There is something very gratifying about carving into a rock. This project was kind of therapeutic. I was thinking I’d carve some words into rocks and maybe start leaving them around Palm Desert to see if people find them….

I love large river rocks:

All you really need for this project is a Dremel (I used the new cordless Dremel 8220), a few different attachments, a bowl of water and rocks:

For softer rocks a silicon carbide grinding stone is all you need. (it’s the same attachment that I used for the broken china accessories here)

I drew a sketch onto my rock first:

Then, at a low speed, I slowly etched my design into the rock:

(Note: Make sure to wear protective eye wear!)

I carefully went over my design, etching a little deeper each time. Every few seconds, I dipped it in water which cools the rock off and makes it easier to see what I’m doing:

The finished carving:

I took a rag and applied a little beeswax and buffed the rock to a shine which makes the design stand out a little more:

Polished and ready for a gift or decor:

Some rocks are a little harder than others. I’m not a geologist so I can’t help you out here….you’ll have to experiment a little. Harder rocks will require a diamond bit for carving….or you’ll wear out the carbide bit too quickly:

You can also use a polishing wheel for adding beeswax:

Sunshine:

To make jewelry and accessories with rocks all you have to do is drill a hole. You can use a diamond bit on a drill or use your Dremel for this as well:

I found a rock with a thinner end:

And used the Dremel to drill through the end. It takes a little patience, and lots of water, but eventually I got through…..it took about 8 minutes of on and off drilling:

A fun necklace with a suede lace added:

Another idea….add a few words or a short quote to a rock:

Make a collection for the coffee table:

…..or make one for a gift:

Make sure to check out this tutorial on recycling broken china too!

Disclaimer: A big thanks to Dremel for sponsoring this post!

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