<![CDATA[THE SKETCHING PAD - Blog]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:19:23 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Artsy Birthday Party Inspiration]]>Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/artsy-birthday-party-inspirationWhether you or someone you love is an artist or art enthusiast, throwing an art-themed birthday party is a great way to celebrate that! That being said, it's actually not easy to come by art specific decorations, snacks, or drinks for parties, that's where we come in! We've searched the depths of Pinterest for the best art party ideas, so you don't have to.
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Speaking of which, you'll be able to see all of these ideas and more on our Pinterest board Artsy Birthday Party and the snack ideas on Party Snacks. Now let's get into it!

SWEETS

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Delicious and pretty, these sweets are surprisingly simple to put together all on your own!

You'll need a round cake, icing, food dye, and sprinkles for this adorable Paint Palette Cake! Just trim the cake into a bean shape where one side is a little larger than the other, frost it with white, mix "paint" colors of your choosing with icing, dollop them on with a spatula, and press sprinkles into the side. If you want to include some brushes on your cake, instead of making them, you can get real brushes and put the icing on them like paint; then, when you and your guests are all done with your cake, you'll be able to clean them off and reuse them!
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For these cute Candy Brushes, grab some large brushes, zip-lock baggies that match the width, double-sided tape, and candy in assorted colors! Sort your candy into like colors, fill your bags with candy until the amount in the bag covers the paintbrush hair, then tape the bag onto the metal section of the brush.

Finally, you can see the whole process behind this stunning Textured Cake here on Pinterest! Your main supplies will be a cake base you choose (it doesn't have to be round like in the video here), buttercream icing, food dye, icing bags, and various icing tips. The best part of making cakes like this is that mistakes can easily be wiped off and redone without looking out of place!

BITES

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Pair complex flavors, like Melon and Prosciutto or Brie and Strawberries, to bring creativity into every aspect of your party, including your food! 

My favorite way to arrange snacks with art in mind is by putting something striking together, like this Tetris Salad, complete with melons, cheese, herbs, and a beautiful array of veggies. I can guarantee it will leave your guests in awe!

BEVS

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You'll definitely want to try these stunning, delicious cocktails, inspired by famous works of art, for your adult guests!

If you don't want alcohol at your soiree, you can easily substitute alcohol for a zero-proof option like non-alcoholic champagne for "A Sweet Embrace" and try out non-alcoholic vodka and blueberry juice or blue raspberry syrup in "Dreamy Dusk"! Non-alcoholic options are common in liquor stores nowadays, but you can also source them online!

DECOR

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Here's where you really get to go all out for your party—decorations! These three ideas are also surprisingly simple to execute. 

These Spilling 'Paint' Buckets are among the easiest options. You only need some strips of tulle in a variety of colors, metal buckets, and a strong adhesive like gorilla tape or hot glue! 

Our second easiest decoration are Splattered Balloons. You'll need just two items, various acrylic paints, and clear or solid balloons in your preferred shape! You can check out our Acrylic Basics page for a video tutorial on splatter painting. The most crucial part of splattering something like a balloon is ensuring it's completely dry before you turn over your balloon to splatter the other side. Otherwise, it may smear. Unlike painting on a canvas, it's not recommended to speed up the drying process because it might cause your balloon to pop or leak air. We don't want that, so you'll need to let your paint dry naturally, which shouldn't be longer than about 15 minutes with acrylic paint!

You'll never guess what these Giant Colored Pencils are made of—POOL NOODLES! This Pinterest video shows the creator's process from start to finish. Suppose you want to spend less on this project than the original creator. In that case, you can also use pre-colored pool noodles and/or basic acrylic paint instead of spray paint!

ACTIVITY

​Now, we have the most important part of any artsy painting party, the painting part! With our canvas painting kits, you will have over 100 painting options to choose from, all complete with essential supplies and full-length video tutorials! What will you choose?

Butterfly Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Water Lily Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Northern Lights Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Cherry Blossom Branch Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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WANT TO PLAN THE PERFECT PAINTING PARTY?

Prepare for the painting portion of your party with our comprehensive guide to The Perfect At-Home Painting Party!
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]]><![CDATA[Our Top 10 Easiest Painting Kits For Beginner Art Enthusiasts!]]>Tue, 04 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/our-top-10-easiest-painting-kits-for-beginner-art-enthusiastsGetting into painting can be daunting for all kinds of reasons, whether you've never done it, haven't done it since you were a kid, aren't sure what supplies you need, etc. You may have many preconceived notions about art that can get in the way of expressing your creativity!

