Stephen's Place

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DIY Rock Photo Holders

Rock Photo Holders

At Stephen’s Place, our residents and friends love to use different canvases for their art. It gives people freedom to express their creativity in a variety of new ways. And if it's something that’s usable or giftable, that's even better! 


This craft for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is extra cool because it's kind of four activities in one. Firstly, you get to go and search for the perfect, smooth rock. Secondly, you get to paint the rocks. Then you make them into photo holders. And, finally, you get to choose pictures of people and things you enjoy most. They can also be used as personalised playing pieces for a variety of games. 

Our residents display their artwork in their homes in new ways all the time. In the past, our artsy crafts have included ice tie-dye t-shirts and face masks, leaf placemats, leaf wind chimes, coffee cups, coffee filter butterflies, lemon volcanoes, air-dry clay pinch pots, necklaces, crystal eggs, and more.

To Make Rock Photo Holders, You Will Need:

  • Smooth Rocks
  • Copper Wire
  • Needle Nose Pliers
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Mod Podge Glue

How to Make Rock Photo Holders

  1. Search your garden, the beach, or a park to find some smooth rocks you like the look of. 
  2. Wash and dry your newly-acquired rocks. 
  3. Now, you can paint a solid color onto your rocks. You can also paint a solid color onto your rocks and then wait for them to dry before adding a pattern or painting. You can just paint an image or pattern, or you can do whatever you like!
  4. Set aside until the paint is completely dry. 
  5. While your paint is drying, take an 8-10 inch length of copper wire and wrap it a few times around a round pen or marker.
  6. Straighten out the remainder of the wire below the loops that you just made.
  7. Add a layer of Mod Podge to your rocks after the paint has fully dried. This will protect the artwork and to add a nice polished finish.
  8. Wrap the straight end of the wire around the rock a few times.
  9. Pop in your fave photos and you’re done. :) 

If you’re looking for more activities for adults with special needs, check out our post on 16 Crafts for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.