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Retro-Rocks
Let the artist within you bloom with creativity while having fun making your original works of art. This project will brighten up your garden while showing off your talents.
 SUPPLIES
- Rocks
- Variety of glass Baja beads ( flat marbles)
- Marbles
- Recycle glass
- Liquid nails glue –original formula- (squeeze tube)
- Disposal gloves ( you will need a lot )
- Mortar mix
- Disposal containers
- House paint brush
- Paper towels ( you will need a lot )
- Mist bottle with water
- Toothbrushes
- Water in bottles or jug.
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Cotton clothes |
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 STEP 1
This project is best done in two sessions because of the drying time of the glue. Go on a rock hunt and gather supplies for project. Baja beads and marbles can often be purchased at dollar stores or at craft stores. They can usually be found in the floral department.
STEP 2
If you do not have enough resources for each student to have their own tube of glue just have them take turns while some students are laying out their designs. In a well ventilated area begin project by gluing craft glass and marbles on rocks creating an original design using different colors. Kids are usually inspired by the bright shinny colors. Glue each item by applying a small amount of glue at a time. Go with the contour of the rock as this will make an interesting design. Have the students use disposable gloves for this step. When the glue builds up reapply a fresh pair of gloves as needed. Label each students rock and set aside to dry until next session. It is best to wait at least 24 hrs.
STEP 3
Next comes the grouting this is a lot of fun but it can be messy. Have supplies ready and laid out for the grouting this is best to do outside. The students love mixing their own grout but it is much easier and neater for the teacher to mix a large amount of mortar mix at a time. Otherwise you will need to individually pour up a container of mix for each student. It is a must to wear gloves for this process. The mortar will pull the moisture out of your skin causing painful dry cracked hands.
STEP 4
Scoop several cups of mortar in a disposable container and add a small amount of water at a time. Using your gloved hands mix to the consistency of uncooked cornbread. Be sure to mix well in the bottom of container. This is why it is better to only mix a couple of cups at a time. If you have too much water, add more mortar and if is too dry add more mortar. Then just plop a handful on each rock. Have the students spread the mortar all over there rock pushing the mortar in-between the pieces. It may take more than one handful of mortar depending on the size of rock. Wipe mortar off with paper towels. Repeat this process as needed. If mortar becomes to dry and hard to rub off just lightly mist rock with water bottle. Use toothbrushes to clean off any areas around the rock that mortar has accumulated. Gently brush off mortar dust with large paint brush. Let dry for about 15 minutes. Project will begin to haze as it dries then buff with dry cloth.
Impress your teachers and friends with an art exhibit
of your cool retro rocks.
 TEACHER TIPS:
Cost will depend on size of rock and average is $.50 to $2.00 per project. These rocks can also be used as door stops, paper weights, or displayed on easels.
CLEAN UP:
This project gets a 4 on a five point messy scale.
Developed By:
Sharon Abbott
Texas Master Gardener
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