2019 Highlights
2019 Highlights
"Are you getting tired of it yet?" "NO!" And that is the honest truth.
I still love leading painting parties. I wish I could lead parties every day with hundreds of people. This year we painted and laughed with so many fabulous individuals. I have the best hosts that help gather groups of people willing to try something new.
Here are some highlights I want to remember:
- 79 Parties with 2284 people in 2019
- TOTAL from 2015-2019: 433 Parties with 9971 people
- Eight parties raised over $1000
- We had several parties that painted on old slate
- So many fabulous causes raised funds: cancer patients, mission trips, relay teams, sport teams, and more!!
- I cut out 50 wooden snowmen to book out a "Child & You" snowman class at Sweet Frog
- Our wooden Valentines sign benefited Crossroads Pregnancy Center
- We painted with the dogs - literally - when we painted with the 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club!
- Twice we had maxed out parties when we painted reversible wooden figures
- Our largest party had 68 people! (Still trying for 70!)
- We painted with a large Bible study group and a Women's Retreat group
- We were invited to the PA Home & Garden Expo at the Farm Show building where we did make-n-take Pour Paintings
- Pour Paintings became a new, fun option for parties
- I was shocked with one of my hosts informed me, a few days before their party, that she had filled two parties on the same day. I only knew about one party and was thankfully able to make both parties work.
- The Mother's Day Tea party at Brisco's and Mommy & Me at Sweet Frog were fabulous successes.
- Our church's Art Camp had an amazing 99 people attend. I taught a fabulous group of children.
- I held not one, but THREE Plant & Paint events. Two were for adults and benefited the JES Garden and Relay for Life. The other was a Fairy Garden theme at Sweet Frog. I love these events but they stress me about because so much prep work is involved before I know how many people will be attending.
- At one party, I realized I forgot my brown paint. This was a problem since brown was the main color. I quickly drove off to the nearest Dollar General store and prayed that they would have brown. By the grace of God, they had a small bottle of brown! (an unlikely find!)
- My 5th Anniversary Party was a blast!!! We painted on round metal trays. I had shopped at various stores and had family and friends shopping for these trays as well. I was able to round up 50 trays in order to have a special party. I even provided a meal through the Square Cafe and Bakery.
- We painted vintage camper canvases at a campground!! A lovely outdoor party in a large pavilion.
- "Paint Your Pet" was an excellent party. I pre-drew everyone's pet. I was relieved when all the paints turned out well (and super cute).
- We were invited to the Juniata County Fair again to offer a free painting party for children. We were very grateful to Leonard Insurance for funding this event.
- So....we painted in the dark at one party. This actually became one of my favorite parties. Here is the story: This was a benefit party for a lady with cancer. 32 people arrived on an October evening in Mt Pleasant Mills. Everything began as normal. But, only 10 minutes into the painting, the electricity went out. It was pitch black! I was sure people would get up and leave. But, instead, everyone got out their phone flash lights and we continued. I painted with one hand and held my phone light with the other. I did a fast-forward version of the painting before our batteries died. All the while, I was praying that the lights could come back on. Just as I was leading the final steps, the lights came on and everyone cheered!! We laughed and took pictures and talked. It was the perfect ending. I felt God telling me, "I answered your small prayer, do something big for the host." So, I did. As we packed up our supplies and were ready to pull out, I said to my daughter, "Look around you, the entire town is still in the dark." WOW - God turned the lights on for us and to bless the dear lady that this party benefited.
- My husband attended his very first painting party after over five years of leading parties. He not only attended, but he also painted. Our daughters concluded he could use more practice.
- Another fun painting party was done on metal trays. I wish I could find more of these trays. 54 people painted with us and it benefited MCC. That night, I also discovered that The Red Zone will be a nice place to hold parties.
- I let someone else lead a party. That was not easy for me! But, the very capable Wendy Kersetter, along with my daughters, helped lead a party while I attended an arts award reception.
- Along with Beth Winey, we were awarded a PA Partners in the Arts grant to provide free kids parties "Books and Brushed" in the new year.
- We painted in a 1780's mansion! I loved our three short benefit make-n-take Christmas parties in this stunning house!
- Records!! We painted on records at the Lewistown Festival of Ice!! We had a better location and painted with 39 people during three parties. I also designed a Christmas Dress Form that was displayed in the Historic Mifflin County Courthouse.
- Julia and I were able to attend a painting party in Seiverville, TN led by an artist that I helped start a painting parties business. She now has a fabulous studio (that I'm jealous of). We painted with her group and shared more ideas. I hope I can bless more people in the coming year and help them lead art classes.
- Our "Bargain Bin" of canvases I've painted raised $285 for Crossroads Pregnancy Center (that's all from $5 projects!)
- Our theme verse was:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
I'll say this again: I couldn't do any of this without my family! My daughters, now 15 and 13 are rock solid supporters! They are now offering ideas and painting in front of people. One of these days they might lead a party.