​That's where we come in! Our painting kits have the essential supplies you'll need to get started and create your masterpiece. All of our canvas painting kits come with soft-body acrylic paint in all of the colors you'll need, paintbrushes, a pre-sketched canvas, and a full-length video tutorial, so even if you don't choose your first project from this list, all of our painting kits are great for beginners! Whether you need gifting ideas or want some ideas for yourself as a good starting point for a new painting hobby, we've got plenty of variety for you! 

​So, without further ado.....

OUR TOP 10 PAINTING KITS FOR BEGINNERS!

Cactus Canvas Painting Kit

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Puppy Friends Canvas Painting Kit

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Dandelion Canvas Painting Kit

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Sunset Canvas Painting Kit

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Mermaid Tail Canvas Painting Kit

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Mushrooms Canvas Painting Kit

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Snowy Moon Canvas Painting Kit

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Northern Lights Canvas Painting Kit

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Autumn Pumpkins Canvas Painting Kit

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Cow Canvas Painting Kit

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What's so special about these picks? Well, there are a few things that set them apart! For one, while all of them have some blending, it's very straightforward blending because the colors you'll be blending with are very similar to each other, i.e., green and yellow or a darker and lighter version of the same color; this will help you a lot with getting your blending in with minimal stress about colors getting muddy! Another thing that makes these easier than others is that they are more natural subjects with little symmetry, making them more forgiving if you don't stay entirely in the lines!  And finally, speaking of lines, all of these options have very minimal outlining, if any, which is ideal for anything that doesn't have a steady hand. 

Want to be a little more prepared to make your first masterpiece or just learn fun painting techniques that you can enhance your art with?

YOU MAY LIKE OUR ACRYLIC BASICS GUIDE!

In this guide you'll find a dozen videos covering everything from mixing skin tones, painting gradients, lightening colors, darkening colors, and more! We're also always taking suggestions for new tutorials so email us at kits@thesketchingpad.com if you have ideas!
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IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT? WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Three Sunflowers Canvas Painting Kit

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Alpha Queen Canvas Painting Kit

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Sunrise Canvas Painting Kit

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Lips Canvas Painting Kit

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Colorful Path Canvas Painting Kit

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]]><![CDATA[save money on your next at-home painting party with these tips]]>Mon, 20 May 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/save-money-on-your-next-at-home-painting-party-with-these-tipsYou want to thrive in life, we all do! A huge part of that is making room for and prioritizing fun, creativity, and connection whenever you can! We understand that financial constraints can make it challenging to fit something like a painting party into your budget, especially considering the drastic effects of inflation over the past few years. 
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However, at The Sketching Pad, we're dedicated to creating an inclusive space where art is for everyone, regardless of economic background. Everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves through art, even if it's not with our art kits! Our objective here isn't just to sell our products; it's to give you resources, inspiration, and education so you can make the right decisions for yourself!


Ready to dive into these money-saving tips? We'll be exploring three main tips in depth below; we'll also provide you with specific recommendations for brands and items. Remember, this isn't a one-size-fits-all guide, so choose what you think will work best for your party!

1. OPT FOR PACKS AND SETS

Of course, buying in bulk saves money on things like groceries, clothes, and more, but it also works with lots of art supplies! Specifically canvases and brushes. Especially when planning a party, you're already going to buy a lot of these, so opting for packs and sets of canvases and brushes can save you a ton! 

Here are our favorites:

Canvases/canvas boards!
Blick Super Value Canvas Packs 
Blick Studio Cotton Canvas Panels and Packs


​Brushes!
ESRICH Acrylic Paint Brushes Set
​Round Paint Brushes - 12-Piece Set

2. AIM FOR QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Craft paint can still give you a great time, but if you're looking for your paint to go further, go for a student grade paint from an art store, it'll still be affordable, but the quality will stand the test of time! 
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We use Blickrylic Student Acrylic Paint for its texture, pigment, and versatility! A big plus to getting this kind of paint is that as long as you close the bottles when you're finished to keep the paint fresh, it has a pretty long shelf life, so you can have parties again and again!
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Getting a limited range of colors will also save you a lot, but you must be willing to learn how to mix your colors! Generally, the most versatile range will come from white, blue, yellow​, magenta, brown, and black. You can mix skin tones, greens, purples, blues, greys, and more with those six colors! If you need guidance on mixing your colors or want more info on why you should go with acrylic paint for your party, check out our free painting party guide! In the guide you'll find:
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  • How to prepare your home to be a painting party venue
  • How much time to allow for painting
  • A printable checklist for the supplies
  • A detailed explanation of the art supplies you'll be using
  • A printable painting guide to give your guests
  • Easy, big-batch drink recipes, ideas for decorations, and more!

3. AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVES FOR ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

There are plenty of more affordable substitutes for common supplies that you'll need for your party! These are our top trade outs that are just as good as the standard options!

