I know this doesn’t sound very exciting, but we got a surprising level of thrill this weekend from making pet rocks–so much so, that Lainey woke up early this morning–her eyes barely open–to ask if we could play pet rocks again. I know we parents are very good at pretending we are every bit as excited as our kids for things like watching garbage trucks out front or finding the moon in the sky, but the more you play along, this amazing thing happens. You actually do find these things thrilling. I felt like an 8-year-old this weekend, digging through the craft bin looking for anything that might make good rock hair (pipe cleaner! yarn! felt!) and felt a wave of endorphins kick in watching Lainey write down personality traits for each of her rock pets. Getting swept up by imagination is about the best thing that can happen to a little brain.
But first, snow cones–a cheery prequel for coming months and a refreshing end to our Farmer’s Market morning yesterday.
Who has time for spoon straws anyway? Dig. In.
On to pet rocks. They provided hours of entertainment this weekend–both from creating them and imagining stories for their characters.
What You Need
rocks
acrylic paint
small paintbrushes
glue
googly eyes
We dug through junk drawers and craft bins and used what we found to make clothes and accessories. A few ideas:
For clothes & accessories: wire (glasses), yarn (hair), pipe cleaner (hair), felt (hair or clothing), cotton batting (grandma hair), paper doilies (clothing trim), lace (clothing), fabric (clothing), thin ribbon (hair bows), small silk flowers (hair accessory), doll house/Barbie hat, small pearls (necklace)
For Pet Rock house: shoe box, x-acto knife (for cutting door and windows), decorative scrapbook paper (we found a brick print for outside of house and floral for the inside wallpaper), scissors, spray adhesive (for adhering wallpaper), moss (for floor), glue (adhering moss). Furniture and home accessories: dollhouse/fairy garden accessories or make your own
They transform from dumb ‘ol rocks to real characters when you add a mouth. I saw it happen.
This is Grandma Lou Lou. She’s my favorite.
I love watching my kids name things. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it: Mia, Zappy, Pinto Beans.
Grandma Lou Lou looks like she’s about to do something crazy.
Making bed sheets.
And then she took it to the moon by creating personalities, and I died. Of course Grandma Lou Lou is a gem–I mean, with a face like that, how could she not be?
Watch out for Malloy though. She’s a real starts-with-b, rhymes-with-itch.
If reincarnation is a thing, then I want to come back as a pet rock.
Sneaky face.
Imagination seemed to be the theme of the weekend because our bunnies also became alive.
And this is why you don’t walk bunnies in real life.
Happy Monday!
“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” ~Dr. Seuss
LOVE LOVE LOVE that the kids are so happy using their imaginations playing – no technology needed!! 🙂
They are growing like weeds!
I love “Sneaky Timmy!” Too funny!
So so cute!! Everything..everyone.
I am totally on board with playing with kids and igniting their imaginations! I once played with my granddaughter and her Barbies outside in the backyard using mulberry leaves as clothes to make jungle Barbie. Also, drew a house with beds, a table & chairs on the sidewalk with chalk and played as if it were a real home. I.Love.Imagination!
I love imagination and I also really really love pretty green shoes! Where are yours from?
This is so awesome!! Just showed my 7yo. Pretty sure she’s gonna be asking me to make these with her…stat!
LOVE this!!! Awesome & so fun! The rock personalities crack me up, as well as Dash walking the bunny!!:) Great post! Happy Monday to you too!!
FANTASTIC!!!! As an aside – I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the one shouldered, blue striped outfit your daughter is wearing. Where could I find something like that for my girl?
This is fantastic. Your kids are so creative. I have the creative gene running pretty strongly in my boys too. My oldest builds out of cardboard – iron man mostly, but guitars and motorcycles too. I think my little, my 7-year old, might be really into this Rock thing. I’m going to show him and see if he wants to give it a try.
Thanks so much for sharing. These are amazing photos.
We really do have a Grandma Lou Lou in our family…although she spells it Lulu =) This made me smile! What a fund idea.
Always on his ipad. LOL – Such a cute project!!
I love how Zacky’s personality is that he’s always on his ipad. I know a few too many Zackys!
“And this is why you don’t walk bunnies in real life.”
Oh my goodness, I’m dying. hahaha so funny paired with the picture.
Oh what total fun!! 🙂 may I ask where you got your green shoes from, they are gorgeous!
My 3 year old boys imagination has just started to take off, and I couldn’t be happier. I love seeing him play. Also, Dash reminds me so much of my boy. Their hair, rosy cheeks and red ears when hot, and iron willed souls are identical. Lots of love!! Xox
@Vicky Moran,
They are Sanita clogs (from Zulily a while back).
Love this idea! Going to add this to my kids’ NOT BUMMER SUMMER list of activities.
Ann http://www.LiveGrowWrite.com
Mia would be in total heaven in your family. She loves this kind of creative stuff. You’ve inspired me to try to make a pet rock family. Love that “Mia” is helpful in your pet rock family. She’s pretty helpful around here too.
this is utterly adorable Kelle… you RocK as a momma!
Love this! My girls are filling our porch with their rock collections. It’s time to put them to use : )
This was just so good. Thanks for this.
Glad you worked the picture of your sandals into the mix…it’s been a while since we’ve been treated to pictures of your feet!