Tattooed stones instead of a major project: a DIY project for when you’ve got a spare moment
19.6.2026
Translation: machine translated
Painting stones sounds like something you’d do at a craft table in primary school. But this little DIY idea is also great as a creative way to unwind without too much effort. I’ve tested a set of motif stickers.
Do you also have them tucked away at the very back of a shelf, in the loft or in a dusty corner of the cellar – unfinished, once-ambitious DIY projects? These silent reminders of your somewhat limited perseverance? I’ve got quite a few of them here: half-knitted jumpers, wall hangings that really just need a bit more paint, or a mosaic table I’ve started. Every single one of these unfinished works of art began with euphoria and motivation. And then life got in the way.
Entertaining, creative, child’s play
To make sure this doesn’t happen to me again – and that these unfinished projects don’t end up as a nagging to-do list – I’ve looked for a mini DIY idea. Something that lets me switch off creatively for a few minutes and end up with a lovely finished piece in my hand, rather than having yet more unfinished projects in the cupboard. So simple, yet so lovely: painting stones. It’s actually the ideal activity for clearing your head for a moment whilst creating something new.
All you need are a few stones – which you can collect outdoors – and some suitable paints. Whether it’s liquid paints or permanent markers – anything that sticks to the stones is fine.
Tattooed stones
If you want to make it even easier, you can also use a ready-made DIY stone-painting kit. That’s what I did, using a craft kit from Coppenrath.
Three perfectly smooth stones are included in the set, so I don’t have to go out and find any myself. The set also includes four waterproof acrylic paint pens, a sheet of tattoo designs, a sponge and a brief set of instructions.
And just like that, I’m off on my little break. The transfer stickers can be applied to the stones in a flash:
- Choose a design
- Peel off the protective film
- Place the design side down onto the stone
- moisten slightly with the sponge
And that’s it. Now I can let my creativity run wild with the acrylic pens, if I feel like it. Or not, because I actually like some of the tattoos just as they are, without any extra colour.
The whole process is so quick that I certainly don’t run the risk of being left with a half-finished project. And the pretty decorative stones also make wonderful little gifts to take along to your next party.
More craft materials
Activity Board 12 piece brick painting set for kids with 18 colours (standard and metallic colours, stickers)
In a nutshell
Tattooed stones
This set is a hassle-free option for anyone who wants to get started straight away without much preparation. It comes with three stones, four acrylic markers and a sheet of transfer stickers. The designs can be quickly and easily transferred onto the stones using the sponge provided, and then coloured in however you like.
Pro
- Everything you need is included
Anna Sandner
Senior Editor
Anna.Sandner@galaxus.deScience editor and biologist. I love animals and am fascinated by plants, their abilities and everything you can do with them. That's why my favourite place is always the outdoors - somewhere in nature, preferably in my wild garden.