Instead of paint palettes, opt for disposable plates, specifically coated ones!

Instead of cloth aprons, get disposable plastic aprons. The best part about these is that the wet paint won't seep through to your clothes, making them arguably better!

Instead of wooden or metal easels, get cardboard easels! As long as they'll fit the canvas size you chose they're a great option, so be sure to check the description to see what sizes they're compatible with!

Instead of getting canvases or canvas boards, don't forget you can also get paint paper, that works just like canvas and has the additional benefit of being a much smoother painting surface!

Instead of getting fancy water cups specifically for painting, opt for disposable cups or even reuse old jars! You'll just want to make sure they're tall enough for the brushes you're using, otherwise they might flop out when your guests place them in the water. 

We hope you found these tips helpful, and feel free to comment or email us at kits@thesketchingpad.com if you need a little extra guidance! 

ACCESS OUR FREE PAINTING PARTY GUIDE AND PREPARE TO WOW!

To learn absolutely everything else you'll need to know for your painting party, check out our free in-depth guide! 
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HOW ABOUT SOME ONE STOP SHOPPING?

Our painting kits have all of the essentials needed for your painting party needs, from paint, pre-sketched canvases, brushes, fully length video tutorials, and when you purchase ten or more kits you'll receive complimentary reusable paint palettes and disposable aprons with every kit! Plus, when you purchase ten packs of our canvas kits, the 10th kit is always free!

Sunrise Canvas Painting Kit

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Afro Puffs Canvas Painting Kit

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Taylor Swift Canvas Painting Kit

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]]><![CDATA[Mosaic ideas For Your Garden That will bring you calm]]>Tue, 07 May 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/mosaic-ideas-for-your-garden-that-will-bring-you-calm​​We could all use a little more calm in our lives with all the responsibilities adulthood brings. Having relaxing hobbies really helps ease the nonstop nature of life. If you're here at this blog post, you're probably looking for a little inspiration for a new mosaic project. Whether you're experienced with mosaic making or not, these will be as simple as they are beautiful, so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the process!

BEFORE WE GET INTO THE IDEAS...

If you're new to mosaic making, fret not! Here are a few simple tips to ensure your mosaic withstands the test of time, even in the harshest weather conditions!
  • When selecting a backing for your mosaic, opt for concrete, ceramic, or pressure-treated wood. These choices will safeguard your creation from potential water damage, ensuring its longevity! 
  • Use glass or ceramic tiles only, and if you're making stepping stones, make sure there are no sharp edges! 
  • Etsy is a great place to source beautiful tiles! Just make sure you purchase more than you think you'll need!
  • Use a strong glue for your tiles, like E6000, to ensure they never come off!
  • Pick a non-sanded grout designed to be used outdoors or in places that tend to stay damp, like bathrooms! 
Need a little more guidance? Our Guide To An Absolutely Stunning Mosaic is a comprehensive introduction to tiles, grout, surfaces, and more! It's free and will give you the perfect overview to start this hobby!
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STEPPING STONE INSPIRATION

There is something special about making your own stepping stones, perfect for your space. Concrete or pressure-treated wood should be your backing of choice. Any local hardware store or garden center should have something that will work perfectly.
rainbow mosaic paver
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SeashellsByMelanie

diy floral mosaic stepping stone
BerryCreatifMosaics
ocean inspired mosaic
​Carla Witkamp
You can go wild and fun like this paver from Etsy. A design like this is actually a lot easier to lay out than you'd think. Just start with one of the circles, get it fully laid out, then fill in more circles around the original, and then fill the extra gaps between circles. Once you've got everything laid out, tweezers will be your best friend for picking up tiles and adhering them down without disturbing the rest of your design! 


If you're feeling more inspired by this floral design, it's also deceptively simple to lay out, just like the last one! Just like you would've done with your circles, lay out the flowers around each other first, then fill in any additional gaps with assorted green tiles!


This beach-inspired spiral stepping stone is GORGEOUS! For this one, you'll want to mark the center of your backing as accurately as possible. I would personally use a ruler for this. Then, arrange your tiles in a spiral, one line at a time, until you've got all of your lines on!

BIRDHOUSE INSPIRATION

Wooden birdhouses are usually made with untreated wood, so before you get started on any of these adorable birdhouses, you'll want to paint the whole thing with exterior paint in the color of your choice to seal the wood and ensure no moisture will get through and break down the grout!
bright blue and yellow mosaic birdhouse
PoodlesDoodlesCo

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cute red and yellow mosaic birdhouse
​PoodlesDoodlesCo
floral orange and teal birdhouse mosaic
​PoodlesDoodlesCo
Much like those previous stepping stones, to lay out these designs you'll want to start with the more intricate parts and will in the spaces around them once everything is laid out. The most important thing to remember when adhering tiles to something like this is that you'll need to work on one side at a time and let it fully dry down before moving on to the next, otherwise your tiles will likely slide around and mess up all of your hard work!  

