Easy and Fun Fall Rock Painting crafts to try this Season

Make these Fall Painted Rocks using Alcohol Inks and Acrylics

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Autumn is coming and that means it’s time to shift our mind-set from Summer activities to harvest events, Halloween, Football season, and tons of pumpkin spice everything!

I’m in a family of all boys, so naturally football is apart of my life…I had to include it!

Need some new Fall rock painting ideas this year?

If you’re looking to try a new art medium, consider alcohol inks.

It’s a new paint medium that I have been using on rocks this year and it’s easy for beginners.

If you never used alcohol inks before, read my beginner-friendly guide on using alcohol inks on rocks.

These autumn rock painting ideas are a part of another post called, 31 Days of Halloween Rocks, check it out for more boo-tiful rock painting ideas.

If you’re new to rock painting, go to Start Here to get all the beginner rock painting tips and find the best art supplies in our Amazon Shop now!

Rock Hunting 101

Start by searching in your own backyard for rocks to paint. Public areas such as parks and hiking trails are great places to find rocks.
It’s against the law to remove rocks or even leave your painted rocks in National or State Parks.
You can even try home improvement stores, a local garden center, or stone yard to purchase your rocks.
Next, it’s time to clean the rocks using soapy water to remove dust or dirt. Let them dry completely before starting the project.

Alcohol Ink Autumn Leaves Painted Rocks

Materials Needed:

Begin by painting a base coat of white craft paint on your rocks and let it dry.
Drip a few drops of alcohol ink onto your rock. Less is more!
Let the ink spread, you can help move it around by blowing on it, you can use a straw or compressed air to get a dramatic look.
You can also use a paintbrush dipped in alcohol ink to paint a layer on your rock.
Use different colors and see how the colors blend together. Use more alcohol to wet the alcohol ink by misting it on or using a paintbrush.
Add more drops of alcohol until you think your rock art is done.
Use a leaf stencil or free-hand a leaf on your rock with a fine-detail brush in brown alcohol ink.
After these beautiful autumn leaf rocks are completely dry, spray a clear sealer on the rocks and let it dry again for 24 hours before touching the rocks.

Alcohol Ink Drip Method
Alcohol Ink Brush on with foam brush

Easy Acorn Painted Rocks

Trace out an acorn on a rock with light brown craft paint using a detail brush.
Paint the acorn with a layer of light brown paint.
Using a dotting tool or a paintbrush, paint dark brown dots on the top of the acorn.
After acorn rock is completely dry, spray a clear sealer to protect it from scratches and the outdoor elements.

Helpful Rock Painting Tips…

Acrylic craft paint is water-based, fast-drying, but also easy to clean off of skin.
Read our post on 35 acrylic painting tips that will blow your mind!
Be sure to wear gloves because alcohol ink will stain your hands.
Be sure to protect your work surface by using paper plates or something similar while using alcohol inks.
Be sure to use alcohol ink in a well-ventilated area, due to the strong alcohol odors.
Follow the directions on the clear sealer spray and be sure to use in a well-ventilated area such as outside.

Have you made your own Fall leaves rock painting?

If so, let me know in the comments below.

In the meantime, if you are new to rock painting and don’t know where to start. Check out the Rock Painting for Beginners series below.

Part 1 – How to Paint Rocks

Part 2 – Rock Painting Supplies | What you need to know

Part 3 – Easy Rock Painting Techniques

Part 4 – How to Mix Colors with Confidence

Also, share your rock art in Rock Painting Guide’s Facebook Group page, here.

There you can post your rock painting questions, give advice on rock painting, share your rock art, and join the fun with our amazing rock painters beginners and pros!

Happy Fall!