A Painting Birthday Party {Social Artworking}
My oldest daughter has been planning her birthday party for over a year. She’s changed her ideas a dozen times. At one point she wanted a party that involved her brothers chasing all her friends in a nerf battle. I convinced her that all her friends may not think that is a fun game. She also thought about a ‘wrestling party’. Then it was a ‘gymnastics/dance/singing party’, which would include a stage for her to perform. As the party grew closer, she found pinterest and decided she wanted a painting party.
She planned every detail. I just did what she said! The girl had a checklist and she was checking it far more than twice.
In the midst of planning her party, DecoArt contacted me about their Social Artworking Canvas Painting Parties…the timing could not have been better. I’ve worked with DecoArt for several years and am always a bit giddy to get a DecoArt package on my doorstep. The idea for the painting parties is simple – gather together with a group of friends and paint a canvas. There is a Party Planner that makes figuring it all out really easy. My daughter picked an owl design and everything we needed was sent to our home care of DecoArt. Easiest party ever. I will say the biggest investment is the easels, canvas and paintbrushes. Just keep that in mind if you begin planning a party. 
The kit comes with transfer paper and the design. I transferred the basic design on each canvas prior to the party.
There are very easy to follow instructions for leading the painting. The instructions tell you which brush to use (for example use #12 or #08). The numbers are small. Since my party included a group of 5 & 6 year old girls, I color coded the brushes with washi tape. It was easier to tell the girls, “use your pink paintbrush.”
My paint trays are from Hobby Lobby. I use and reuse them all the time. They clean up so easily. Each girl had a prepared spot that included her brushes, paint try, cup with water, paper towel and her canvas.
All the decorations were decided by my daughter. She wanted rainbow colors with an emphasis on blue (her favorite color).
We gave all the moms a heads up that we would be painting, so they could dress accordingly.
The straws are from IKEA. The napkins are c/o Shop Sweet Lulu.
My daughter told me she wanted a square cookie cake. It also had to have white and blue icing in a square and in circles with a number 6 candle. I baked the cookie cake and then had her direct every step of the icing. When it was finished she declared it the most beautiful cake she has ever seen. She also told me she was sure everyone would think we bought it at the bakery. I love that about kids. She sees everything in the most beautiful way.
One of my favorite parts of the painting was that the girls mixed the paint. The colors didn’t come ready to use. They had to combine different colors and mix them to get the right shades. I then led them in what to paint where. It was cute watching them get up and walk around to encourage and admire all the paintings.
We took a break to let the first layer dry…cookie cake, snacks, hide-n-seek, and chicken chasing.
And back to finish their paintings. Also, note the red washcloths on the table. I got those wet before the party so they were on hand and ready to use when little hands got paint on them, which they did.
When the party was over I told Chris I want to be an art teacher. I had so much fun helping the girls with their paintings. SO MUCH FUN. They were all so proud of their work and my girl was beaming the whole time. I am hoping she decides she wants another painting party next year. If not, I’ll just invite my friends over for a party. Maybe I’ll invite my friends over either way!
For more information on designs and details on planning your own party, visit the Social Artworking website!
It has been fun reading all your questions yesterday. I’ll work on answering some of those next week!