Once you've got all of your sides on you'll want to go ahead and do a second coat of exterior paint anywhere you couldn't fit your tiles to make everything nice and finished!

PLANTER INSPIRATION

If you're looking for a challenge, this project is for you! Ceramic or terracotta pots are your best friend for mosaics. We recommend starting with small ones if this is your first time working on a curved surface!
mix matched mosaic planters
Better Homes and Gardens
tiny succulent planter mosaic
NestleAndSoarStudio

mosaic terracotta pot
Mosaics.ByRed
You may be thinking, "What? You think I can mosaic on a curved surface?" Yes, of course we do! It's actually easier than you may think! The only slightly challenging part about making a planter into a mosaic is that you have to work on one small portion at a time and allow the adhesive to be fully set before moving on, just like the birdhouses! You'll just have to work in much smaller sections, so nothing slides around. 


Designing will also be a bit trickier because you won't be able to fully lay out your tiles before adhering them like you would on a flat surface. But if you know the dimensions of your pot, you could lay out a design flat on your table with the exact dimensions to take tiles from while you're adhering them! That way, you won't be going into things completely blind.

NOT READY FOR THE FUN TO END?

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For more inspiration, check out our Relaxing Mosaic Projects Pinterest board, where you'll find tips and tricks, inspiration photos, and links to some of our other mosaic articles! We're also continually adding to all of our boards, so for creative inspiration, updates on our blog posts, product announcements, and more, give us a follow!

NEEDING SOME FUN PROJECTS TO DECORATE THE INSIDE OF YOUR HOME WITH NOW? WE CAN HELP WITH THAT!

With tons of beautiful options to choose from, our mosaic kits are the perfect activity for satisfying your cravings for creativity without breaking the bank or researching all of the supplies you'll need in depth. We can't wait to see what you'll create!​

Cherry Blossom Mosaic Kit

$20.00 - $45.00
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]]><![CDATA[Use These Techniques To Paint Flawless Gradients Using Acrylic Paint]]>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/use-these-techniques-to-paint-flawless-gradients-using-acrylic-paintIf you've ever found yourself wrestling with the task of painting smooth, seamless gradients with acrylic paint, take comfort in the fact that you're not the only one. This is a common hurdle that many artists, both professional and hobbyist, face. The culprit behind this challenge is the fast drying nature of acrylic paint, which can make mastering gradients a bit of a puzzle. However, we're here to share some valuable tips that will make your gradient blending journey a breeze! Let's dive into our first tip!

1. USE A LARGE BRUSH

​Here's my top tip for creating seamless gradients with acrylic paint, and it's a game-changer. Given the fast-drying nature of acrylic, using a larger brush can significantly enhance your blending process. With a larger brush, you can cover more surface area, work faster, and achieve those beautiful, smooth blends you've been aiming for. Remember, your brush doesn't have to be massive; just avoid using tiny detail brushes for blending. If you'd like to learn more about what shape of brush would be best for blending, check out our post on Paintbrushes Every Artist Needs In Their Arsenal!​

2. SLOW DOWN DRYING TIME

​Of course, you can work with your paint very quickly before it dries down, but that can be stressful and more hassle than it's worth! If you're like me and prefer to take your time, however, there is a way to slow the speed at which your paint dries, and no, it's not by switching to oil paint! It's a fantastic additive medium called retarder that slows the drying process of acrylic substantially, giving you ample time to get those beautiful seamless blends. The best part is that most craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby sell it, so you don't have to go to a specialty art supply store to track it down!

3. USE THE RIGHT KIND OF ACRYLIC PAINT

​Did you know there are different classifications of acrylic paint? Heavy Body, Soft Body, and Fluid are all useful for various styles and techniques! We're only going to talk about Soft Body today because it's the best kind for what you'll be doing: blending! The soft body has a lighter, creamy consistency, like yogurt or buttercream icing, which makes it ideal for blending. Here's why! Being a lighter but not watery consistency, it has enough substance to maintain excellent coverage and pigment, avoiding thin, patchy areas. Still, it's not so stiff that you can't get it smooth. It's the perfect happy medium and that's precisely why we include soft body in our painting kits! 

PRACTICE YOUR GRADIENTS WITH OUR PAINTING KITS!

