Last week I wrote a post for Simply Designing about a fun summer paint party with my little ladies. I basically put the girls in (old) bathing suits, threw down a sheet, put out a bunch of paint supplies and let them go crazy. I made sure to stress that it was a “party” so that they wouldn’t think this little fun fest was going to turn into an every day thing. And let me tell you, they had a blast. 
I took about a million and a half shots of these two wild things doing what they do best and I kind of have to share them–because this kind of cuteness shouldn’t be kept to yourself.
They started out as very serious, proper artists. Paintbrushes were used properly. Paint was dipped into sparingly and masterpieces were started.
After a few spills, Sam started to realize that I didn’t mind if they got a little messy. She slowly tested the limits a little bit further by plopping her hand in the paint to do some finger painting. When I remained unfazed, girlfriend took the bull by the horns and went all out, with little sister quickly following suit.
Body parts were coated in paint. It was rubbed in like lotion and flung around like crazy. They had an insanely good time.
Believe it or not, I did give them a little bucket of water and they did use it to rinse off–a lot, actually… until Ellie dumped it out.
Sam rinsed mostly so that she could avoid mixing colors. If you look closely, you can see that she had a blast making hand and footprints on the big piece of kraft paper I laid out.
Ellie, well she used the bucket because–despite her reputation–she doesn’t like to be dirty. The girl can make a mess better than anyone I know and she’ll enjoy every second of it. But once she’s satisfied with her work, she wants it off of her–and immediately!
When they were done with their masterpieces (…or when momma laid down the law and said it’s dinnertime!, before proceeding to clean up the massive mess pretty much by herself), I turned the hose on them and was completely shocked at how effective it was at removing the paint.
I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with “washable” paint. It usually doesn’t live up to its name. But this time, it totally did! It took a little scrubbing on their skin, but the paint came out of their bathing suits with absolutely no extra effort needed.
What I loved most about this little party (aside from watching the girls have so much fun) was that they actually made something we can use! Did you notice the canvases with letters taped on them (well, letter. Sam ripped hers off)? We’re going to use them as wall art in their new bedroom!
Isn’t that cute? I’m kind of in love with it.
And the girls would love to do something like this with a bunch of their buddies. It would be a really fun summer birthday party idea. You could buy smaller canvases and the masterpieces they create could be their party favors. We might just have to do that for Samantha’s birthday next year!
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
Love the idea, and they look great as wall pieces too (and free)! Maybe the older ones should have some fun and paint themselves silly too 😀