Thursday, April 6, 2017

Northeast Ohio Rocks! Reaches 100,000 Members

On April 5, 2017, Northeast Ohio Rocks! Reached 100,000 members. 

The group started on July 24, 2016.  As I added that 100,000th person, I felt so much excitement for what we have accomplished here. We are 8 months old and in a toddler’s life just taking our first steps. It is truly amazing. So many of you have found art and creativity again. So many of you have blossomed right before our eyes. And, the amount of random acts of kindness we have shared is immeasurable. We have grown into this amazing thing. We have spread across Ohio, the United States and the World. Our little painted rocks are on a journey to share kindness. I need to thank my admins and maybe for the first time you are learning who they are but I have an incredible team of admins that love and support this group. Take a bow

 Jeff Pierson
Brenda Kale
Ashley Cook
Ryan Cook
Michelle Wahl
Charli-Anne Powell
They work very hard each day to bring you a positive, inspiring group that is negative free, conflict free and child safe. Thank you very much guys! You are incredible.There are so many other people in this group that make us absolutely amazing. Take a bow

 Tina Givens
Terri McClelland
Teri Willham
Tracy Ford
Karen Rounds
Tracy Zimmerman
Jessica Freeland
Lisa Vizzuso Furry
Joyce Williams
Laure Fievet Westover
Toni Rupp Schnedetz
Sierra Hodges
Ashley Wallace
and many more!
These people have been here and watched us grow member by member. They helped kick start many communities. Thank you to all of them and all of you.I would like to introduce to you a couple ladies, that tirelessly spread kindness by liking and commenting on almost every single post on our wall. Take a bow

 Joni Briggs
Deborah Mate Bennett
Berna McNeal
Betty Lou Kee

Thank you to my lovely daughter-in-law, Mallory Powell, for saying “mom, you’ve got to do this”. It has been truly amazing. So many of us have learned to share kindness again and it makes us better people. We share with new people and they become better too. We all have become better, kinder people because of painted rocks.

 Read about how Northeast Ohio Rocks started here
Always thank you to Aisha Lesh at Port Angeles Rocks for starting this “rocks” movement. What she has done is amazing. Her group has inspired countless groups who have inspired countless groups who have inspired countless groups. She truly has paved the way to kindness with stones across the United States and around the World. Thank you Aisha!
Always thank you to the Darnell family at Whidbey Island Rocks for being our inspiration. The group is full or amazing art and camaraderie.
And, last but not least, many of you may not have noticed but Brenda Kale tells each and every one of us Good Morning and Good Night each and every day.
All of us together, old and new, make this AMAZING!! We do more together than we can ever do alone.
Please thank all these wonderful people for their time, efforts and kindness. I did not intentionally leave anyone out. Please do not feel left out if I did not mention your name. All of us do this together and together we make this amazing.
Rock On Northeast Ohio! Northeast Ohio Rocks!

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Hiding Your Northeast Ohio Rocks!

Now that you have painted your rock, 


Added your label


And sealed your rock



It is time to hide your rock. Have fun!! Hide the rock in various locations to brighten someone’s day. Here in Northeast Ohio we have several bike and hiking trails, parks and plenty of other places to leave a little something to brighten someone’s day. 

 Tips for hiding Northeast Ohio Rocks!
Rocks should be able to be seen. We want them found. Hide rocks in plain sight. Rocks should catch your eye as your walking by.
Hiking/biking trails
Park Benches 
Picnic Tables 
Outdoor eating areas Playgrounds 
Gas Stations 
ATM Machines On top (not in) Mailboxes 
In Elevators 
Hand to a Drive Thru Worker Hand to a Passerby 
Leave with a Tip
Respect private property.
Do not trespass.
Do not place rocks in places that would be dangerous for the finder to retrieve.
Do not place rocks in areas that would damage property.
Do not hide rocks in areas that would cause personal injury.
Do not hide rocks in grass or other places that are going to be mowed.
Do not hide rocks in garden or landscaping areas where someone’s hard work and loving care would be trampled.
Do not hide rocks in or around water features.
Remember to be respectful of private property and businesses.
Do not hide rocks inside local businesses without permission.
Rocks should not be hidden in grocery stores or around any fresh, unsealed food due to health department regulations
Please see the Northeast Ohio Rocks Facebook Page Pinned Post for places that do no want rocks hidden there. Please respect these places and their wishes. 

