With summer coming many of us see ladybugs everywhere. Why not create some special ladybugs you can keep on the porch or even inside in some special places? This is a fun craft that kids can do. They may need some help with putting the tape on to evenly paint a straight line, and you also may want to handle the permanent marker (for putting dots onto the ladybug) – but otherwise should be able to negotiate the project just fine on their own.
This craft does involve painting parts of the ladybugs and then leaving it overnight (or for at least four hours) to dry. This is very important to make sure the paint sets. This is the perfect craft for a weekend project to do with children – by the end of the weekend the bugs are done. Just know going into it that this is not an instant project so children won't be disappointed.
Materials You Will Use:
Rocks that can fit into the palm of your hand. Select oval or rounded rocks. Can use larger rocks if you wish to.
Red and black tempura paints
Paintbrushes with assorted widths – medium to fine sized points
A black permanent marker
Masking tape
Scissors
Optional: gold or silver metallic paint pen (these are often toxic and are not child safe, if using with a small child be sure they do not put this in their mouths!)
1. Clean your rocks with warm soapy water and dish detergent. Let rocks dry.
2. Paint rocks red and allow them to dry. Drying may take four hours, or they may need to dry overnight. It is very important to let rocks dry completely before going onto the next step.
3. Take a piece of masking tape the width of your rock. We will now paint the ladybug's head on. Place the masking tape on about 1/3 of the way onto the rock, creating a head. Now use - continued below ...
