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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Painted Garden Pavers


I know it is kind of late in the gardening season now, but making garden stones from patio pavers is a fun and frugal craft for kids of all ages. 

Last month I found lady bug and turtle shaped patio pavers at Menards.   I bought several of the ladybug/turtle shape, which I believe are called colonial or heritage pavers for only .64 each.  I also bought 5 white crescent shaped pavers for only .33 each.



We found them the day my mom was coming to visit for a week. While she was here, we did not have time to paint.   After she left we painted the crescents to look like a rainbow caterpiller, and the other pavers red/ black for ladybugs, and green for turtles.  We just used basic acrylic paint that we had on hand.  The pavers  then sat on the deck for a few weeks  waiting for faces and details, because it was just too hot to go outside and paint. 

We have now had a few days of beautiful 75 degree weather, so we finally finished the job.  I started out by painting white circles for the base of the eyes on all of the painted pavers.  We added different details depending on what it was we were painting.


I wasn't really sure how to paint a turtle back, so I painted a circle pattern.    Kara made her turtle a little more detailed.  Spots and faces were added to the lady bugs, and a happy face to the rainbow caterpiller.  


About  5  years ago we made this craft, and all 3 of my kids painted lady bugs.  I love how different each one is and they are still in the garden to this day.  The paint has held up through a lot of rain and even snow. (there have been a few years when they did not make it inside.)  Kyles green bug (not pictured) has faded, but still has an adorable smiling face.   Painted garden pavers make a great gift for a grandparents, and are a fun memory in the garden for years to come.

17 comments:

  1. Your blog is so much fun and don't want to miss a post:-)

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  2. These are so creative and cute!

    I am a new follower from the Fancy Friday Hop. Find me @
    http://messforless.blogspot.com

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  3. These are adorable. I have painted concrete blocks before but I never even thought of painting the pavers. There are so many possibilities here!
    Visiting you from TT&J

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  4. These are so cute! What a creative project :) Visiting from 30 Handmade Days!!

    Linda
    http://lasteve1.blogspot.com

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  5. Such a great idea! Thank u for sharing

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  6. These are fabulous. Great for a secret garden path -the kids will love it. Lynda

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  7. That looks so cute! It would be so fun to see those in a garden!

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  8. These are so sweet! I would love to have my kids make some of these when we get our garden ready next spring! I hope you will add your idea to my link party, Pinterest Tuesday! I think other mommas would love to Pin your cute pavers!

    http://ourcountryroad.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinterest-tuesday-week-one.html

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  9. Cute idea! I got a bride and groom one for my wedding, love them!

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  10. I gave you an award, please go here: http://www.meldreamsoften.com/2011/08/versatile-blogger-award.html

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  11. This is such a labor of love! Thanks for linking up at Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop :)

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  12. Soooo cute! What a great time you must have had with your daughter. Wish my daughter was young again... lol

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  13. These look fun for kids and adults! :) Thank you so much for linking up at Savvy HomeMade Monday!

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