Decide which way your ladybug rock faces. Paint the back two-thirds red. Add a second coat if necessary. A sponge brush works well for getting a straight line. Let the red paint dry to the touch.
2. Paint the black sections.
Paint the remaining third of the rock black. If you can handle the rock without smudging the black, you can paint the details. You may prefer to wait about 5 to 10 minutes for it to dry.
Use a narrow brush to paint a black stripe through the middle of the red section for the wings. Add dots of black paint to each wing. The tip of a bristle brush works well for this. Let the black paint dry to the touch.
3. Add white for eyes.
Paint a pair of white dots for eyes on the face of the ladybug and let that part dry too.
4. Dot the pupils.
Finally, add a black dot of paint or use a permanent marker to make the pupil in the center of each eye. When all the paint is completely dry, your ladybug is complete!
The ladybug is a classic insect that’s easily recognizable by kids around the world. This craft is such a great way to have fun with larger-than-life critters.
Add this activity to a bug-themed week or make a few for backyard garden playtime.
Printable instructions
Ladybug Rock Painting
Materials
- rocks, clean and dry
- red, black, and white craft paint
- assorted paintbrushes
- permanent marker, optional
Instructions
- Paint the red section.
Decide which way your ladybug rock faces. Paint the back two-thirds red. Add a second coat if necessary. A sponge brush works well for getting a straight line. Let the red paint dry to the touch. - Paint the black sections.
Paint the remaining third of the rock black. If you can handle the rock without smudging the black, you can paint the details. You may prefer to wait about 5 to 10 minutes for it to dry. Use a narrow brush to paint a black stripe through the middle of the red section for the wings. Add dots of black paint to each wing. The tip of a bristle brush works well for this. Let the black paint dry to the touch. - Add white for eyes.
Paint a pair of white dots for eyes on the face of the ladybug and let that part dry too. - Dot the pupils.
Finally, add a black dot of paint or use a permanent marker to make the pupil in the center of each eye. When all the paint is completely dry, your ladybug is complete!
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