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MAKE YOUR OWN COASTAL DECORATIONS WITH PAINTED ROCKS - part 1 SARDINES 1

                                     

Having been a rock painter for over 7 years now, I learned that collecting and displaying my painted rocks in a memorable fashion can often be challenging or frustrating. Most of the rocks I was really passionate about, some from dear artist friends, some painted by me, ended up in drawers collecting dust just because I found it difficult to figure ways to display them in a safe and attractive way.

For reasons as these, I constantly started to think of ways on how to actually make use of my painted rocks and incorporate them in simple art decorations that could add value not only to my home but also to the paintings themselves.

For Part 1 of this series of DIY decorations with painted rocks, I thought to begin with something simple and funny paint: little SARDINES.

To see how the sardines were painted, there is a short tutorial uploaded HERE.

 

 GIVE YOUR HOME A HAPPY COASTAL VIBE WITH THESE 7 SIMPLE DIY IDEAS USING YOUR OWN PAINTED ROCKS

1. A BUNDLE OF SARDINES

 Original art decoration with painted rocks by Christine Onward, for sale HERE

To make this decoration yourself, you will need a few small driftwood sticks, about 4 or 5 little rock sardines, a bit of rope and a little shell. Tie the sticks and rocks together, glue the shell to the knot and here is a unique decoration full of beach vibes for your coastal décor!

More rock painting ideas by Christine Onward are HERE

 

2. THE FRAMED SARDINES  

                   

 Original art decoration with painted rocks by Christine Onward, for sale HERE

 

This project was really easy and fun to make. Recycling and upcycling things around the house has been one of my main interests in art so far, so finding a way to use the sardine cans I had saved was actually quite satisfying. 

The things I used are: a small frame, a sardine can (which I jumped on a few times :))  and two little rock sardines. Done in less than 20 min!

 

3. COASTAL RUSTIC DECORATION WITH A FEW CUTE SARDINES

       

More rock painting ideas by Christine Onward are HERE

This project is for the case when you don't want to use a frame.

I had a little wooden board left from another project. All I needed was to give it a few layers of white paint and just stick the rocks on it in the style I wanted. At the back I put a small hook.

If you happen to have a larger piece of wood at home, I believe it would be fun to also apply other things of the sea such as shells, sea glass or pieces of driftwood on it.  

 

4. THE LITTLE JARS OF FISH

           

Simple coastal decorating ideas by Christine Onward. More collections are HERE

Again, a very simple and inexpensive idea for your coastal décor. I found these little jars in a Salvation Army store, but I think they can be found in many home decor stores these days. 

For this project I used some white sand on the bottom of the jars, few shells and the painted rocks. The bigger the jar, the more fun :)

This can be such a nice project to share with the family, each member being challenged to add their own holiday painted rock in the family jar.

 

5. COASTAL INCENSE HOLDER WITH SOME EXTRA SARDINES

                 

Simple coastal decorating ideas by Christine Onward. More collections are HERE

A quick video with how I tamed my painted sardines to stay together is HERE. 

The incense stick holder is easy to find in cheap stores and not only there.

I used sardine rocks for this project because the theme for this blog is COASTAL DECORATIONS with painted rocks. Instead of fishes, you can use any little painted rocks you have around the house. They will all look absolutely eye catching, I believe. 

 

6. CANDLE HOLDER FOR THE BLUE SARDINES

The porcelain candle holder was for me love at first sight! The moment I saw it, I knew I could put some little stones on it and make them turn to life.

Lighting that little candle up and watching its shadows dance on the little fish is absolutely mesmerising. Here are some photos I took of it in the daylight:

               

Simple coastal decorating idea candle holder by Christine Onward. More ideas are HERE

  

7. THE RUSTIC FISH BASKETS

            

Simple coastal decorating project by Christine Onward. More ideas are HERE

 

The little ceramic bowls are from India and I got them on Ebay. I think they make for really unique, adorable coastal decorations that you can make yourself without much effort.

The rocks aren't even glued to the little baskets, so kids can actually play with them and change the way they sit in the bowls just the way they want.

You can try too :). Rock painting is therapy.

For projects that would look identical to those shown in the photos, a supply of sardines painted on rocks can be purchased HERE

Sardines in a box, supplies for your own projects. See more details HERE 

Celebrating One Year of Community and Love for Rocks - Interview with Parrish Jefferson, Collector and Ardent Supporter of Rock Art 13

I'm just a gal from Texas, highly educated but have never been able to keep a stable career due to my husband's job which required frequent reassignments. It allowed me to see much of the world though. They also translated into helping me relate to artists from many places, in every corner of the globe!

 

A traveler's passion for art - glimpse into part of Parrish Jefferson's collection of rocks from all over the world! 

