Get ready for spring with this adorable {and easy!} painted ladybug rocks craft for kids!

I’ve always loved ladybugs. There’s just something magical and sweet about them.

So, when we started thinking about spring crafts, a ladybug craft seemed like the obvious choice.

These ladybug rocks are a great craft for preschoolers through tweens.

Each age level can paint them at their own level and add bling (or not!) to make their ladybug rocks stand out.

Don’t forget to add some flowers painted on rocks too to complete your ladybug garden!

All About Ladybugs

Ladybug, ladybird, and ladybeetle are some of the names that the world’s most loved bug goes by. 

Whatever you like to call them, these tiny, brightly colored, polka-dotted springtime insects are absolutely amazing creatures. 

Check out these fun facts about ladybugs for kids!

They’re both a beautiful sight to see and a beneficial addition to any garden.

I always feel like a rockstar when I see ladybugs in our garden!

In many cultures, ladybugs are considered to be a blessing. 

Popular in folklore and nursery rhymes all over the world, ladybugs symbolize a number of positive beliefs.  They’re known to be a sign of good luck and fortune. 

They also represent love, security, and protection in many cultures. 

Ladybugs are so well-liked, that they are even the official state insect of five different states including Delaware, Ohio, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Massachusetts.  Who knew?!?

Making the Ladybug Rocks Craft

For this project we used some medium sized glass gems that we had picked up from the dollar store.  It doesn’t really matter what color gem you use since you’re going to paint them. 

The paint color we chose to use was a cherry cobbler red.  While ladybirds are commonly seen as red, they can also be orange, yellow, or even pink! 

Once the paint had dried, we colored our ladybugs with a black permanent marker making the rounded head and two wings with spots.  

How to Use the Ladybug Rocks

These awesome ladybug gems are super versatile! They can be used for play, decoration, and even a variety of learning activities. 

Sensory play has become very popular for young learners and tossing these cute tiny beetles into your favorite sensory bin is sure to be a hit with the little ones.  Be careful though, because of their small size, they can pose a choking hazard! Use with care, caution, and adult supervision ALWAYS!!

Ladybug rocks would also make a great addition to any household plant as a friendly visitor atop the soil or scattered throughout the outdoor garden to welcome the fairies. 

Counting numbers, reading a book, and discovery science are just a few of the ways these cute ladybug gems can be used as a valuable learning tool. 

What will you do with your ladybug rocks?

Ladybug Rocks

Age: 7+

Time: 20 minutes

Materials:

• Glass gems or river rocks
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Black permanent marker

Instructions:

• Paint the glass gems your desired color and let them dry. Don’t be afraid to apply a liberal amount of paint!
• Using the marker, color the painted gem like a ladybug, drawing the head and spotted wings.

Show Us Your Ladybug Crafts!

Did you try your hand at making one? We’d love to see how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @ThatKidsCraftSite! We can’t wait to celebrate your creativity!

Take the Directions for the Ladybug Rocks Craft with You!

Want to take these directions with you? No worries! Simply print out the card below with all of the supplies and directions by clicking on the Print button! Then you can take them with you to school, your club or scouts, or to your kitchen table where you’ll be crafting. Have a great time!

What to Make After You’re Done Making the Ladybug Rocks Craft…