About the community
Hello and welcome. This is a painted-rock treasure hunt intended mainly for children, although adults can join in too.
Find the rocks, hide them and start again—or find and hide them, create some of your own, hide those, and repeat. Our 2-year-old loves the finding and hiding, while our 4-year-old enjoys painting. In fact they both like painting, though the youngest produces more mess than picture.
For our rocks, we have used paints and permanent Sharpie markers. A layer of sealant helps the artwork last a little longer outdoors in the rain and other weather. Discover just how creative your children—or you—can be.
On the reverse of every rock, remember to write Facebook: “Wirral Rocks”, or FB: “Wirral Rocks”, so finders can locate us. Share photographs whenever you discover a rock or hide one you made, and invite friends who might enjoy joining the group.
For inspiration, visit some of the linked groups or search Google for “painted stones”.
- Rymans sells a set of 20 coloured Sharpies for about £8.
- Coop has stocked packs of gold, silver and bronze Sharpies for a couple of quid.
- Costco also carries Sharpies.
- The rock you choose matters: Sharpies do not work well on sandstone.
- If you cannot find suitable pebbles in your garden, on the beach, or at another garden centre—including B&Q—Carr Farm garden centre sells a large bag for about £7.
- We have used water-based hobby paints from B&Q, which also stocks a sealant, as well as acrylic paints from “The Works” at Carr Farm.
Allow everything to dry thoroughly before you apply the sealant.
Above all, we hope you and your children enjoy finding rocks—and perhaps painting and hiding some too.
