EASY PEASY POTTED ‘ROCK’ CACTUS

At this point in the summer,

a parent can get a wee bit frazzled. We’ve all giggled at the comparison first verses last memes. First day of break you have an organized calendar of activities, meal plans and play dates — compared to the end of summer PBJs for the third straight day and Netflix on repeat. The challenge to keep your kids occupied, and learning something at this point before school starts can feel Herculean.

Painting, drawing and coloring are go-to activities for my tribe. This is my end of summer easy peasy craft that so happens to be both fun and inexpensive. Bonus points that it can be done either indoors or outdoors.

Here’s how you do the potted “rock” cactus!

Gather some rocks outside then let the kids paint. Well, kidding not kidding. It almost is that simple and cheap.

Step 1: FIND THE RIGHT SIZE OF SMALL ROCKS.

I purchased the tiniest clay pots I could find so we brought one out as we picked rocks. Measure by putting a couple inside to see if they fit. Then wash the rocks so that the paint will stick.

Step 2: (THE FUN PART.) PAINT.

You’ll want to cover the surface first to protect your table top, but after that it’s all systems go on the base paint. We picked three different shades of green acrylic paint so that each cactus stood out. I love acrylics because they are easy to clean up and dry quickly.

Step 3: PAINT THE DETAILS.

This can be done as soon as 20 minutes later. The detail spines of the cactus are excellent for teaching fine motor skills, especially when kids are putting the white dots on. The back of an eraser or the tip of a pencil dipped in white paint might make that step easier. My littles wanted to still use paint brushes, and since it’s the end of summer, Mama just goes with the flow!

Last step:

After the white spines are dry, arrange your cacti in the little clay pots, then sprinkle in tiny pebbles to finish the look and to help the rocks stand up in the pot.

*inspo tip*

If you need reference, Google search different cactus varieties and that should provide some inspiration. My eldest daughter put a few pink flowers on some.

*budget savings tip*

The only money I spent was on the little clay pots. And I got a three pack for about a buck! Use your own paint and rocks from the driveway so that this nature craft stays on the cheap.