The
Nov. 4 issue of Toronto4Kids has an
article on do-it-yourself face-painting. The article gives tips for creating professional-looking faces on children with almost no practice. Read it only as a lesson on what not to do for a fun DIY face-painting party.
The lines of the animal that look so easy on the article's accompanying photograph take skill and the right brush. There's the added challenge of copying an intricate design onto a moving, bumpy face.
The probable outcome is that the designs will be time-consuming and sloppy, the children will be bored and the party atmosphere will be flattened.
Fortunately, there are easier ways to have enormous fun at a DIY face-painting party.
Rosie the Clown's #1 Favourite DIY Face-Painting PartyLet the kids paint each other. This is great fun for children as soon as they can hold brushes without making a complete mess. Toddlers enjoy dabbling on Rosie the Clown's hand. Teens who've been decorating the young ones end up painting each other. It's fun.
It's also a little messy, so it's not right for every occasion.
Rosie the Clown's #2 Favourite DIY Face-Painting PartyRecruit teenage girls or moms from among your guests to paint the children's faces. There are usually a few willing volunteers. Have them paint simple things and add glitter. No practice in advance is needed.
Hosts are amazed at how well this works. The faces look great, and the children are happy. Happiness is the goal.
Materials•
Paints. The homemade paints suggested by the article are a handicap. You'll be much better served by a palette of
quality, hypoallergenic face-paints.
•
Brushes. Provide different-size brushes for everyone who'll be painting. If the bristles are too floppy or too stiff, they won't paint well, so check before buying.
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Sponges. For covering large areas, cut up household sponges into pieces; they're rough but ready.
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Glitter. Dollar stores often have packages of fine-grain glitter in various colours.
