How to organise and plan a Children's painting party

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Choose your painting party theme

Choose a Theme or Concept for the party so that you have something to focus on. Base the theme on the interests of the birthday child or just general fun ideas.

Popular themes include: Animals, nature, or space; Favorite cartoon or movie characters or Abstract art or free-form creativity.

Where to have the party

Decide whether you can have the party at home or in a larger space like a community hall. Ensure  that the space is large enough for the kids to work comfortably with their art supplies. Don’t under estimate the mess!

Art and Painting party invitations

Don’t forget to mention bringing some old clothes or aprons on your invitation.

Here is a cat themed invite, great if your child likes cats.

Here is a more abstract themed invitation.

Supplies for a Child's paint party

Now you’ve picked where and when you are having the party, it’s time to gather the art supplies.

Canvases or large pieces of paper

This along with the paint is the most essential!

You might want to get pre drawn canvases, like these from Amazon.

Paints

Get paints that are safe, washable varieties for kids.

Like these -CRAYOLA Washable Paints

Paint brushes

Paint brushes work out better than hands – (slightly!)

I do like this painting kit from Amazon, it has alsorts which will make some interesting masterpieces!

Palettes

Palettes or old plates for mixing the colours.

These paletes come with paints already inside them – Mini Water Colour Paints Sets Kids

Aprons

You could ask the guests to bring old clothes, shirts etc

Or you could purchase a set of aprons, which I found are very reasonable priced – like these from Amazon – PLULON 30 Pcs Kids Painting 

Art party kits - ready made

I found this company on Etsy that do ready made kits for kid’s art parties, with everything you need included – that will certainly take alot of hassle out.

Preparing for the art party

Prep the tables

Choose a large area like a dining table, patio, or an outdoor space. Cover surfaces with big table cloths or/and newspapers to protect from paint splatters. You will probably want to cover the floor too.

Have a pack of paper towels, or lots of rolls of kitchen roll on hand.

I like this pack of 5 Plastic Paint Splash Mats for Table & Floor, from Amazon.

Kids party drinks and snacks

Prepare some snacks

Offer simple, kid friendly snacks such as cup cakes, fruit, biscuits, or pizza. Provide drinks like juice boxes, water, or squash. Keep snacks simple so children can eat easily between painting sessions.

You might want to separate the food out for each child into a party food box, This will help keep the food and paints separate, and also if any one has any allergies or other dietry requirements, this makes it easier to separate too.

Party music

Music you will all enjoy

Play some up beat music to get the painting vibes going and the artistic juices flowing.

I like this kids party CD from Amazon, because I would enjoy it too.

Make a gallery

Display the finished pieces

Once the painting ans art work is finished make a display.

This art work display set from Etsy is easy to set up.

Once everyones work is up, you can host a mini art exhibition.

Cleaning up

The clean up game

Make cleaning up a game for the children. Have plenty of supplies of kitchen towel, wetwipes, sponges, plastic bags, etc

Party bags

Party favours

Send kids home with their artwork, along with fun art-themed party favours like coloured pencils, small sketchbooks, or paint sets.

Remember the moment

Photo booth ideas

Take lots of photos of the kids painting, and their art work. They grow up fast so remember these days.

‘Photo booths’ are popular, and taking photos with props can be fun. There are lots you can print out and make your self. Like this set I found on Etsy.