Have you ever come across a cheerfully decorated stone?
There's a good chance it was a Happy Stone. These 'ordinary' stones have been transformed into small works of art with paint or acrylic markers. The trend of stone painting (also known as 'Making Happy Stones') has spread rapidly throughout the country in recent years. From simple designs to true works of art, they bring a smile to the faces of finders, young and old.
Not only is stone painting great fun, but it also offers enriching experiences of creativity, community and therapeutic benefits. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, gather your materials and start transforming boring stones into little masterpieces today.
Supplies needed for painting stones:
Before you start, it's essential to have the right supplies on hand. Here are the basic supplies you'll need:
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Smooth Stones: Not all stones are suitable for painting. Select stones with a smooth surface so that the paint adheres well. Also make sure the stones are clean and dry before you start.
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Acrylic markers: Collect acrylic markers with a 0.7 mm tip for precision work. Our Flysea acrylic markers provide perfect coverage for painting stones.
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Fineliner: Use a fineliner to add small details and outline your design.
- Acrylic varnish: After you have painted your stone and the paint has dried completely, use acrylic varnish to apply a protective layer. This protects your work of art against wear and tear and weather influences. Choose a varnish suitable for acrylic paint and apply it evenly to the stone.
Step by step guide to stone painting
Now let's look at the process of painting stones, step by step:
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Choose the right stones: When painting stones you have the choice between naturally found stones and purchased stones. Natural stones add authentic character, while purchased stones are convenient for their smooth, cleaned surface and the convenience of home delivery by mail.
If you choose to find stones yourself, make sure the surface is not rough to avoid damaging the tips of your acrylic markers. Discover our wide range of hand-selected stones if you want to be sure of the right choice.
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Choosing a design: Think carefully about the design you want to paint on the stone before you start. The spectrum of possible designs ranges from simple patterns to detailed images.
Take the time to get inspired; check out Google Images, Pinterest, or visit our Instagram / Facebook page for simple step-by-step examples. -
Stone choice: Make sure your stones are completely clean and dry before you start painting. A clean surface ensures better paint adhesion.
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Applying the acrylic paint: Shake the markers well before use and test them on another surface to check the colors.
Apply the acrylic paint directly to the stones and start painting. Is something going wrong? No problem. Once the paint is dry you can easily apply a second coat to enhance your artwork.
Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats to avoid smudging. Enjoy the process as you add color and life to your stones with acrylic paint markers.
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Detail work and patterns: Add details to your design with fineliner .
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Finishing and sealing the stones: Once you are satisfied with your artwork, allow the paint to dry completely and apply a clear acrylic varnish to protect your creation from rain and sunlight.

Creative ideas and inspiration
Stone painting offers endless possibilities for creativity. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Seasonal stone painting: Adjust your stones for different seasons. Think flowers in the spring, beach scenes in the summer, fall leaves in the fall and snowflakes in the winter.
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Animal and plant motifs: Be inspired by nature. Paint cute animals, colorful flowers or realistic leaves on your stones.
- Inspirational Quotes and Messages: Add a personal touch by painting inspirational quotes or positive messages on your stones. This can uplift others in your community when they find your creations.




Tips for beginners and advanced users
Whether you are just starting to paint stones or are already experienced, here are some useful tips:
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Avoiding common mistakes: Beginners often make the mistake of using too much paint. Work in thin layers and allow each layer to dry completely before continuing.
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Community and social media: Stone painting is not just an individual activity, but also a great way to connect with others.
Share your creations on social media, follow TheHappyStone on Instagram or Facebook and get to know the Happy Stone community.
Share painted stones via Facebook
Not everyone understands the meaning of such a beautiful, found stone. So write a short message on the back, such as 'Take me or let me roam'. Add the name of your Happy Stones Facebook group and your zip code. This way, the finder can share a photo in the Facebook group , and you know where your stone ends up. A response is not guaranteed, but the most important thing is the fun of decorating and the smile you hope your stone brings. Also view creations by fellow artists for new inspiration.
Become a member of the Happy Stone community
Join online groups where stone painting enthusiasts come together. You will be amazed by the variety of community creations. Join TheHappyStone Family .
Therapeutic benefits of stone painting
In addition to the fun and creativity, stone painting also offers therapeutic benefits.
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Stress relief: Painting stones is a relaxing activity that reduces stress and calms the mind.
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Improving concentration: Focusing on the detailed work of stone painting improves concentration and helps relax the mind.
- Community Building: Participating in the Happy Stone community creates a sense of belonging and community building.

Frequently asked questions about stone painting
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What paint do you use to paint rocks? Acrylic paint is usually used for stone painting. Make sure the paint is durable and suitable for use on stone.
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How do you start painting stones? Start by choosing a suitable stone and basic supplies such as acrylic paint, varnish and possibly fineliners. Then follow the step-by-step guide to stone painting.
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What do you need to paint stones? To paint stones you need smooth stones, 0.7 mm acrylic paint markers and varnish.
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Which acrylic markers for stones? For precision work on stones you can use acrylic markers with a point thickness of 0.7 mm. Make sure they are suitable for use on stones.
- Where do I buy stones for painting? You can find stones for painting in hobby shops, garden centers or simply here in the webshop. View our wide range of smooth, washed stones here.