Win turned 7 in March and he really wanted to invite his friends round for an art party. We seem to have fallen into the tradition of having friends in our home close to the boys’ birthdays, and I really like it – even if it can get quite crazy. I always underestimate the amount of questions, movement, noise and excitement that come with a party. Consequently, I am always too busy to take photographs to share, or look back on!
For his invitations we cut card into an artist palette shape and then he used his fingers to print the colours on. On one side we printed the child’s name, and on the other Winston wrote the party details. The party was quite straightforward, but there was quite a lot of preparation to do. I prepared friendship bracelets, some stencils and stamps for painting. Then there was a separate table for colouring, making cards and crafts. Food was a buffet eaten on picnic blankets and then I made the birthday cake.
When it came to supplies – Flying Tiger and Baker Ross came to the rescue. I bought each child a plain canvas bag to paint, as well as a DIY stamp set, glitter, fabric paints, paper party bags, cotton (for friendship bracelet making) and a 9 metre colouring book. I also bought these kitpas window and glass crayons which were expensive but the boys have used them a lot.
Close to the end we put on some music and they all did some dancing, plus we did the obligatory pass the parcel and musical statues. Each child went home with the canvas bag that they’d printed, along with anything else they’d made, as well as a small packet of sweets and some chocolate. After every party I vow to have less invitees, and feel frazzled for the next few days, but it is such fun getting to know their friends. I also jump on any adults that offer to stay – an extra pair of hands is priceless.
Rufus is set on having a chocolate party for his sixth birthday in January, so I’m not sure what that will entail. On another note, these felt party hats that I made years ago are still going strong which makes me very happy!
E xx
What am amazing idea Esther. You’re so creative with ideas. If you have any ideas for Freddies 6th birthday do throw themg way as I am bewildered as to where to begin. He’s had friends here the past 2 birthdays, both in the garden, with a paddling pool (total chaos and mess, too over excitable) but not sure what else I could do if they all came here, I worry about keeping them all occupied (his class is all boys). Love the idea of a chocolate party! Xx
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Our boys all have winter/spring birthdays so going outside isn’t really an option, but kids love being in the garden don’t they? but I can imagine that it’s totally crazy!!! We went to a party at the weekend and they had a bouncy castle in the garden, hook-a-duck and then a couple of crafts (painting Lego figures she made from plaster of Paris) and bracelet making, plus toys indoors and pass the parcel. It was really fantastic and worked so well. My boys always have a very clear idea of what they want which helps me out a lot. I also think that 1.5 – 2 hours is the perfect amount of time xx
Yay, I love throwing a shindig for kiddies on their birthday. We once did an art party for Harriet. It included a Jackson Pollock art area where the kids flung paint at canvases we hung from the back deck and a table for cupcake decorating. Another table full of homemade playdough, with add-ins such as glitter and little bugs plus shapes they would use to cut out the dough! We’ve also had a chocolate party with a chocolate fountain for George, I can give you some ideas. Can’t you tell we are cousins?
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Eve – how amazing do those sound? So fantastic! I love a party, even though I dread it the whole week before, because I want everyone to have a good time. Will definitely have to pinch the chocolate fountain idea. He wants to make chocolate lollies too and make some chocolate eggs! Hope parents don’t mind them bringing so much chocolate home with them. Love to you all xx
Ah lovely. Halle had her 7th birthday party a few days ago and we had a similar theme. There were 13 kids including ours lol. I got them each a wooden hanging plaque and a couple of them some wooden trinket boxes (they ran out of plaques!) to decorate with paint, glue, gems, beads etc. Then we decorated cupcakes. It went pretty well and also the weather held out for the afternoon for party food at the garden table. Love the invitations you and W made xx
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That sounds so lovely Nat xx
Cutest party idea ever! Brilliant 💗
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Thanks beaut xx