11

Create Pet Rocks and Rock Pets

HEIDI COLOM / YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN

Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Type of Library Best Suited for: Public or School

Cost Estimate: $50

Makerspace Necessary? No

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project details how to make pet rocks and rock pets using simple materials. Pet rocks can be made using just one rock, wiggly eyes, and other decorations. They can also be painted with markers or paint, while rock pets involve several rocks, construction paper, wiggly eyes, and other decorations. They can also be painted with markers or paint. Both of these crafts require scissors and glue which can be liquid or a glue stick.

Pet rocks and rock pets can be made as part of a staff-led program, or at a table in an outreach—not just in the library’s makerspace. This type of program is recommended for ages five and up due to the small pieces involved.

OVERVIEW

Back in the 1970s, pet rocks were very popular. But why just have a blank rock sitting there? You can make your own pet rock with wiggly eyes that gaze back at you—as well as a face, a hat, and maybe even hands and feet.

If you like pet rocks, you can take your imagination up a notch by creating a rock pet! Arrange your rocks in shapes to form your favorite animal—and give it a home with a background.

All materials and supplies will be provided by the library’s makerspace—and you get to take it home. They can be created individually, or as part of a class led by an instructor.

MATERIALS LIST

All materials can be easily obtained at craft supply stores, such as Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Creating Pet Rocks

  1. 1. Glue wiggly eyes onto a flat and smooth surface of the rock.
  2. 2. Use a marker to draw a mouth and nose on the rock.
  3. 3. Add feathers, pom-poms, felt, and craft gems to the rock as a hat.
  4. 4. If the rock is large enough, you can also give it an outfit made out of felt.
  5. 5. If you would like to make the rock stand up, add two Foamies under the rounded surface below the face.
  6. 6. You can also add Foamies to the rounded surfaces on both sides of the face in order to portray hands.
  7. 7. Don’t forget to give the rock a name!

FIGURE 11.1

Pet rocks

Creating Rock Pets

  1. 1. Begin with a piece of blue construction paper . . . if you would like a diurnal outside pet. You can use black if your pet is nocturnal. Or you can use any other color for an indoor pet.
  2. 2. Cut out green construction paper in the shape of grass. Glue at the bottom of the blue construction paper. You can also create a rug. But you need something for your pet to stand up on.
  3. 3. Glue the largest rock onto the center of the paper in order to make the pet’s body. Next add the second largest rock to make the head. Add at least two others to make the paws.
  4. 4. Glue Foamie ovals to the head to make ears. Glue a larger oval to the body to make a tail.
  5. 5. Glue wiggly eyes to the head.
  6. 6. Use markers to give your pet a nose, mouth, hair, and claws. You can also use paint.
  7. 7. If you wish, you can add gems, feathers, and other decorations to give your pet a collar or hat.
  8. 8. Rock pets do not have to be just mammals. You can make any kind of animal. You can even make fantasy creatures—such as dragons or unicorns. Use your imagination!
  9. 9. Draw or glue any other plants or toys your pet would enjoy. You can also add the sun, moon, or stars.
  10. 10. Don’t forget to give your rock pet a name!

FIGURE 11.2

Rock pet

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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