​Our canvas painting kits include everything you'll need to make a painting you'll be proud of, from quality soft body acrylic paint in all of the colors you'll need, brushes, a pre-sketched canvas, and a full-length video tutorial to take you through all of the techniques you'll need to recreate our paintings your way!

Cherry Blossom Branch Canvas Painting Kit

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Three Sunflowers Canvas Painting Kit

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Sunrise Canvas Painting Kit

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4. KEEP YOUR BRUSHES CLEAN

​This next tip may seem obvious, but it's actually very easy to forget! The best way to avoid muddy blends is to clean your paintbrushes well between colors. For example, if you're doing a gradient from black to red to pink to white, you don't want a lot of color cross-contamination, so you'll want to clean your brushes between each section. There is no need to use soap either; just clean water and a paper towel or a rag will do the trick!

5. CONSIDER COLOR THEORY

​Depending on the colors you want to blend, you may need some basic color theory info. Don't worry; it's not as complicated as it sounds! The most important thing to remember is that if you blend the wrong colors, they'll most likely turn brown or gray. The easiest way to avoid that is by using colors next to each other on the color wheel; for example, blending blue with purple will result in a beautiful, vivid color, whereas blending blue with orange will make brown. This is because complementary colors cancel each other out to create neutral colors. If you want to learn more about complementary colors and how they interact, check out our blog post on How To Choose A Cohesive Color Palette Using Color Theory!

ARE YOU MORE OF A VISUAL LEARNER?

We are too! That's why we made Acrylic Basics, where you can find video tutorials for gradients, mixing skin tones, splatter painting, and so much more! 
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]]><![CDATA[Have A Hopping Good Easter Art Party]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/have-a-hopping-good-easter-art-partyDon't settle for the usual Easter party this year! We have some unique and exciting ideas to make your celebration stand out. From creative activities and DIY additions to delicious food and drinks, this guide has everything you need to plan a memorable Easter party that both kids and adults will love!
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Remember that if you need any extra inspiration, we have a Pinterest Board full of ideas that will be perfect for your party! Now that that's out of the way, let's hop right in!
easter springtime sip and paint

BUNNY BEVERAGES

Want to impress your guests with a refreshing and unique drink? This non-alcoholic punch is the perfect choice! It's a step up from basic Cola, and the combination of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon with orange juice, pineapple juice, and 7up will surely be a hit. Find the full recipe here and get ready to wow your guests! 

This Peep cocktail from Town and Country Magazine is perfect for the adults in your life while the kids are out hunting for Easter eggs or while you're enjoying your painting session!

If you're more into mocktails, we totally get it. There are loads of fruity and floral concoctions that are perfect for spring! This list from BRIT + CO has something for everyone, from this Ocean Breeze Mocktail, which is citrusy with coconut and vanilla, to this Italian Cream Soda, which is fresh and creamy. Everyone will be asking you for these recipes!
diy easter party desserts

SPRINGTIME SWEETS

Oh. My. Gosh! These bunny and carrot chocolate-covered strawberries from Harry & David are one of the cutest things I've ever seen! They would be a little involved to make yourself, but you'd only need white chocolate, food coloring in orange and pink, a couple of piping bags, and some edible markers for the whiskers and eyes on the bunnies!


Try this Bunny Bait Trail Mix if you want something a little easier to put together! My favorite thing about recipes like this is that it's effortless to substitute any of these ingredients so that there's something everyone will enjoy! 


Another simple and adorable option for a treat is these rice krispie nests. They are perfect, fast, and easy to make, and you can add mini chocolate eggs for more color.
gorgeous easter party foods and snacks

HOP AWAY FROM HUNGER

If you've read any of our other painting party blog posts, you'll know that at The Sketching Pad, we're huge fans of charcuterie, especially when it's as stunning as this one from Charmed By Camille! I love the way Camille explains how to put together a beautiful board, from picking colors that will work beautifully together to arranging the food in a gorgeous way. I couldn't have made a better guide to making a charcuterie platter myself!

For more fun, try making some pretty pastel deviled eggs. It's shockingly simple and so cute that everyone will ask how you made it!

If you have some Easter cookie cutters on hand, like bunnies, eggs, or flowers, try making classic tea sandwiches and cutting them out into fun shapes. It's an easy extra step if you're already making snacks; the kids will love them!
unique easter party decorations

EGG-DORABLE DECORATIONS

Cute, easy, and festive is the way to go with decorations; I love this egg garland. It's super easy to make, too! You'll need plastic eggs, and if you want a multi-tear garland like this one, I would get around 100; plus, you can always use any extras for egg hunting anyway! The only other things you'll need are ribbon and something to make holes in the eggs; I suggest making the holes from the inside, especially if you're using a knife. It'll be safer, and the holes will naturally end up more centered that way! 

