Epoxy Covered Crafts

This is my youngster's "homework rock".  A paper weight really, but the title "homework rock" just stuck.  We made this before he entered Kindergarten and we have been using it since.  The "homework rock" has really helped him not lose homework, and the only reason I know this is because his older siblings didn't have a "homework rock" and we were constantly looking for their homework.  It has also been a good training tool.  He is learning to place his homework packet in the same place every day.  Now, if he's assigned homework on the daily next year, then he might not need it any more, and we might need to pass it down to one of his younger cousins.

If you want to make your own "homework rock" or paper weight of your choice, it is super easy to make, and you don't need to coat with "Easy Cast" epoxy like I did.  Remember, I just only now did that, and that was just because I had left over epoxy from my jewelry experiments.  The tutorial is below my three rock paper weights.

To Make Paper Weights You Will Need:

Rock(s) 

Acrylic Paint 

Paint Brush

Permanent Marker 

I wanted several paper weights to meet my needs, but you can make as many or little as you wish. 

1*  First wash your rocks.  Get your kids involved.  My little guy had fun getting soaked outside with the water hose as he washed all the rocks.  We set them in the sun to dry. 

 

2*  Paint the top with your acrylic paint.  Free style it.  I just used the natural shape of the rock to indicate where the paint would go.  I suggest painting the outline first and work your way in. 

FYI:  Major craft stores have hundreds of colors and various brands to choose from.  Paint dries quickly, therefore little waiting is required.  I chose to use varying colors for my paper weights, but you don't have to.

3*  Wash your paint brush with soap and water as you wait for paint to dry.

4*  With your permanent marker write what that rock paper weight will be weighting down.  Let the marker dry and voila--you have a colorful paper weight for your specific needs.

More GD News.  

I made a New Bead Set, and...yup...coated them in epoxy.  Hee, hee, hee...why did I just go into mad scientist mode?

Owl Bead Set

I hand formed these wittle beads wit my own wittle hands...ok now I just turned into Bugs Bunny.  I'm having an identity crisis today.  

I do use an environmentally safe clay to form these beads.  It makes me feel better and maybe some of you too.  After a day or two (for the large ones) of curing I paint them with waterbased paint.  This is the fun part.  I've always admired my husband, sister, and others who are talented artists, so maybe this is my way of secretly fulfilling my wish to be a talented artist too.  Last but not least, these babies were brushed with a coat of my handy dandy "Easy Cast" clear epoxy.  I will make a necklace and earring set out of these and will share the final product before it posts on my Etsy shop.   Speaking of my Etsy shop, Goya Designs will reopen tonight.