A little red ladybug hiding in your potted plant is an adorable accessory and enhances the beauty of your plant. A few ladybugs by your back door are a welcome invitation to visitors. A ladybug or two hidden next to your favorite plant in your garden increases its attractiveness.

You and your kiddies can easily create these little creatures of delight. Send the kids to scout for oval or round rocks (these are easily found in or near river banks). Once youve collected a dozen or so, purchase red spray paint, clear coat or clear sealant spray paint, black and white acrylic bottle paint and a few small paintbrushes.

Spray all your little rocks red. You can spray the entire body or just the top (I like to leave the bottom rock color; then show everyone that it was once just a rock). Once the paint dries, you (and/or your kiddies) can begin painting the black head, the black antennae, and the black spots. Allow them to completely dry. Then you are ready to paint the white eyes and the white mouths (I only do this on the larger ladybugs; very tiny pebbles are hard to paint small details on). After your face is complete and your rock has completely dried, you are ready to apply your clear coat or sealant; be sure to cover then entire rock surface. Let dry.

Now you have a Ladybug family! You can place them together or separately in potted plants, gardens, doorway entries, and any other little places that youd think they would like to live! Mix and match and move them around so they can be adventurous and visit with one another every once in a while.