Another adorable addition to any Easter party is a bouquet, but not just any kind! This carrot bouquet is simple to put together and absolutely beautiful. It's sure to get loads of attention at your party. Any flowers will do, but tulips or daffodils are a gorgeous springtime option! ​You could also add fresh herbs to the centerpiece, like rosemary or lavender, to add more greenery and give the room a lovely scent. 
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PASTEL PAINTINGS

​We saved the best for last on this list! ​Are you looking for a fun activity for your Easter party? Look no further than a painting party! It's a great way to connect with your loved ones, regardless of age or artistic skills. With a variety of kits to suit every budget and interest, you can create a unique bonding experience for everyone this Easter! 

Easter Bunny Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Easter Gnome Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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GET PREPARED TO THROW THE PERFECT PAINTING PARTY

​Planning a painting party for the first time or even the fifth can be daunting. What if you forget something crucial? Worry no longer; our free Painting Party guide will take you through everything you need to have a successful, fun painting party with your loved ones this Easter!
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MORE EASTER FUN

Bunny Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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]]><![CDATA[Our Top Tips To Have A Mess-Free Mosaic Party]]>Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:06:04 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/our-top-tips-to-have-a-mess-free-mosaic-partyMosaics are so much fun to make, but they aren't the tidiest DIY project you can work on, especially for kids. That being said, there are many ways to make cleaning up for mosaic projects easy! This post covers three tips for having a mess-free mosaic party so you can focus on all of the fun mosaics have to offer. Let's get into it!

1.

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Aprons aren't just a life-saver for baking or painting; they're great for mosaic making, too! With glue and grout in the mix, things can get really messy, so keeping your clothes clean will be necessary!

Stay tidy in style with a personalized apron for all of your participants! Etsy has loads of cute, customizable options to choose from. You could also take matters into your own hands and get some cloth aprons and fabric pastels from Blick Art Materials to write your guests' names and make some doodles on the aprons just for them! These are so easy to use because you draw out your design then iron the drawings to seal and protect them!

2.

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Grouting a mosaic can get quite messy, so having something to cover your work surface is a must to make clean-up seamless. If you're not too keen on buying something specifically as a table cover, you can easily use things like cardboard or parchment paper.

Suppose you're like me and love adding special touches to your party while staying practical. In that case, this flashy holographic tablecloth from Amazon comes in many colors and is a fun addition to any party! If you're in the market for something a little simpler but just as good, try this waterproof tablecloth that also comes in a variety of colors!

3.

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​When it comes to mosaics, paper towels and napkins can be very helpful for clean-up, but baby wipes are the holy grail for mosaic-specific use! 

Not only do they easily clean grout off of hands and your table surface, but they're also just right for cleaning grout off the mosaic tiles themselves during the grouting process, even when the grout is dry! Any baby wipes will do, but I do like to go with hypoallergenic ones to stay safe if I'm not sure about any skin sensitivities of my guests!

NOW THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO KEEP THINGS TIDY...

Are you ready for more? If you want to be extra prepared for your mosaic party then you'll love Our Guide To An Absolutely Stunning Mosaic. In the guide we cover the supplies you'll need, instructions, and some extra tips to give you all of the confidence you need to succeed!
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DON'T FORGET THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!

You and your guests will be so at ease while using our Mosaic Kits! You'll have everything you need to create something just right for you, from beautiful glass and ceramic tiles to grout, instructions, and much more. You'll be able to kick back and enjoy your creation!

Four Set of 4" Coasters Mosaic Kit

$30.00 - $35.00
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]]><![CDATA[RECHARGE WITH A SELF-CARE DAY TO BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY USING THESE TIPS]]>Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:28:34 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/recharge-with-a-self-care-day-to-boost-your-creativity-using-these-tipsThere's been a lot of talk about love with Valentine's Day being this month, but have you checked in on yourself lately? ​Finding the energy, motivation, or courage to make time for yourself and tap into your creativity can be challenging. I want you to look back at the past few weeks, months, or even years, when was the last time you really took a whole day to yourself? When was the last time you truly fed your creativity? It's starving!

​I understand that it can be extremely hard to set aside time for yourself with work, school, commuting, errands, and so much more, but it's necessary for your mental well-being to take the time to take care of yourself! One of the best things you can do for yourself is create; it's so fulfilling to make something with your hands and say, "I did that!" 

TAP INTO CALM WITH A PAINTING KIT

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Our kits make tapping into your creative side so much easier; you don't have to go out of your way to find the right brushes, draw out a design on your canvas, or choose the right paint colors; we handle all of that for you so you can focus on the fun parts and relax to the max!​
​This post isn't necessarily supposed to contain information you've never heard before, but all of the things we included are great reminders that we try to use as a way to show some self-love and care, too!
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​Sometimes, the most rejuvenating thing you can do is have quality time with your friends or family, with no distractions, just you and the people you love spending time together.

