Painted stones – create, hide and find

A lovely pastime for children, it simply involves getting a stone decorating it and then hiding/placing it so others can find it. Finders can keep the stones but re-hiding is best so more people can share in the fun. Anyone finding a painted stone is encouraged to post pictures of their discoveries on Facebook.

What you need

Not a lot…

1. Stones – You need stones that are smooth and rounded. If you don’t live near the beach you can often find them on woodland walks or can buy them from garden centres.
2. Acrylic paint/paint pens/nail varnish
3. Paint brush
4. Sharpie pen (for writing message on the back)
5. PVA glue to seal/varnish

What to do

1. Give your stones a wash and pat dry
2. Prime with some watered down acrylic paint
3. Get designing with your paints or nail varnish or paint pens
4. Paint the Facebook “f” and include the hashtag #BansteadRocks
5. Seal/varnish by painting on PVA glue

Banstead Rocks

Our first two ‘Banstead Rocks’ finds

There is now an official Banstead Rocks Facebook page where people post pictures of their handiwork and their finds. It’s really captured the local area’s imagination.

“Banstead and its surrounding areas are pretty incredible, so let’s join together to spread love around SM7 & the surrounding area. Creativity has no limits! The goal is simple – Have fun creating art and then bring joy to someone else by sharing it. Use this to brighten someone’s day, send a needed message, or just to spread joy. Join us and have some fun! It is also helpful for getting the children out and about instead of glued to iPads or Games consoles!!” 

In need of inspiration?

Anything goes, but if you need some inspiration there are quite a few books out there and even one specifically targeted at children – Stone Painting for Kids: Designs to Spark Your Creativity 

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The group is hosted by the passionate Devenia Besant (Dee). As and active user myself, I find this a very friendly, community-orientated and interactive place. Members can share information, ask for advice and recommendations, find out what’s happening and even sell things (however, there are no spam posts and it’s not for business advertisers). The group is a hub for families in the area and is a wealth of really useful information.

Epsom and Ewell Families – a new website

The Facebook group has snowballed and boasts well over 5000 members. Consequently, Dee has created the Epsom and Ewell Families website to fully service the community needs.

It is a one-stop platform that provides the local community with useful information and connects them with the business services they need. Additionally, there is a specific services directory and a blog. The blog focusses on ‘what’s on in the area and discusses issues of local interest.

The directory

The directory, which is constantly updated, contains a very comprehensive list of local services complete with reviews for each. All listings are reviewed by at least three people who have actually used the service because of this you get a real, honest opinion. It includes everything from beauty services and messy play children’s classes to wine educators and cake makers. 

The blog

Check them out here: 

Schools

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