Thankful Stones

 
 

A lovely craft to spark the conversation of giving thanks, these Thankful Stones are perfect for making and gifting. Selecting the crayon colors and then watching them melt and swirl together on hot rocks is a mindful activity, allowing time to really think about what you are grateful for.

You Need:

  • Small, smooth stones that will fit in your hand

  • Crayons (any, but soy-based crayons and wax-based crayons work better than petroleum-based crayons)

  • Black or dark colored Sharpie marker

  • Old dishtowels or washcloths

To Make:

  1. Select your stones, wash them, and spread them out on a baking sheet.  

  2. Place the sheet of stones in a 350° F oven to heat up for 10 or so minutes (this also dries the rocks).

  3. Remove one stone at a time (per person) from the oven with tongs and place on a protected work surface. A washcloth dishtowel works well for this.

  4. Draw on the hot rocks slowly with the crayons, letting the crayon melt as you work.

  5. Holding the crayon in place to create dots as the crayon melts is especially fun. You can do this directly on the hot rock or over another color of crayon. You can also create spirals, stripes, rainbows, hearts, solid colors, and words with the melting crayon.

  6. Let the rocks cool, then write your wish on it with a Sharpie marker or other permanent marker. You can write wishes on the fronts, some on the backs, or leave some without words. 

    Note: Kiddos will enjoy searching around the yard and garden for the best rocks. However, if you don’t have a yard with rocks (or a yard, period), you can buy rounded river stones or pebbles from a craft store or hardware store.

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