Somewhere I saw some small smooth rocks decorated with rubons. They were pretty in an indoor, look-but-don’t-touch sort of way. But I have an innate need for things that can withstand the rough and tumble of outdoor life. I started thinking of ways to decorate rocks that would last.

First I tried adhesive rubons – you know, the sticky patterns?  I tried flocking them, but didn’t like the softness of the design. Then I experimented with all matter of stamps. Ultimately, I ended up stamping with versamark and the heat embossing. It was an interesting experiment with mixed results. Here’s what I came up with:

This was an unmounted acrylic stamp. I used a foam brush to apply the versamark and then just stamped it using my hand. I offer it to protect my tulips from the deer. See? There’s already a deer here so keep moving along.

This one was made using a foam stamp. I found that chunkier was better. I offer it to my beautiful sedum. May it come back from being eaten my voles this Winter.

This one was made using alpha stamps and a small wood mount flower stamps. Not totally thrilled with it, but I like the idea to mark where you plant seeds. I offer it to my long lost sage that was destroyed when we had to dig up with well. At least I know where I should plant again.

And this one…this one started the idea. I used a small unmounted bird stamp. It will go on a gravestone where it will have very good company.

And the first one up there? That was made using one of those giant foam stamps. It took forever to emboss. I offer it to the bees. May they always feel welcome in my garden.

Enjoy.