DIY Network

I originally posted this question in the gardening site, but I'm wondering if maybe you crafters might be able to help me. I am creating a rock garden, medium to large sized rocks, from rocks that I get in various towns I visit. I would like to label them somehow with the name of the town. I've thought of just painting the name with waterproof paint; or using plant marker stakes. Any fun ideas out there? Thank you.

Depending on how talented you are you can paint some type of landmark or map on the rock using acrylic craft paint then seal them with two or three coats of clear Krylon spray paint. I have used this technique for many years and it is very durable. I would also include the dates you visted the towns. I would not use permanent markers. They will fade over time.

I like the idea of painting a landmark or maybe the name or pic of someplace you visited there -it could even be the name of a restaurant you liked.

I would use Patio Paint. It is specifically made for surfaces like rocks, concrete, terra cotta, etc. and is made to take the elements. Then even though the paint does not need to be sealed, I would still spray it with a clear Krylon finish with UV protection. I use a UV protected finish on all of my outdoor projects because most paint will fade over time without it.
There are also paint pens you could probably use too if you are not a painter.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: flo,

Thank you to both of you. I like your ideas and I especially appreciate knowing the details of the paint to use and the Krylon finish to put on. Flo, I notice you are from Seattle. I live in Pomeroy, the very southeastern corner of the state. My daughter lives in Everett so I get over your way quite often. Save me a rock from Seattle!

Well I am embarassed to say I have no idea where Pomeroy is.
BUT...if you're ever this way and/or just passing through I love meeting other crafters. I do like it when I can put faces to the names on these boards.

Don't feel bad, nobody knows where Pomeroy is! We are actually only 30 miles from Lewiston, Idaho; 120 miles south of Spokane; and 70 miles east of Walla Walla. It's the only town in Garfield County, which is the smallest county in the state, and the population is 2500.

I also think that putting landmarks on the rocks would be a great idea. I can not paint, but there is a really easy to use transfer paper (www.tilano.net) where you print out the maps and then transfer it onto the rock. Theny ou just need to seal the transfer. I think that would work great.

It is Tilano.net and they have do it yourself kits but they also have the transfer paper and transfer medium you can purchase.