Please re-hide your rock. The rock was painted to bring unexpected joy and should be re-hid to continue to bring joy to other people. We are givers, not takers! We give kindness and smiles. Finding and hoarding rocks is absolutely not what this is about. We receive and give back. It is what we do!
The issues of keeping rocks has been very carefully considered. Rocks should not be kept. Unlike other areas of the country, we here in some of the areas in Northeast Ohio have a limited supply of rocks. Many of our members purchase rocks in order to participate. 
We understand rocks can have sentimental value. If you have painted a rock as a gift for a specific member, please deliver the rock to that member. That member is more than welcome to keep the rock. And, we would love to see the rock and know the story behind the rock. You should not hide a rock intended for someone to find because it may not be found.
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Sealing Your Painted Rock

It is important to seal your rock to protect your label and your artwork from the elements. 



You can find the labels in the files folder on the Northeast Ohio Rocks! Facebook Group Page



We attach our Northeast Ohio Rocks! label by decoupage with Mod Podge.


1. Glue the label in place with the Mod Podge by using the Mod Podge under the label. Be sure to cover the label edge to edge.

2. Cover the label with Mod Podge. Be sure there are no bubbles or creases in your label. 

3. Allow to dry completely.  I usually allow overnight drying. 

4. Repeat two more coats. If done properly, your label will become a part of the rock. NOTE: Allow drying, overnight to ensure dryness, before sealing your rock. If you do not allow proper drying time, your artwork could crack in the extreme temperatures.


5. Prior to moving on to sealing your rock, please allow overnight drying. Not allowing the mod podge to dry completely will cause cracking when the sealer dries faster than the mod podge.



Spray your rock with an outdoor sealant. Most of us use Rustoleum Clear Coat Spray Paint or Duraclear. It is very important to seal your entire rock to protect your artwork and the label and to prevent water from getting into the rock. 

 Duraclear is a non aerosol sealer that can be used indoors. 



FAQ Mod Podge
 
It is not Modge Podge. Who knew?  I’ve always called it Modge Podge. It’s just fun to say. But, it is really Mod Podge. See not as fun to say.
We use Mod Podge to decoupage the label to the rock. Decoupage takes several coats with drying in between each coat. I allow overnight drying. If done correctly your label will become a piece of the rock. You will not feel the edges of your label.

 Mod Podge is the proper technique to affix your label. Do not tape your label onto your rock. Your rock gets hot in the sun and tape melts. Do not use white glue to glue on your label. White glue peals. Small bottles of Mod Podge can be found at Dollar Tree.

 Mod Podge is not waterproof. Mod Podge is not weatherproof. You MUST seal your entire rock, top and bottom, including over the label. Outdoor Mod Podge is not the answer to skipping the sealing process. Outdoor Mod Podge has a very long cure time. It is not meant to be put in the weather. In our weather it becomes tacky and can become cloudy if wet. If using Outdoor Mod Podge, you MUST seal your entire rock, top and bottom, including over the label. 

You can read about Outdoor Mod Podge here.


Photo Credit: Mod Podge Rocks Blog
We also use Mod Podge if you are using sharpies or other markers to write on your rock. You will need to put a light coat of Mod Podge over the sharpie or marker to prevent bleeding and running during the sealing process. 

 Buy the regular Mod Podge. The other Mod Podge’s aren’t necessary because you MUST seal over your Mod Podge. 

 Do not use homemade Mod Podge for this activity. It will dull your work and can peel. 

