What’s with all the Painted Rocks on Facebook?

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If painted rocks are taking over your Facebook Page, you are not alone!

On my Facebook page, a group called “Smalltown, USA Rocks!” kept popping up as a suggested group. I thought the group was related to cool things in my hometown like restaurant suggestions. Since anything buzzing in my hometown is unusual, I requested to join the group.

I anxiously awaited to be added and finally got approved by a member (one of my friends). Much to my surprise, I am greeted by a page filled with colorfully painted rocks as individual as butterflies in a garden. I was slightly embarrassed that I had no idea what I had joined and hoped my friend that added me would not ask me about rock hobbies.

The Kindness Rocks Project that Started it all…

As I scrolled through the page, I realized there was more to the group than painted rock collectors. After some research, I came across the Kindness Rocks Project website. Apparently, rocks are painted an placed as random acts of kindness…how cool is that?! How incredible that a simple painted rock can bring so much happiness to someone having a bad day.

The Kindness Rocks project was started by Megan Murphy of Massachusetts who lost her parents at a young age. She walked the beach in search of some sign of reassurance from her parents. Murphy found signs in beach rocks and an idea was born for incorporating inspirational messages. She began writing messages on rocks and leaving them on the beach and eventually the idea took off.

Facebook groups now exist for nearly every location as a way for people to share painted rock hides and finds. The group I accidentally joined consistently proves to be a place for online positivity. While I am thankful to know about this inspirational movement, I still have a lot to learn about rock painting.

Check out my Pinterest Painted Rocks fail below!

With all of the Facebook group excitement churning, I decided I wanted to get in on the action. Plus, painting rocks is such an easy way to complete a random act of kindness. And luckily, you do not have to be a professional artist to participate.

Since I could not bring myself to buy rocks, I grabbed some pebbles out of my craft stash. Originally purchased for a vase, these Dollar Tree pebbles are slick and quite possibly not even real rocks. Even after applying a base coat, I was unable to improve the appearance. I tried a small-tipped paint brush and a sponge brush but everything came out streaky. Of course, my lack of painting skills have absolutely nothing to do with it. 😉

When the Dollar Tree rocks didn’t work, I scrounged around the yard to look for real rocks. I finally found what just might be chunks of asphalt, or possibly a rock. I decided to dip it in some Rose Gold paint and call it a day. Unsatisfied with all results, I think I will buy the rocks next time I get to painting. At least I have a Rose Gold dipped paper weight! 😀