Make a Simple Ladybug Painted Rock Craft

"Ladybug ladybug, fly away home. . ." This little ladybug made from a rock doesn't fly and you can rest assured, she'll stick around. Whether you want her as a decoration in your garden or as a guest on your desk, this cute bug will be fun to make and fun to keep.

What You Will Need for the Painted Rock Ladybug

First of all, you will of course need a rock. It can be any size - large or small. I have some of these ladybugs made from large rocks for placement in my garden. The example picture shows a small rock ladybug that is roughly the size of a 50-cent piece. The rock may be any shape.

Craft paint and clear spray paint (for sealing), paintbrushes and craft eyes (the wiggly kind) complete the list of items. If you don't have wiggly eyes you can dab some white paint in place then add a black dot to create eyes.

Paint the Rock Ladybug

Paint the rock with red paint. Allow it to dry and add a second coat. Once the red paint has dried, paint the ladybug's head with black paint and add black spots to the body. With a fine tip paintbrush add a black line down the center of the back to indicate the separation of the wings. If you plan to place your ladybug outside, spray the painted rock with two coats of clear spray paint to seal it.

Add Eyes and Decorations to Your Rock Ladybug

I added wiggly eyes to my little ladybug. Other touches of creativity and decoration would be adding glitter glue or glitter paint for some sparkle, creating designs on the spots and other things that add personality to your ladybug.

For a bit of three-dimensional decoration, use miniature black pom poms for the spots. Use drops of craft glue (like Tacky Glue) to adhere the pom poms.

Tips for Making the Rock Ladybug

This is a fun craft to let the kids create and can be used as a fun outdoor activity. Combine a nature walk and scavenger hunt with searching for the perfect rocks for this craft. Enjoy the outdoors by making this little ladybug outside.

If you are making this ladybug craft with the kids, combine it with some learning about real ladybugs and perhaps even a trip through the garden to see if there are any ladybugs hanging out.