Photo Credit: The Artful Parent


 You can read the Artful Parent article here


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Painted Rocks and Hashtags!



At Northeast Ohio Rocks, hashtags are optional and not required. We use them as an organizational tool.

 In November of 2016 as our group was growing and growing we implemented hashtags. Many people who never knew what a hashtag was have learned what they are and how to use them.

 Many people don't know what they are. 

 Many people don't know how to use them. 

 Many people use them incorrectly. 

Hashtags help keep a collection of all your rocks you have posted. If you have used the hashtag correctly, your post will be included in the collection.  

 Hashtags help "track" rocks. I use this term very lightly because tracking requires many factors. 

 1. That you made the hashtag correctly
2. That the finder knows what a hashtag is
3. That the finder has facebook or a camera phone
4. That the finder uses the hashtag correctly

 No one should ask anyone about using hashtags. While many enjoy the game. What we do really is not a game. We are sharing kindness. It's fun. It feels good. There are many benefits to us in sharing kindness one painted rock at a time. Our success comes from the finder having their day brightened. Our success is not measured by how many likes we have, how many comments we have or how many of our rocks are posted. 

 Seeing your rocks posted is just as unexpected as finding a rock. Not all rocks that are posted include a hashtag. You should never add your hashtag to a rock you did not paint. If there is not a hashtag on a rock, it is painted as the painter wished. Many painters do not hashtag their rocks but instead hashtag their photos. 

 Please enjoy the painting, hiding and sharing kindness. 
How to Use Hashtags!

 1. Be specific. 

 Choose a hashtag for your entire household and continue to use that same specific hashtag. 

 Don’t make your family hashtag specific to the rock. 

 Don’t make multiple specific hashtags. 

 Make it specific to your family/household. 

 You won’t have to remember multiple hashtags when searching for your rocks.

 2. Please do not use first names of children. 

 You may use your last name. If you need help coming up with a hashtag, check messenger for your assigned @ name. 

 Social media and the internet are a big place. 

 We want your children to be safe.

 3. Please do not use your zip code or phone number. 

 Many people live within the same zip code. 

 A hashtag with a child’s name, zip code or other identifying information on a child’s picture will be deleted. 

 Keep hashtags safe. 

 Your family hashtag should be unique, a little quirky but not overly clever. 

 Keep them fun and simple.

 4. In keeping with the “rock” theme in all the “rock” groups within the United States and our group please end your hashtag with “rocks”

 This also helps to make your hashtag unique

 5. Please use the group hashtag as well #northeastohiorocks

 6. Describe your rock

 You may use a hashtag that describes your rock. Please keep it specific to the rock. Do not use your name, group name or rocks in your hashtag. This is necessary for search purposes. For instance you wanted to find “minions” you could search minions in the group search box or your could search hashtag minions in the Facebook search box. Keep these hashtags very simple. They work best.

 7. Do a Search

 Prior to creating your specific Northeast Ohio Rocks! hashtag, please search Google and Facebook to know if the hashtag is being used and how it is being use. 
Search #purplepenquinrocks in Google



Search #purplepenquinrocks in Facebook




8. Use Your Hashtag

Write your hashtag on the back of the rock with a sharpie. No need for the rock description hashtag on the rock. Remember to cover with a light coat of mod podge before sealing to prevent running and bleeding.


When adding your last coat of Mod Podge on label, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the rock where you can write your hashtag




Once dry, use sharpie to write your hashtag on the rock




Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over your hashtag
to prevent running and bleeding when sealing


1. No spaces

If you use a hashtag with spaces, your hashtag will stop at the space. If you used
#purple penquin rocks

Your hashtag search would stop at the space and only be

#purple
2. No punctuation marks or special characters. 

 Only use # immediately preceding your words. @ means something different. It is used in Twitter. I don’t believe it is used in Facebook other than in messenger. You may use numbers. Please do not use your zip code or phone number.
If you use a hashtag with symbols, your hashtag will stop at the symbol. If you used

#purple&penquin@rocks

Your hashtag search would stop at the space and only be


#purple


3. Hashtags are not case sensitive. 
#purplepenquinrocks

is the same as

#PurplePenquinRocks
4. The hashtag must be used in the post. 

