face painting

[cherylopal]

i offered to face paint at a booth to raise awareness about adopting greyhounds. i thought it might be a fun thing to do- i was hoping to get some practice in at my neighborhoods block party but it was rained out.

i would love any advice, tips, hints from anyone who has done this! I have two kits and extra paint brushes and cups for water and cleaning.

thanks!!!!

[cherylopal]

I just got back from a greyhound reunion where I spent the day face painting- just thought I would share what I've learned this summer

the Klutz book is great- full of simple cute designs although I got some others from a library book.

the Klutz paint that came with the book is the best of the two kinds of face paint that I've used. I also bought some black eye liner which is great too.

I always offer to paint the design on the back of their hand- many kiddos prefer that to their face and its so much easier for me- the cheek is softer and harder to keep neat lines and it seems I can hold the hand more still.

I only do small cheek designs- I feel better passing on painting near their eyes, nose or mouth- eyes for many reasons- nose and mouth for cootie reasons- and it goes faster.

I made one main book (1/2" binder) of the designs I'll do- its a three page book (color copies in sheet protectors) with 10 designs. I use this one. I have two additional copies of the book in a report covers that I give to the kiddos to make their choices. They can be deciding while they are in line while I paint the one kiddo in the chair.

I keep my supplies on a table to my right (I'm right handed)

I have two chairs next to a table facing each other- one for me and one for the kiddo being painted.

I bring a large plastic jug of water to fill a plastic cup to use while painting. I also bring a small old mirror, a roll of paper towels and neat stickers/tattoos for the siblings or friends that for whatever reason decide not to get painted.

I have a great time doing this

[Missi]

Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

My sister and I did something similar at a church fundraiser. It was a blast. My favorite part was seeing the kids see themselves for the first time in the mirror.

[cherylopal]

Originally Posted by Missi

My favorite part was seeing the kids see themselves for the first time in the mirror.

Absolutely!!

[Beth]

I did some facepainting years ago at one of our schools. I remember taking out some paper and practicing drawing the designs, then painting samples for the sheet we showed the kiddos. Keep the choices simple so you can do them quickly. You can add detail (spots on a puppy face) if time allows, but best to be prepared for waiting lines.

Have some baby wipes in case you need to clean up or start over on a giggly tickly face. Q-tips are good for touch-ups. Have some water cups and a way to dump and get clean water. (I see now Cheryl covered that -- and the mirror and paper towels are good too).

[cocoa'smom]

As a previous poster mentioned, definitely bring a mirror so the kids can see how they look. Have fun!