Rock Art
Inspired by a post on Villabarnes, my rocks with transfer images have become popular gifts among my friends and coworkers. I've used both clipart images and my own drawings. The best results are obtained if I have an image in mind when I start hunting for the rock. For example this flat heart-shaped rock was perfect for this heart-encircled cherub image. I wash and dry the rock thoroughly then apply several coats of gesso and/or homemade chalk paint. Then let it dry a minimum of 6 hours (ideally 24). I use the gel medium transfer method but I think most methods would work). I use a generous amount of gel medium and am vigilant about smoothing out any air bubbles or wrinkles after applying the image face-down on the rock. Leave to dry at least 6 hours (again, ideally 24). Then dampen the paper and rub it off with your thumb (or a clean cloth with only moderate pressure). I do the rubbing in stages and allow it to dry in between - enables you to see paper and paper lint you might not see when the image is wet, but shows up clearly when the image is dry.
Finally I apply the appropriate type of polyurethane depending on whether it is going to be an inside or outside gift. The 3 crab rocks were a gift for the host/ess couple who held our firm's annual staff barbeque in their beautiful garden (1/2 a mile from the Pacific Ocean). I used the same image but in 3 different sizes and positioning.
When I posted some rocks I made with old sketches I had done of dogs I was immediately swamped with requests for memorial rocks of beloved pets that had passed on. I'm refreshing my drawing skills unexpectedly.
The rocks work wonderfully as paperweights, doorstops or garden art. The sheep rock weighs about 35 pounds - it was perfect for the gift I wanted to make for friends who own a sheep farm and welcome a small group of us every year during lambing season. They have a large garden that encircles their house and a porch that does the same around their Victorian-era home. So I put images on both sides to provide interest no matter which direction one approaches from.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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3 comments
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You are insanely talented! They are gorgeous.
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They are wonderful! I want to do this, but I’m not sure what about the type of gel. Please advise me!
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