 

 
At last estimation I have about 350 rocks! I collect all genres, colors, themes etc., from USA, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Latvia, Korea, Indonesia, every country in Europe. What's heartbreaking is that in some countries postal costs are so high, it isn't even feasible to do business with the artists who live there. It is frustrating for them and myself all the time, unfortunately.

Part of Parrish's rock collection in blue hues

 

Displaying so many rocks has become really challenging for me. I often display in vignettes featuring certain colors or by theme (such as my Southwestern Style collection or that with a Native American look). I've also collected special bowls from several artists to provide more beautiful displays for rocks. I even have some on wall sconces! It's almost time, however, to purchase some new wall shelves!

 Parrish's stunning collection of rocks and the decorative plate in hues of turquoise

Has collecting painted rocks changed your life in any way?

Collecting rocks and becoming part of the rock painting community on Instagram has changed my life in so many positive ways I'd never dreamed possible!

It began with a simple first purchase....from Valeria Campagna. Boy, did I set the bar high! I was so impressed, that I posted awful pictures (my fault!) and shared my excitement with the few followers I had. That began one of the most important relationships in my life. Valeria is a dear friend and actually, we will be working together soon on a new project involving Etsy, other artists, and it will include opportunities for new artists as well! That's all I can say at this point, but I'll be making announcements in May.

I also have in the works a world wide 'Rock Olympics' (rather an annual rock painting competition). N.A. More details about this event will be published in a few weeks on this website

With a touch of boho-chic and admirable colours

 

With the positive feedback received from posting such beautiful works, collecting rocks soon became a passionate hobby! I had to hone my staging and photography skills and learn what a hashtag was! I made an advice sheet for new artists who wanted to make a name and sell Art. Artists then began coming to me for advice, wanting to be featured on my page; this was an honor to me and a happy and productive use of my time. It's been a joy.

 

Over the last year you have shown tremendous support for rock artists from USA and from across the globe. You frequently tag new artists in your posts, share their achievements, encourage new releases and new campaigns. Why? Where is this desire and energy to help others coming from?   

As I collect from established and well known artists as well as beginners,  I tend to meet thousands of them, even tangentially! I fully believe that one's motives are what matters in this life of soul-growth. Therefore, helping artists, featuring their art to best highlight its beauty, to support and encourage, to introduce new talents...well, it's a way  of paying it forward. Spreading beauty is always a treat! Further, promoting the business side of art is often distasteful to artists, so I help there as much as I can!

I also want people to know that artists have been VERY KIND to me! Not a week goes by without receiving gift rocks I didn't even realize had been sent! I'd estimate at least 30% of my rocks have been gifts. I consider that I'm overpaid in unexpected, generous gifts and say as much when people commend me for helping artists! And by the way, I never charge and never have, for any help. It just wouldn't feel comfortable for me.

Rock art mastered with magnificent skill and patience

I know this is going to be very difficult to respond to, but is there a specific rock in your collection that has a special significance for you or story attached to it that is worth talking about?

I do admit to having one favorite stone. Valeria painted the 'Parrish Rock' inspired by my energy (her words) and it is not only sentimentally the most meaningful rock, but also aesthetically one of the most beautiful rocks you'd ever hope to see! It has a sacred place in my home, with her framed words, and Christine, when I received it, it felt like I had won a Grammy or the Nobel Peace Prize! 

Val Campagna, the "Parrish Rock" and framed are Val's words about inspiration and friendship across oceans

 

Over this last year since your Instagram launching, you have surrounded yourself with a huge number of rock artists of outstanding talent and success. Along the way, some of them have also become good friends. Could you mention some of your artist friends?

They will be so many! I will only mention SOME of my wonderful, talented, and amazing artist friends, I do hope you will jump to check on their accounts for their art works are absolutely divine: Valeria Campagna, Andrea Moebes, Yosy,  Purvi Patel,  Sandi O., Corrina Marie Canning,  Oti's Art Studio, Summer Tan, Vallerie, and special regards to Viola, Karin Getaz and, the Empress, Liona Hotta

 

Last but not least, knowing so many artists and being involved so deeply in their creative world, what is the message you would like to send to them? Can art change things for the better?

The last words would be about the great therapeutic value of rock painting. Painting on rocks is something everyone should experience. It's calming, fun, creative whether one has innate skill or not.

Recently however consciousness has been raised regarding the ubiquitous problem of art theft. I've done several postings and had dozens of artists contact me in distraught over this issue. Artists, please tag those who inspire you, never take advantage from a peer's design, and finally, if it happens to you... TAKE ACTION! Let's keep this world of rock painting a beautiful thing!

Stunning art works and memorable colours from Parrish Jefferson's collection. Thank you for kindly enchanting us with such marvels and your kind words! 

 

Parrish and I are welcoming your comments in the section below. Also you can make inquiries or add info on rock_street@yahoo.com.

If interested to buy, the rocks for SALE are here.