Some of the most beautiful stones can be found along lake shores, rivers and streams. They can also be found where landscaping materials are sold. As the photo shows, the colors and composition can be absolutely gorgeous. They are works of natural art that have been tumbled by decades or even centuries of flowing water. They have many uses that go far beyond yard decor. Find out how you can use smooth pebbles when decorating your home, and enjoy their intrinsic beauty. They will look phenomenal when used with water features, candle displays and more.
Maintain the Wet Look with Clear Acrylic Sealer
If you have ever collected stones along a beach or riverbank, you have probably noticed that they look better when wet. Once they dry they are not nearly as shiny, and their natural hues and details are not nearly as bright or as clear. You can maintain a wet look by coating them with clear acrylic sealer before decorating your home with your favorite finds.
Use Smooth Pebbles to Enhance the Natural Beauty of Indoor Fountains
Indoor fountains a gorgeous addition to any home. They come in all styles and sizes, and they provide more than just visual pleasure. The sound of running water is very soothing. When setting up an indoor fountain, consider adding smooth pebbles that you collected or handpicked from a landscaping store. Depending on the style of the fountain, they can be used to redirect the flow of water over the sides of an upper tier.
Fill a Candle Tray with Polished River Rock after Adding the Candles
Candle trays look much better when filled with something other than candles. Fillers can be used to greatly enhance the display. Consider using smooth pebbles that are all about the same size. Coat them with acrylic sealer to give them a wet look, and arrange them by hand around battery-operated pillar candles or the real wax and wick variety. Tuck a little dried moss in between the stones and around the candles to create a lovely natural display.
Paint Simple Designs on Smooth Stones before Displaying Them in a Shallow Bowl
Dark or light smooth pebbles can be beautifully decorated with acrylic craft paint. Using a fine tip brush, create intricate swirls, dots and curls that make up a single design on one side. Use white paint on dark stones and dark paint on lighter ones. If necessary, paper doilies as stencils. To keep the designs from coming off, spray them with clear acrylic sealer. They will look fantastic in a shallow wooden bowl.
Make a Tabletop Cairn with Flat Pebbles
Cairns are stone mounds that are delicately stacked and balanced. They serve as markers, and in some cases they hold significant meanings. If you have a collection of beautiful smooth pebbles, stack and glue them together from the largest to the smallest using clear-drying epoxy. If desired, glue the cairn to a small flat piece of driftwood. It would make a wonderful housewarming gift for someone who appreciates the meaning behind a stack of carefully chosen polished stones.
Source: Advanced Crafting and Professional Home Decorating Education and Experience