Halloween Spiders (again)

The spiders from last year are in the October issue of FamilyFun magazine. While we were shooting the feature, the kids made their rock spiders on set and added tons of eyes; their versions are so cool! I really like them with all the eyes.

Hurray for October and Halloween!

Halloween Rock Spiders

There was a white spider climbing on my computer last week. A real one!

When I first thought about making rock spiders, I thought only of black spiders. I made black spiders and a black glitter web last year on the blog here and here and also for work. But after freaking out about the white spider, I decided to go crazy and paint the spiders white AND lots of other colors, with different kinds of eyes (you choose which ones you want to do) and glitter! I didn’t paint any patterns but you could – so many possibilities!

I realize that spiders have more sections to their bodies but this is a craft, not a science lesson (though you could add the cephalothoraxe using a second smaller stone and a stronger glue like E6000 and of course! 6 more eyes).

Materials:

Rocks

Acrylic paints (including white)

Wax paper

Brushes

Pipe Cleaners

Crafter's Pick the Ultimate Multi-Purpose Non-Toxic Water Based Glue

Options: 
Googly Eyes

Small plastic gems

Sharpie markers

Medium Sharpie paint pen

Fine Glitter

Mod Podge

I like this glue because it holds very well and is non-toxic; I also tested E6000 which worked well but is smelly (and toxic). Your choice-- but don't let the kiddos work with the E6000. And BTW- hot glue DID NOT work.

Cut 2 pipe cleaners in half.
Wrap one half section around the other three in the middle and twist in place.

Spread all the pipe cleaners out and up-- away from the center then bend them down in the middle of each leg to make the spider joint. Set aside.

Paint the rocks on a piece of wax paper. For black spiders just paint the rocks but for lighter colored spiders, they might need a white base coat and then up to 2 layers of the colored paint.

Use a skewer or a toothpick to hold the rock steady while painting the surface – (you don’t really need to paint the bottom).

Once the paint is dry, you can decide if they need glitter. Brush Mod Podge on the rocks first, then add the glitter over a little paper plate and fold the plate in half for easy return to the bottle.

To avoid having glitter run rampant around your house it’s helpful to brush the rock surface with a dry clean brush once the glitter/Mod Podge has dried to release any excess glitter. If you really need your project to be glitter tight- add layer of Mod Podge over the glitter.

Add glue to the bottom of each rock and press the center of the pipe cleaner legs in place.

Carefully add eyes- jewels or googly eyes. Wait until the glue on the rock and leg connection has set up before drawing the eyes on with a sharpie paint pen (if you go that route).

I would love to see yours when you make them.

Rock On! Painted Rock People

Rock on! I say. 

For more than 13 years, I’ve worked at Family Fun Magazine in Northampton, MA as a freelance craft developer and stylist. As of August 15, 2015 the office relocated to NYC and the Northampton doors have closed. I’ve loved working with all the staff, editors and art directors there- it’s been a real pleasure and I’m so sad to see the office move.  It will be a huge change in my life (as well as for the 24 people who lost their full time jobs) but I’m looking forward to whatever happens next. 

Soooo--If you need a craft idea for a specific audience or a project tested for...your book? or want to collaborate on an adventure? Send me a message- I'm just sitting here painting rocks.

Painted Rock People

  

Materials:

• Rocks
• Paint brush
• Acrylic Paints
• Fine tip Sharpie (black) 
•  Fine tip Paint Sharpie (white)

1.  Look for a variety of small rocks-long skinny ones make good arms and legs or use a wide long one and paint both legs on it.
2. Paint the rocks-light colors will need several coats (or use white a base coat first).
3. Allow the paint to dry completely-- then 
4. Add details with the markers.

Curtains & Alphabet Rocks

I finally finished sewing the living room curtains, having bought the fabric 5 years ago. The stones I painted for work are sitting on the sill. Yes, I pretend they're a kids craft but they're really just for me.
I could paint rocks all day.

Alphabet Rocks

Materials:

Adhesive backed letter stickers

Acrylic paint

Paint brush

Outdoor Mod Podge (available at Michaels)

(Do not use Ceramcoat-it takes the paint off)

I used “river” rocks from Michaels ($2.99) but I have also worked with rocks from my yard.

• Clean and dry the rocks.
• Stick to the letters onto the rocks.
• Gently brush (I like to dab) two layers of acrylic paint, allowing the coats to dry between layers.
• When the paint is completely dry, peel off the letters.
  Scratch away any paint that's oozed under the letters with the tip of an X-acto knife.
• Water down the outdoor Mod Podge (it’s pretty thick) with a one-to-one ratio and apply several layers allowing each coat to dry completely between applications. You can set them outside or play with them inside.