There are all sorts of ways to create garden stone crafts. Come see some favorite ideas using rocks in their natural state as well as ways to craft with stones using paint and more.
For more rock and stone ideas, also see, Garden Stepping Stones & Pathways (includes DIY tutorials) and DIY Hypertufa Pots.
The Keys to a Great Garden
There are basic elements that I think make a garden wonderful.
1. Great plants. Flowers, veggies, shrubs, trees, and other lovelies.
2. Metal, wood, stone, water. Aim to have some of each.
3. A private, shady seating/napping area.
4. Classic structures: sheds, arbors, trellis, obelisk, pergolas. Whatever fits your style and space.
I’ve shared ideas for stepping stones and pathways, as well as how to make hypertufa pots, now let’s see what we can craft with stones.
Did You Say Free Rocks?
In my previous garden, I went to tremendous lengths to have stones in the garden. I actually made a deal with a local contractor who was building some new houses in the area and asked if I could haul away his unwanted rock pile (acquired while digging the new foundations).
He was happy to have me take them but doubted I could even make a dent in the pile.
Well, about 50 carloads later, I had a few thousand rocks to edge all my garden borders, and use to create retaining walls.
Never underestimate the determination of a frugal gardener!
A friend who runs a large farm thought I was nuts, of course. Rocks are a huge problem when working the land and they had cumulated a mountain of rocks on their property over the years, hauling them out of the ground when new ones would emerge each spring (the earth seems to regurgitate them after winters!).
Hers were too hard to access behind the farm field, but the local contractor sure gave me a nice supply.
Creative Garden Stone Art & Craft Ideas
Here’s some ideas to use for your garden.
Paint Rocks & Stones
1. Paint rocks | How to Paint Rocks
Transform rocks into animals, insects, flowers, houses, or whatever you can dream up.
Paint Stones
Paint Stones | The Art of Stone Painting – Birds
Paint Stones | The Art of Stone Painting – Owls
Also see, How to Paint Mandalas on Stone | Tutorial from A Year of Stone Painting
2. Create painted garden markers | Stone garden markers
Paint small stones with the names of garden veggie crops.
3. Paint bricks | Turn bricks into plant markers
Paint pictures of veggies on bricks and use them as garden markers. You can create these with simple craft paints.
Stone Birdhouse
4. Stone birdhouse | How to make a stone birdhouse
Attach small stones to transform a wooden birdhouse into a creative work of art.
Word Art
5. Word art on stone or concrete | DIY stepping stones and How to make hypertufa pots
Paint or engrave favourite words or phrases onto stepping stones or rocks. I’m not sure what tools would work on stone, but you can certainly put messages onto concrete items before they have completely hardened. There’s also lots you can buy, of course.
The Smart Stone is available here on Amazon.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
Lucy says
What is the best glue to use for rock towers
What are the best paint pens for rock painting
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Lucy,
Rocks towers: two-part expoxy glue, GE II silicone sealant, or an adhesive like GripFill or PL2. Be sure to scuff them up first to give the joins more grab.
All supplies for rock painting here: https://empressofdirt.net/stone-painting-birds/
Cindy Morgan says
About 3 yrs. ago, I had access to the internet, and somehow ended up at the “Empress of Dirt” website. I was hooked. Shortly thereafter, I no longer had an internet connection, but all the ideas and projects I had gotten from you, have kept me occupied and busy. If you are interested, I would send you pictures. This month, I am back online finally…..and wanted to tell you I love all you offer. It’s like you have been reading my mind somehow. I recently turned 60, do any and all indoor and outdoor projects (with an absolute minimum of help from any of the other 5 able bodied adults who live in this house too). But I love doing my projects! The challenge of creating something from whatever, for $0, is so satisfying. I basically have a blank easel outside. Sorry to be so long winded, but you get me! Thank you so much!!!! Cindy
Melissa J. Will says
Lovely to have you here again, Cindy!
Gina says
These stone crafts are such a great addition to any garden. There is so much that you can do with these great ideas! CREATIVE GARDEN STONE ART & CRAFT IDEAS are an inspiration.
Judy Wilson says
Some of these stepping stone craft ideas are really cute. Painting rocks like animals seems like a great way to add a cute element for any garden. It would be nice to have a stone that looks like a cat. I also like the idea of painting stones to mark different vegetables in a garden. That would be a great way to identify the plants in my vegetable garden. Thanks for posting this!