We did the “Canvas Painting on a Budget” package from As You Wish which includes:
- 10 x 10″ canvas for up to 10 painters
- A party host to help and walk the kids through the painting
- 2 hours in the party area
- a birthday pin and special ceramic plate for guests to sign for the birthday girl
- The ability to bring in any outside food and drinks we wanted. (A huge plus in my book!)
- Invitations (You can pick up in the studio, print yourself, or use a evite)
When you book your party, you select which design the kids will paint at the party. As much as my daughter loves art, she also loves animals. She loved the puppy canvas so we went with a puppy party, emphasis on the ART in party. I’m such a sucker for a themed party so to set the tone, I created my own invitations. I had them printed at a photo lab as 5×7’s.
When you throw a party at As You Wish, you can literally just show up and party. They take care of all the supplies and everything except for any food you might want to serve. I decided to jazz things up a bit, but just know that you can go as low maintenance as you want to and you will still have a great time.
This is what the table set-up looked like. They put the canvases on easels so the kids felt like real artists while they painted. I found the cute paw print tablecloths on Oriental Trading. I added polka dot balloons to the backs of each chair. The balloons were cute but ended up getting in the way as the kids were trying to see the instructor and as we were trying to help the kids if they needed.
I had some mini chalkboard easels that I brought to add to the table. Just a fun little detail to add to the party atmosphere. The easels came from Michaels.
I loved that the kids had a finished sample to reference but the instructor encouraged the kids to use whatever colors they wanted. We ended up with lots of different colored puppies. My favorite thing is that the instructor had sketched out the dog beforehand on all the canvases. This helped the kids so much. I feel like it really set the kids up for success. Speaking of our instructor, this was our party host Charis. She was amazing! Funny, kind, sweet and SO patient with the kids. She walked the kids through each step and offered help and encouragement where needed. She was also able to keep everyone on track so we could get everyone to finish their masterpiece.
Here’s a in-process shot. You can see the puppy details sketched in their lightly. My daughter decided to go with a Christmas themed dog. When you are born in December, birthdays and Christmas are closely intertwined. LOL!
One other perk about the parties is that everyone can sign a plate for the birthday kid. She got to pick her favorite out of three designs. I loved the cupcake she picked. It just seemed perfect for a birthday party plate. The plate comes with instructions to bake it at home to set the ink. You get to bring the plate home with you same day, which is nice.
When everyone finished their canvases, Charis moved them to the back so they could dry and the kids could enjoy some cake and presents. I decided to keep the food pretty low maintenance. I went with the “semi-homemade” approach which included taking store bought products and adding some fun puppy details.
Head to page 3 to hear about the food, goody boxes, and see the final paintings!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My husband and I did a paint night and it was a blast. I never thought about doing the kids birthday party there, though – good idea.
Jeanette says
We go to as you wish a lot. I love that place they have so many great things to paint! I need to take my son to it I think he is old enough to have fun with it.
Teresa says
I just recently bought some canvas paint! Cant wait to use it!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
A canvas painting party sounds like so much fun! I think this is the perfect way to have a ton of fun and wake up a little creativity.
lisa says
This is a really cute paint nite idea! My girlfriends and I do paint nites every month and we love it!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
I’d love to do a paint night. It looks and sounds like a fun thing to do. I’ve been wanting to paint a canvas since moving in to my new place.
Liz Mays says
Wow this party looked like a blast. The puppy theme was a great idea. I love that you’re encouraging your daughter to be creative!
Miles L. says
Wow! It is great to know that your daughter is into painting and art. Thanks for sharing.
April Mims says
I haven’t tried doing a paint party like this but it looks like a super fun way to celebrate a birthday. I love that it’s so simple to host a party there.
OurFamilyWorld says
What a fun party. This is a great way to encourage the kids to paint.
Angie says
I’ve heard of these before. I saw one the other day where you took your dog and painted your own dog. SO CUTE. I want to do that.
Chubskulit Rose says
What a fun party theme celebration. My daughter would love this kind of party!
Janet says
Thank you for sharing with us!!! This party looks so much fun and great way to get ones to bring out their artistic side 🙂 Reading this post reminded the time when my sister did a canvas painting party for her birthday one year and I really enjoyed myself too!!!
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Ann Bacciaglia says
Painting is so much fun. We have always painted with the kids. I have a ton of art the kids have made growing up. They are great to look back at and see how well the kids have progressed.
ashleigh says
What an adorable idea! I’m not much of a painter but my boyfriend is pretty good, we should try this.
Ron Leyba says
Painting is great! It kinda release the stress im feeling. Thanks for sharing this one.
Dawn says
That painting turned out so well. I love painting on canvas, I love the idea of a painting party!
ricci says
Your painting is adorable!!! I have never done a painting class but I want to so bad!!!
Crystal Lopez says
I love this painting! I have really been wanting to try one of those painting places. Seems like so much fun!
Lynndee says
That is such a cool and fun way to celebrate a kid’s birthday party. Love that painting! My son loves drawing and I think he would enjoy painting as much.
Shanéy Maharaj says
Awesome idea. My daughter loves arts and crafts. This is will be a great theme for her next birthday.
CourtneyLynne says
Omg I keep telling myself I want to do a paintin party so bad, yet I never do. Definitely on my 2016 goals list 😉
Amanda says
What a great idea for a birthday party. We get so bored with the skating, lazer tag etc… this is so creative!
Tonya C says
These are goals for 2016, because every year during the holidays I say it but don’t do it! lol
Katarina says
I love love love whenever kids are inspired to do arty stuff! This looks like a party that I’d fully endorse and even join in myself!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
That is such a fun activity for the kids! I bet when I show this to her she’d love this as a party theme.