Pinterest has made kids birthdays a competitive event and I have to admit I’ve fallen into the trap.
For the past three years, I’ve spent hours planning, crafting and implementing a perfect party for my daughter. I’ve made my daughter’s birthday into something. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not and I’ve caused myself stress just doing it all.
But when I ask her if she had a good party, she answers with a big smile, explaining all the things she loved about her day. I do this for her. For the memories and to show my love to her.
This year my baby turns 8! It’s just a crazy thought that I have an eight year old. I’m still coming to terms with her getting older as I feel like I’m 23 years old. Deciding the theme is always the biggest challenge. She changes her mind so frequently. We finally settled for a painting party. I knew the stress of paint and children would potentially get to me so we opted for a small group of well behaved girls.
What you will need for supplies:
- 2 Rolls of Kraft Paper
- 6 Plastic Plates or Paint Palettes
- Variety of Paint Brushes
- 6 Aprons
- Acrylic Paint
- 100 Pack of Scrap Paper
- Baker’s Twine
- Hole Punch
- 6 Paint Swatch Cards
- Cupcake Liners
- 6 Clear Cups
- White Paper Plates
- 6 Canvas Boards
- Pencils
- Pinata
- Candles
Food:
- Skittles
- Cupcakes
- Frosting
- Popcorn
- Water
- Pinata Candy
A rainbow of paints allows the girls to create their masterpieces.
I attend a monthly Ladies’ Craft Night, which allows me scheduled time to work on any party prep. I made the flag banner with scrapbook paper. You can get a 100 pack from Walmart for just a few dollars. The small rectangles were easy to cut into triangles. Next, I hole punched each flag and strung on baker’s twine. It was a bit time consuming, but it’s festive.
I made the mini flag banner for the cake using two paint brushes and the leftover scraps.
The girls decorated the white cupcakes with sprinkles and skittles.
We went to the local hardware store to collect paint swatch cards. I used my friend’s cricut to make the names. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the paper I chose so I simply traced each letter. I didn’t want to waste the paper.
Each child went home with her name tag, apron and painting.
Two rolls of Kraft wrapping paper protected my kitchen table from paint, frosting and more!
These paint palettes were cut from sturdy paper plates. Originally, I planned to let the girls use them for paint. I soon realized the stupidity of that plan! Instead I added color swatches to turn them into decorations.
I use Paperless Post for the invitations to save money and the environment. The app/website gives you free coins when you open an account. I’ve been able to send two different party invitations with the free coins. They also have free cards. Your event can be added to your electronic calendar and RSVPs are tracked.
It was quiet for at least thirty minutes while the girls created their masterpieces.
When planning any party remember to be flexible and have fun! That’s the point of a party, right, to have fun!
Really cute ideas here – I love the flag bunting and it’s so awesome that the apron was useful during the party and a favor to take home (and probably be useful there, too). And, Paperless Post is cool – thanks for all the tips!
Thanks, Meredith! We still have the flag bunting hanging up. It’s a very cheerful decoration! Each girl took home her apron, name tag and canvas plus candy from the pinata. I’ve used Paperless Post a few times now. To me, most people have email and just throw away the invitation anyway. Waste the stop!
Kerri