Business: Painted Rocks of Truth

Location: Pennsylvania

Craft Specialty: Unique, hand-painted rocks with verses of encouragement.

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• The Spark: In May 2022, I discovered rock painting. To be honest, I can’t really remember how, but I must have seen something while scrolling on Facebook that piqued my interest. So, off to Amazon I went in search of rocks and acrylic paint pens.

• The Passion & Process: I began by using a TV tray, sitting in our living room watching TV with my husband. I would look up ideas of what to paint and do my best to copy an image. Today, my dining room table is my “studio.” It always has lots of rocks in various stages of the painting process. I can sit there facing our living room and paint while watching TV with my husband. It’s just the two of us, so the only time I clean the table off is when we are having company. I like things orderly in our home, but I have come to accept that this is now my “studio.” Before I begin painting, I pray and ask God to guide my hands and to show me which verse(s) to write on the back for the person who will receive the rock. Once several rocks are painted, I take them to our garage and spray them with sealer. Once they are dry, I bring them back inside, add a coat of shiny varnish, and they are ready to go.

• The Heart Behind the Craft: I enjoy creating each rock I paint. In the beginning, I would leave them in different places—outside restaurants, while out walking, or in a safe place on steps leading to an office—just a lot of different places. Tutorials became my friend, and as with anything, the more I practiced, the better I became. I also began using brushes and liquid paints to create a different look. Placing rocks around was fun, and I found it to be a way to hopefully encourage others. But as time went on, I began to wonder if I could somehow use this simple hobby to glorify God. He gave me the idea of writing a Scripture reference on the back, so I began doing that. Then, one night as I was lying in bed, I sensed I was supposed to start a Facebook page of my own. Hmmm…that was a stretch for me. What would that entail? Could I do that? What would I call it? And then God said…Painted Rocks of Truth. So that’s how my ministry of sharing about Jesus, using my surprise, God-given talent for painting rocks, began. Soon, friends were telling me I should sell them. Really? I wondered who would purchase a painted rock, but I soon discovered there were many people who would. Each rock I paint, I ask God to show me which verse(s) to add. When I hide a rock or someone purchases one, I pray that the person who receives it will be blessed and encouraged. Currently, I have a Facebook page, do vendor shows, have taught a few classes (which is a stretch for me too, since I don’t like to be in front of people!), have my rocks in two local shops, and have an Etsy store. God is certainly teaching me a lot, and He receives all the glory! Recently, a lady who purchased a rock told me she doesn’t know much about the Bible, but she looked up the verse on the back—John 14:27—and it really spoke to her heart. We had a nice conversation, and I encouraged her to find out more about Jesus and read about Him in the book of John. She said she would. This made my heart so happy and encouraged me to keep painting and sharing for Him. He is the Creator. He has given me this talent and a small source of income in my “older” years. He has given me this passion and joy, and HE IS MY ROCK.

• Advice & Inspiration: My journey started as something simple to try, and soon it became an my passion, just ask my husband. I didn’t even know I could paint! Try something new and discover if it’s something you become passionate about. Most importantly, ask God, seek His direction, and He will lead you. Enjoy what you do!
  
  Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.