Leo Martínez
The Kindness Rocks Project is a viral trend that involves people painting pebbles or cobbles and leaving them for others to find and collect. The project was started by Megan Murphy in 2015 on Cape Cod. Murphy wrote You've got this on a rock and left it on a beach. After a friend found it, she started leaving more rocks with inspirational messages. The trend has since spread worldwide, with people sharing photos and hints of their rock's locations on Facebook groups. Some groups provide clues and ask finders to show their treasures, while others request that if you find a rock, you leave a rock to keep the movement spreading.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the trend | The Kindness Rocks Project |
| Originator | Megan Murphy |
| Year of origin | 2015 |
| Origin location | Cape Cod, US |
| Objective | Spreading kindness |
| Rules | You're supposed to buy the rocks you will be decorating. Painters aren't supposed to take them from parks or beaches. Rocks should be sealed once painted. |
| Examples of rock groups | #MarinRocks, Pacific Northwest Painted Rocks, Livermore, CA Rocks! |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Kindness Rocks Project
The trend originated in the US and has since spread to other countries, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Haiti. Photos of the painted rocks and hints of where to find them are commonly shared on Facebook groups. Some groups even ask finders to show their treasures and give clues, encouraging people to set up community inspiration gardens. Many groups ask that if you find a rock, you leave a rock to keep the movement spreading.
Alice Brock, a Cape Cod resident who had been painting rock art since the 1960s, claimed credit for helping spread the phenomenon worldwide by sending painted rocks to her friends and family in New York City and Europe. As the trend has spread, it has evolved with various derivatives, but it remains true to its original intention of spreading kindness.
International Drop a Rock Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on July 3, where people are encouraged to leave a painted rock in a public space. Some parks have objected to people leaving painted rocks on their grounds, including parks in Texas, Marlborough, New Zealand, and Disneyland.
Where is Illustrator's Live Paint Bucket Tool?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
#Islastones
The #Islastones movement is similar to the Kindness Rocks Project, founded by Megan Murphy in 2015. Murphy wrote "You've got this" on a rock and left it on a beach on Cape Cod. Her friend found the rock, and it inspired her to start the Kindness Rocks Project, which has since spread worldwide. The project encourages people to paint pebbles or cobbles with inspirational messages and leave them for others to find. Photos of the rocks and hints of their locations are often shared on Facebook groups.
Rock painting and hiding has become a popular trend, with many groups and communities dedicated to this activity. People join these groups to share their painted rocks, give clues about their locations, and ask finders to show their treasures. Some groups have specific rules, such as requesting that finders of rocks also leave a rock behind to keep the movement going.
There are also rock groups like #MarinRocks, founded by Dianne O'Donnelley, which focus on "releasing" painted rocks for strangers to find. Members of these groups often post photos of the rocks they have discovered and the messages they carry. The act of painting and hiding rocks is seen as a way to spread kindness, joy, and human connection during challenging times.
While rock painting and hiding can be a fun and meaningful activity, it's important to be mindful of certain guidelines. For example, it is recommended to buy the rocks you decorate instead of taking them from parks or beaches. Additionally, sealing the rocks with a clear coat is essential to protect the artwork and ensure it doesn't end up on people's hands. Some locations, such as national parks and certain amusement parks, do not allow painted rocks, so it's important to be aware of the rules before hiding or leaving rocks in public spaces.
The Art of Portraiture: Who is the Subject?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International Drop a Rock Day
The tradition of painting and hiding rocks for others to find is not a new one. The Kindness Rocks Project, founded by Megan Murphy in 2015, is a community with registered groups worldwide that paint and hide rocks with uplifting messages. Murphy started the project by writing "You've got this" on a rock and leaving it on a beach on Cape Cod. The project aims to spread kindness and positive messages through rock art.
After painting and hiding the rocks, participants can take photos and share them on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, using hashtags like #DropARockDay or #PaintedRocks. This helps spread the word about the event and encourages more people to join in the fun.
Shirley's Vision: Exploring Art Through Film
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rock groups
Rock painting has become a popular hobby for many people, with groups dedicated to the pastime emerging worldwide. These groups, often referred to as "rock groups", have formed communities where members can connect, decorate rocks, and participate in a global movement. One such group is #MarinRocks, founded by Dianne O'Donnelley, which has around 250 members who paint, "release", and hunt for rocks.
The Kindness Rocks Project, founded by Megan Murphy in 2015, is another notable rock group. It started when Murphy wrote "You've got this" on a rock and left it on a beach on Cape Cod. After a friend found it, she was inspired to turn it into a movement, spreading inspirational messages through rock art. This project has gained momentum, with registered groups worldwide, and has inspired other similar initiatives.
These groups utilize social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram, to share photos of their painted rocks and provide hints about their locations. This online presence has contributed to the widespread popularity of the rock painting trend, allowing people from different areas to connect and participate in the movement.
Rock painting has become a way for people to spread kindness, share positive messages, and create human connections within their communities. It has also provided an accessible art form for individuals who may not consider themselves artists, fostering creativity and a sense of belonging in these rock groups.
Conan Exiles: Removing War Paint, Easy Steps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
 Craft Rocks,Painting Rocks,2.1"-3.5" River Rocks,Flat Rocks,DIY Rocks,Painting Stones,Smooth Rocks](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/619+eQLqOXL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Sealing painted rocks
Preparation:
Before sealing, it is crucial to let the paint dry completely. It is recommended to leave the painted rocks overnight to ensure they are entirely dry. Additionally, consider the weather conditions—windy days are not ideal as they can cause the sealer to blow away, leading to wastage. Dust may also settle on the rocks during windy conditions.
Testing:
Before applying any sealant, it is advisable to test the products on a different rock. This step helps prevent any unwanted reactions between the paint and the sealant, such as smudging or running. It is also essential to test the sealant on a small area of the actual painted rock to ensure it does not affect the paint.
Spray Sealants:
Spray sealants are a popular choice for sealing painted rocks. When using a spray sealant, hold the can at least 8 inches away from the rock to avoid uneven coats and dripping. Start with a light mist coat, and then gradually build up the layers, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Rotate the rock to ensure all sides are sealed.
Brush-On Sealants:
Brush-on sealants are another option and can be applied using soft bristle brushes of appropriate sizes. Similar to spray sealants, it is recommended to start with a thin coat and then add additional layers as needed. Ensure that all sides of the rock are sealed, including the sides and back.
Specific Sealants:
Some recommended sealants include Mod Podge, which comes in matte or shiny finishes, and Polyurethane, which is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Krylon spray sealant and Rust-Oleum 2X Painter's Touch Ultra Cover Gloss Clear Spray Paint are also popular choices. However, be cautious when using Sharpies with certain spray sealants, as they may cause the ink to run.
Opening Paint Cans: Easy, Tool-Free Hacks
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Kindness Rocks Project was started by Megan Murphy in 2015 on Cape Cod. She wrote "You've got this" on a rock and left it on a beach. After a friend found it, she started leaving more rocks with inspirational messages.
The idea is that one simple act of kindness, in the form of a lovingly painted rock hidden in plain sight, could change someone's day or life.
The rocks are typically bought and decorated with paint or a Sharpie. They are then sealed to protect the artwork from the weather and sanitiser-drenched hands. The rocks are hidden in local parks, parking lots, or outside business establishments. Once someone finds a rock, they can post a photo of it and try to contact the painter.
 Painting Rocks,2.23"-3.68" River Rocks,Flat Stones](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/615urLzlfUL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
