A handful of smooth stones can become a game, a storytelling tool or a small handmade gift. By painting each stone with a simple image, ordinary pebbles can be turned into pieces that children can combine in different ways.

Start with smooth, relatively flat stones that are large enough to hold a recognisable drawing. Wash them thoroughly and allow them to dry before painting.

The images should remain simple. A house, tree, sun, cloud, animal, flower, person or piece of food is enough. Each stone represents one element that can later become part of a story.

Acrylic paint or paint markers are useful for adding colour and smaller details. There is no need for every illustration to follow exactly the same style. The handmade differences are part of the character of the set.

Once several stones are finished, place them in a fabric bag or small basket. A child can select a few stones at random and use the pictures as the starting point for a story. Adding new stones over time allows the collection and the possible stories to grow.

Painted stones can also become simple games. A set marked with crosses and circles can be used for noughts and crosses, while matching images can form the basis of a memory or sorting game.

Themes can be created too. One collection might contain animals, another holidays, nature, food or places visited during a trip. Children can even paint their own memories and add them to the set.

When the paint is completely dry, a clear non-toxic protective finish can help the drawings last longer, particularly when the stones will be handled regularly.

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