 Using a hashtag in a comment will not add the photo to the hashtag collection.  A hashtag in a comment in only a clickable link that takes you to the collection. Please continue to use names when tagging people.



Use the hashtag when posting your picture. When you type the hashtag, the hashtag will be highlighted blue. You have typed the hashtag correctly.


If you have added a space, the blue highlighted area stopped where the hashtag stopped....at the space. You can not use spaces in hashtags

If you have added a symbol, the blue highlighted area stopped where the hashtag stopped....at the symbol. You can not use symbols in hashtags

After you have typed your hashtag, space. If you have done it correctly, your hashtag will be underlined with red dots.

Post. If you have done your hashtag correctly. You will see it on your post and it will be bold or blue
Hashtags are optional

 Hashtags are not required

 This is a completely optional thing to do. By using a hashtag, you understand that the finder may not use your hashtag when your found rock is posted. Please do not badger people into using hashtags. Please do not ask/tell someone to edit their post to include your hashtag. These comments will be removed.




**Dangers of hashtags
Hashtags are a searchable, clickable link to ALL comments or pictures you include the hashtag with. 

 At Northeast Ohio Rocks! we use them as an organizational tool to locate our found rocks among the many, many posts we have a day. It has been brought to my attention our hashtags are being tracked. I don’t know why. I don’t know how someone has the time to do this. But all of us should be aware and vigilant about our own safety and the safety of our children. Search hashtags like picoftheday or family to see what I mean. As stated above never create a hashtag with your child’s name. Your hashtag forever links you in cyberspace until that link is broken. Anyone else can use your hashtag and link any comment or photo. Hashtags aren’t the devil and when used appropriately are very useful but with all things social media please be careful what you post and how you use hashtags.
Any hashtag deemed inappropriate by the admins will not be permitted. Appropriateness is at the admins discretion.


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How to Paint Rocks!





First you need some rocks! Where to buy rocks? Yes, we buy rocks. Many of us in Northeast Ohio do not have access to rocks. 

 Please do not take rocks from private property landscaping. Local, State and National Parks are private property. Please do not take rocks from these places. Railroads are Federal Property and rocks should not be taken from railroad property.  

 Please do not take rocks from our Lake Erie Beaches. Most of this area is private property or owned by a park which is private property. 



Rocks can be purchased at your local gravel pit by the 5 gallon bucket. Don't forget your bucket. 

 Check with your local landscaping company.  They may have loose rock and bagged rock. 

 The two most common rocks purchased are the Mexican River Rock, Caribbean Beach Pebbles, and Dorado Beach River Rock  

Mexican River Rock from Home Depot
Caribbean Bach Pebbles from Home Depot





Dorado Beach River Rock from Home Depot


 You can also find rocks online at Walmart or Amazon.

1. Clean Your Rocks


It is very important that your rocks are clean and free of dust so the paint adhere’s to your rock.

You can wash your rocks in a bucket with a very small amount of dish liquid. Some rocks may need a little scrubbing. Be sure to rinse your rocks. You do not want a soap residue on your rock. 


I lay mine on the sidewalk and rinse them off with the hose. Be sure to flip them over and get any dirt off the other side. 


If you have purchased rocks that are "polished" you can wash them in hot water. I prefer to lay them outside and pour a boiling pot of water over them. 
Please do not boil your rocks. Rocks can explode. Please do not wash rocks in your dishwasher. The dirt and particles coming off your rocks is not good for your sink or dishwasher. 
Be sure they are very dry before painting. Rocks are porous. Water inside your rock will bubble up your artwork and the label. 
When in a hurry or anytime, place the rocks on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet in a 350 oven for 10 minutes. 