Break out a board game, have a picnic, put together a puzzle, bake a cake, or do anything else you're in the mood for; find a way to actually engage with your people!  
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If you're really introverted and people don't quite have an inspiring, energizing effect on you, you can also connect with your pets by taking them for a walk, playing, or even just snuggling up to watch a movie!
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Honestly, sometimes we all need to get up and wake up our bodies and minds. When I'm having trouble getting into the swing of things with a new painting, I love to get up and go for a short walk, but you can also do a nice, quick yoga routine, drink some coffee or tea, or turn on your favorite upbeat playlist and jam out!

If you're having trouble getting your energy levels up, though, you might not be meeting all of your body's needs. Try to take the time to eat nutritious food, drink water, or take a nap. Listening to your body in these cases is so important!
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​Focusing is much easier said than done, especially nowadays. When you're ready to sit down and paint, try putting your phone on silent and avoiding checking every notification that pops up. 

If you're like me and that still doesn't work, try doing some meditation, specifically breathing exercises. There are so many great apps with guided meditation, like Calm and my favorite, Balance! It can also help to sharpen your focus by getting outside with your phone on silent or turned off and noticing things going on around you. Pay attention to the sounds and sights for even just a few minutes.

GAIN CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ART AND HAVE FUN WHILE DOING IT

​Take the stress out of painting and have fun with it! Our guide here will give you valuable tips and techniques to paint things from clouds to skin tones with acrylic paint!
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​I hope you've gotten a lot of value from this guide, and you can use these tips to dig into your creativity!

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]]><![CDATA[the art of a fairytale at-home painting date!]]>Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:41:05 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/the-art-of-a-fairytale-at-home-painting-date
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​I know it can be challenging to come up with new date ideas, especially when you and your honey are busy with work, chores, kids(or fur kids!), and everything else. While dinner and a movie can be a fun date, if you want a relaxing, unique date with your love from the comfort of your home, a painting date is for you!

The best part about putting this together is that even though we've included a bunch of ideas on making everything as cute and decorated as possible, you can literally sit at your dining table in your pjs with some pizza, and it'll still feel just as special.

THE PERFECT ACTIVITY

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​With our Couple's Cherry Blossom Painting Kit, it'll be even easier to put together the perfect painting date for you and your love! We include all the essentials: paint, brushes, two pre-sketched canvases, and a full-length video tutorial! You'll fall in love with how simple it is to create your masterpiece.

MUSHY MUSIC

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​I know you already have your favorite love songs that resonate with you and your partner, but there's no reason you can't try out something new! Everyone on our team suggested songs for this love song playlist on our Spotify. This playlist will make you dance, laugh, and maybe cry, but it'll mostly make you feel all romantic.

DARLING DECORATIONS

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Bring a special touch to your date with some DIY decorations, like this paper heart wreath and these absolutely adorable felt heart garlands, which I can't wait to make for my own Valentine's date with my husband!

​If you're looking to put together something a little more simple, arrange a bouquet (bonus points if you put fairy lights in the flowers; it's gorgeous!), get some cute heart balloons, some candles (we got these batter-powered ones), and silk rose petals. You'll also want to get a tablecloth to protect the surface of your table from paint; the one I got is from Target!

FABULOUS FOODS​

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​Hearts have my heart whenever I get to make food for my partner; that is why I will definitely be making one of these recipes for my love for Valentine's Day. ​My favorite thing about these three ideas is that cleanup is so easy with all of them! You only need a baking sheet and a cutting board if you add extra toppings on the personal pizzas. For the charcuterie board, you only need to clean the board when you're finished. And for the Barilla heart-shaped pasta, all you really need is one pot and a cutting board.  It is so simple, and all of these ideas are so versatile, so you can cater them to your and your partner's favorites!

DAZZLING DESSERTS

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​I am all for simple recipes, but these Valentine's cream puffs are too good not to try, and while they are a little more involved, they are so worth the effort! However, check out this Cupid Crunch trail mix if you want something quick and simple. If you want something simple to have a personal touch, these marbled sugar cookies are for you! I got a box mix, made up the dough, and separated the dough into two balls to make two shades of pink with food coloring. Once I mixed up my colors, I ripped each ball into small pieces. I scattered them on my counter to roll them out, cut them out with my favorite heart-shaped cookie cutters, and drizzled icing and sprinkles after baking!

DECADENT DRINKS

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We opted for some simple chardonnay from the grocery store for ​this post, but that doesn't mean you can't get fancy!

