The Debate: Natural, Painted, and Costumed Rocks

"Let rocks be rocks."
Naturalists within the community believe that Pet Rocks should remain unpainted, unadorned, and untreated—celebrated for their natural striations, mineral makeup, and timeless beauy.

• Rocks have survived millions of years—why cover that history with glitter?
• Natural Pet Rocks foster a deeper appreciation of geology, erosion, and time.
   
• Paint, adhesives, and costumes can obscure cracks or weaknesses, making it harder to provide proper care.
   

• Geologists, minimalists, traditionalists, and “raw beauty” enthusiasts

"Art is a form of connection."
The painted rock community sees decoration not as defacement, but as devotion. A painted rock companion is a shared creation...

—part nature, part nurture.

• Paint transforms ordinary rocks into personalized companions.
• It promotes community engagement—painted rocks often spark joy when found in public spaces.
• For many, painting rocks is a therapeutic activity, strengthening emotional bonds.

• Artists, children, teachers, and expressive owners
   

Care Note: Painted rocks require special handling. Avoid moisture, sunlight, and sharp surfaces that could chip their personality.

"Is a bowtie or tutu too much to ask?"
Costuming is where things get particularly heated. Some believe that googly eyes, top hats, and tiny capes add character and open the door for Pet Rocks to participate fully in events and shows. Others believe it crosses a line.

• Costumes offer fun, seasonal variety and enhance storytelling and engagement.
• They help bring Pet Rocks into family traditions, holidays, and public events.
• Many Pet Rock Shows now feature costume categories—judged on creativity, craftsmanship, and how well the accessory reflects the rock’s shape or personality.
   

• Rocks can’t consent to wearing tutus.
• Heavy costumes may cause wear or surface abrasion over time.
• Excessive accessorizing may shift the focus away from the rock itself.

For the record, The Pet Rock Show's official stance is : You be You!

For others, the answer may lie in 

context and balance. Some owners start with a natural rock and slowly introduce light decoration like felt pads for feet  or a seasonal hat. 

Others have different sets- painted companions and  unaltered rocks for comparison.

• Rock companions must always be respectful and supportive of others. Enhancements that are demeaning to others are not acceptable.
•  For those who may wish to later share their treasured friend in a show that requires rocks to be au naturel, consider using removable decorations (rubber bands, costumes, cradles). 
• Painting only on one side leaves a stone's “natural face” visible.
• Logging the rock’s original form before any artistic expression is added adds to a stony companion's history and story.

 Let's be honest- our shows are about building connections and community. When someone feels left out or lessened, those goals are destroyed.

As shows for sharing our stony companions grow in popularity, organizers are encouraged to include variety in their qualifications and categories.

Consider including category divisions such as:

• Natural(no alteration beyond cleaning)  
• Painted (color added, no accessories) 
• Costumed (removable accessories only)
• Mixed Media (paint and accessories-may be permanently applied)
   

Some shows even offer a NOT Quite but Beloved category for items that may not techically be rocks but still fit the intent and a People’s Choice Award so that every style has a chance to shine—whether polished by nature or glittered by hand.

Rocks have existed for billions of years. Humans have coexisted with them for far less. 

Whether you choose to preserve your Pet Rock in its pristine, ancient state—or turn it into a tiny caped superhero—what matters most is respect, joy, and shared connection.

At PetRockShow.com, we proudly honor 

all Pet Rocks and their people

—decorated, bare, or somewhere in between.

—Pet Rocks Show