I turn the oven off after 10 minutes and let the rocks cool in the oven giving them a longer drying time. More is not better. Rocks can explode. Allow the rocks to cool completely before removing from the oven and handling. 

 UPDATE: I created this method because I was impatiently waiting for rocks to dry. Since then, I have seen it copied and changed. More is not better. Longer is not better. Water in Rocks becomes steam. Rocks can explode. You do not have to turn the rocks. They aren't chicken. The rocks are hot. Use caution!
2. Paint your rock with acrylic craft paint.



 3.  Add Your Label

Use Mod Podge (the glue like in the jar) to decoupage a label on the back of your rock so that your finders know what this is all about. 


 You can find Northeast Ohio Rocks! labels in the files folder of the Facebook Group. 


1. Apply Mod Podge to the back of your rock where you are placing the label. 

 2. Apply Mod Podge to the back of your label (edge to edge). 

 3. Place your label on the rock and apply Mod Podge over the top of your label.

 4. Be sure to press all bubbles and creases out of your label and secure all edges. 

 5. Let dry overnight and apply another coat over the label. Again, let dry overnight just to be safe before sealing your rock. 


4. Add Your Hashtag

 Once you have your label on, you can add your hashtag. Write your hashtag on the back of your rock with a sharpie. Cover the area with a light coat of Mod Podge to prevent bleeding and running. Then, it is time to seal your rock. 

 ****Hashtags are optional. You are not required to use hashtag. At Northeast Ohio Rocks! we use them as an organizational tool.


When adding your last coat of Mod Podge on label, apply a layer of Mod Podge to the rock where you can write your hashtag




Once dry, use sharpie to write your hashtag on the rock.




Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge over your hashtag to prevent running and bleeding when sealing


5. Seal Your Rock

 Spray your rock with an outdoor sealant. It is very important to seal your entire rock (the front, back and over the label) to protect your artwork and the label from the elements and to prevent water from getting into the rock.
You can also use Duraclear. Duraclear is a non aerosol sealer that can be used indoors.
Most of us use Rustoleum Clear Coat or Duraclear.




 6. Post a Picture 

 Post a picture of your rock to the Northeast Ohio Rocks! Facebook wall.  We love seeing pictures of everyone's artwork. It inspires others to be creative too. 

 Northeast Ohio Rocks! on Facebook

7. Hide Your Rock

 Hide your rock and brighten someone's day. There are tips to hiding in the pinned post. Please respect private property. There is a list in the pinned post on the Northeast Ohio Rocks! Facebook group of places not to hide rocks. Please honor the requests to not hide rocks someplace.

Additional Information

 Be respectful!! No rock should contain any insulting picture or language. Please do not paint rocks regarding political issues, hot topic issues or issues revolving around adult concerns. 

Do not paint rocks with awareness ribbons or cause logos. We are not that kind of group. If you wish to support something join that group or support a cause, issue or topic on your private page. We are the place to come to get away from that. Our only platform or sharing kindness. The rocks are not bumper stickers. They don’t have an agenda other than sharing kindness and brightening someone’s day.





This is meant to be fun for all ages and abilities.
Any rock painted with obscenities, racism, or nudity will be deleted. Keep it rated “G” for everyone. Any rock not following group rules will be deleted.

This is for all talents levels. You can use paint, chalk, or sharpies. Try stamping designs or stickers. Remember to protect your artwork and your rock from the elements you have to seal your rock. 

 The sky is the limit to your options. Search “painted rock” in Google and Pinterest for ideas. Check out our group for ideas too! Don’t worry if someone has painted a ladybug. Paint another! Gather your inspiration from us. Have fun!!

 When posting your painted rocks or your found rocks to our group wall, please do not include a child's name in any post or comments. Our children's safety is our number one concern as it is yours but we love seeing their smiling faces with their finds. I want our children protected as best as they can be on our group page.