This chocolate-covered strawberry cocktail from Lulus looks absolutely stunning, tastes excellent, and is actually pretty simple to make! If you want something a little more zingy and fresh, try out this Pomegranate Ginger Paloma. And if you want to try out something straightforward and classic, try this gorgeous Dirty Shirley! Not everyone wants alcohol to have a great time, and for those who feel that way, we also have some mocktail ideas on our at-home date Pinterest board!

GET PREPARED FOR THE PAINTING PORTION OF YOUR DATE

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FIND KITS FOR FUTURE DATES

Rose Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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Pouring Wine Canvas Painting Kit

$15.00 - $243.00
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​Thanks for reading! If you use any of our ideas, we'd love to see them; you can tag us on Instagram at @thesketchingpad for a chance to be featured on our page!
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]]><![CDATA[Use Color Theory To Choose A Cohesive Color Palette For Your Art]]>Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.thesketchingpad.com/blog/use-color-theory-to-choose-a-cohesive-color-palette-for-your-artPicture this: you've just finished a gorgeous sketch for a brand-new painting or decided on a design for your latest crochet blanket, but you need to figure out a color scheme, and you're unsure how to choose one that looks good. Don't worry; we've got you covered with our three favorite color patterns for creating a cohesive color palette!

​Before we get into it fully, you may want to check out our blog post on Why Contrast Is The Key To Visually Appealing Art. Without an understanding of contrast, your pieces may appear flat and dull, even with a gorgeous color palette! 

COLOR PATTERN 1: COMPLEMENTARY
Most of us learned about this color pattern in school, but there's so much more to know about this beautiful pairing! The complementary color scheme consists of opposite colors on the color wheel: purple and yellow, magenta and warm green, etc. 

Did you know that no matter which complementary pattern you choose, mixing the colors together will dull them down and neutralize them?​ If you add equal parts of each color, for example, blue and orange, you'll get brown! This ability to neutralize makes this color pattern so interesting; it's how you can paint a beautiful, dynamic beach scene with just white, blue, black, and orange!

​That's also what makes this color palette simple to work with because as long as you understand how the colors will interact, you can create a gorgeous color scheme with them!

COLOR PATTERN 2: ANALOGOUS
One of my personal favorite color patterns is the analogous pattern! This pattern consists of the colors grouped directly next to each other on the color wheel. What I love most about it is that no matter which colors you mix together, they all feel harmonious and tend to stay vibrant. They may neutralize a bit, but not to the same extent as complementary colors.

This color pattern can feel really dynamic, especially when you play around with the contrast between light and dark in your work! Palettes using this pattern can also feel playful and bright due to its vibrancy. You have to be a bit careful with this pattern, though, taking extra care that your colors have varied light and darkness. Otherwise, everything will all look too similar and feel flat. Palettes like this are where a strong understanding of contrast can come in really handy. If you'd like to dig deeper, check out our Foundational Studies Course 1!

FOUNDATIONS 1: VALUE

In the course, you'll learn how to balance light and dark to create a beautiful piece of art. You'll also learn how to shade pieces to add dimension, control your paintbrushes, and mix different values properly!

COLOR PATTERN 3:
​SPLIT COMPLEMENTARY
The final color pattern we're going to discuss today is split complementary. It's made up of one color on the bottom and its complementary, as well as the two colors on either side of the complementary, making a Y shape on the color wheel.

This makes the color pattern very visually interesting and allows for a little more range than the other two patterns we've previously touched on. Like the complementary scheme, this palette can neutralize itself, but like the analogous pattern, it also has an excellent capability of vibrancy! I'm an avid user of this palette because of its range. What I love about it the most is there's just about nothing you can't do with it! You can paint portraits with it by using red, orange, yellow, and blue. Yes, blue! The blue can easily neutralize the brighter, warm tones and give you a gorgeous, rich skin tone. 
​This pattern will provide you with a great chance to play around with color theory and learn to understand how colors interact with each other, making it invaluable to beginner and seasoned artists alike!

DO YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND COLOR THEORY EVEN MORE IN DEPTH?

FOUNDATIONS 2: COLOR THEORY

​Our color theory course will take you through choosing colors for the subject of your paintings and how to avoid muddy and dull colors when blending. You'll also learn a fourth color pattern to complete your palette repertoire!
If you'd like even more color palette inspo, check out our Unique Color Palettes For Art board on Pinterest! As a great exercise, you can identify which color palettes on the board fall into the pattern categories we taught you about and which patterns they are! We hope you learned a lot about color theory in this post, and we would love to see how you use these color patterns. Tag us on Instagram at @thesketchingpad for a chance to be featured!

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