If you are adding objects to your rocks, please use E6000 and follow it’s directions. Use clean rocks and clean objects. Do not add things after sealing. Allow to dry completely. You can not use hot glue or other glues. These glues do not hold up to our sometimes extreme temperatures. When things fall off of rocks, it is considered littering. We do not want our rocks to be banned from parks or other areas because of this.
Here are several of my rocks that I have painted and that have been found a YEAR later. 







An important lesson from these photos is please follow our instructions on how to paint rocks. Look at these rocks. Our methods work. We want all of you to be successful in your rock painting. I know many people offer other suggestions on how they paint or seal their rocks. I promise you our instructions work. 



If you still have questions on how to paint rocks, you can search "Tip Tuesday" in the Northeast Ohio Rocks! Facebook group. 


We are new to many people each day. Most have the same questions. I have compiled a couple Frequently Asked Questions. 

Rock Painting FAQs

Update: Rock painting has grown into a movement growing to thousands of groups across the United States and many groups forming in foreign countries. It is important to remember we are about creating smiles and chain reactions of kindness. What we do is not about us. It is about creating smiles in other. Here are some important rules for rock painting. 
*Children find rocks. All rocks should be Rated G

*The rocks are not about us. We paint them to create smiles in others. Do not paint names and dates on rocks.

No Hot Topic Issues
No Politics
No Adult Concerns
No Adult Issues
No Awareness
No Causes

*Buying and Selling is not in the spirit of creating and sharing kindness. No buying or selling.

*When embellishing your rock use E6000. Tape, hot glue, white glue, super glue are not appropriate for this project. When things fall off rocks it is considered littering.

*We are Northeast Ohio Rocks! If painting rocks for our group and posting in our group, use our group label.

**Hashtags are optional. Hashtags are not required to be used by a painter or a finder. Many don’t know what they are or how to use them.

Rocks should be able to be seen. We want them found. Hide rocks in plain sight. Rocks should catch your eye as your walking by.

Hiking/biking trails
Park Benches
Picnic Tables
Outdoor eating areas
Playgrounds
Gas Stations
ATM Machines
On top (not in) Mailboxes
In Elevators
Hand to a Drive Thru Worker
Hand to a Passerby
Leave with a Tip

Respect private property.

Do not trespass.

Do not place rocks in places that would be dangerous for the finder to retrieve.

Do not place rocks in areas that would damage property.

Do not hide rocks in areas that would cause personal injury.

Do not hide rocks in grass or other places that are going to be mowed.

Do not hide rocks in garden or landscaping areas where someone's hard work and loving care would be trampled.

Do not hide rocks in or around water features.

Remember to be respectful of private property and businesses.

Do not hide rocks inside local businesses without permission.

Rocks should not be hidden in grocery stores or around any fresh, unsealed food due to health department regulations

Rocks may not be hid in the following locations:
Akron Zoo
Akron Children's Hospital
Cleveland Clinic
Medina Hospital
Stow Library
Cafe O'Play
Metroparks
Cuyahoga County Metroparks..NO ROCKS
Summit County Metroparks..ON TRAILS ONLY
Lorain County Metroparks..ON TRAILS ONLY
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Do not hide on Beaches (in the sand)
Disney Theme Parks
Please do not hide rocks or take rocks from cemeteries. Rocks on headstones have a deep meaning to those who leave them there. They are an indication that a friend or loved one was there and visited. Please be respectful of this practice and do not hide or take rocks from cemeteries.


*Hashtags are optional. Hashtags are not required to be used by a painter or a finder. Many don’t know what they are or how to use them.

*Do not add your hashtag to a rock that was not painted by you. The hashtag is like an artist signature.

*Do not add a label to a rock missing a label. The painter may not have used one. You don’t know where the rock is from.

*Posting a picture of the back of the rock is not necessary. We all know what the label says. Posting a picture of a hashtag does not create a link.

*Post rocks to the group identified on the label. Do not post rocks from other groups to our group. The painter won’t see them. If you don’t want to join a group, just rehide the rock.


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