And....of coarse I wouldn't have any parties without my hosts and those that attend. I am humbled by people's kindness and willingness to return! We are each gifted in so many unique ways.
Thank you for making 2019 possible!!
"Are you getting tired of it yet?" "NO!" And that is the honest truth.
I still love leading painting parties. I wish I could lead parties every day with hundreds of people. This year we painted and laughed with so many fabulous individuals. I have the best hosts that help gather groups of people willing to try something new.
Here are some highlights I want to remember:
- 79 Parties with 2284 people in 2019
- TOTAL from 2015-2019: 433 Parties with 9971 people
- Eight parties raised over $1000
- We had several parties that painted on old slate
- So many fabulous causes raised funds: cancer patients, mission trips, relay teams, sport teams, and more!!
- I cut out 50 wooden snowmen to book out a "Child & You" snowman class at Sweet Frog
- Our wooden Valentines sign benefited Crossroads Pregnancy Center
- We painted with the dogs - literally - when we painted with the 4-H Seeing Eye Puppy Club!
- Twice we had maxed out parties when we painted reversible wooden figures
- Our largest party had 68 people! (Still trying for 70!)
- We painted with a large Bible study group and a Women's Retreat group
- We were invited to the PA Home & Garden Expo at the Farm Show building where we did make-n-take Pour Paintings
- Pour Paintings became a new, fun option for parties
- I was shocked with one of my hosts informed me, a few days before their party, that she had filled two parties on the same day. I only knew about one party and was thankfully able to make both parties work.
- The Mother's Day Tea party at Brisco's and Mommy & Me at Sweet Frog were fabulous successes.
- Our church's Art Camp had an amazing 99 people attend. I taught a fabulous group of children.
- I held not one, but THREE Plant & Paint events. Two were for adults and benefited the JES Garden and Relay for Life. The other was a Fairy Garden theme at Sweet Frog. I love these events but they stress me about because so much prep work is involved before I know how many people will be attending.
- At one party, I realized I forgot my brown paint. This was a problem since brown was the main color. I quickly drove off to the nearest Dollar General store and prayed that they would have brown. By the grace of God, they had a small bottle of brown! (an unlikely find!)
- My 5th Anniversary Party was a blast!!! We painted on round metal trays. I had shopped at various stores and had family and friends shopping for these trays as well. I was able to round up 50 trays in order to have a special party. I even provided a meal through the Square Cafe and Bakery.
- We painted vintage camper canvases at a campground!! A lovely outdoor party in a large pavilion.
- "Paint Your Pet" was an excellent party. I pre-drew everyone's pet. I was relieved when all the paints turned out well (and super cute).
- We were invited to the Juniata County Fair again to offer a free painting party for children. We were very grateful to Leonard Insurance for funding this event.
- So....we painted in the dark at one party. This actually became one of my favorite parties. Here is the story: This was a benefit party for a lady with cancer. 32 people arrived on an October evening in Mt Pleasant Mills. Everything began as normal. But, only 10 minutes into the painting, the electricity went out. It was pitch black! I was sure people would get up and leave. But, instead, everyone got out their phone flash lights and we continued. I painted with one hand and held my phone light with the other. I did a fast-forward version of the painting before our batteries died. All the while, I was praying that the lights could come back on. Just as I was leading the final steps, the lights came on and everyone cheered!! We laughed and took pictures and talked. It was the perfect ending. I felt God telling me, "I answered your small prayer, do something big for the host." So, I did. As we packed up our supplies and were ready to pull out, I said to my daughter, "Look around you, the entire town is still in the dark." WOW - God turned the lights on for us and to bless the dear lady that this party benefited.
- My husband attended his very first painting party after over five years of leading parties. He not only attended, but he also painted. Our daughters concluded he could use more practice.
- Another fun painting party was done on metal trays. I wish I could find more of these trays. 54 people painted with us and it benefited MCC. That night, I also discovered that The Red Zone will be a nice place to hold parties.
- I let someone else lead a party. That was not easy for me! But, the very capable Wendy Kersetter, along with my daughters, helped lead a party while I attended an arts award reception.
- Along with Beth Winey, we were awarded a PA Partners in the Arts grant to provide free kids parties "Books and Brushed" in the new year.
- We painted in a 1780's mansion! I loved our three short benefit make-n-take Christmas parties in this stunning house!
- Records!! We painted on records at the Lewistown Festival of Ice!! We had a better location and painted with 39 people during three parties. I also designed a Christmas Dress Form that was displayed in the Historic Mifflin County Courthouse.
- Julia and I were able to attend a painting party in Seiverville, TN led by an artist that I helped start a painting parties business. She now has a fabulous studio (that I'm jealous of). We painted with her group and shared more ideas. I hope I can bless more people in the coming year and help them lead art classes.
- Our "Bargain Bin" of canvases I've painted raised $285 for Crossroads Pregnancy Center (that's all from $5 projects!)
- Our theme verse was:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14
I'll say this again: I couldn't do any of this without my family! My daughters, now 15 and 13 are rock solid supporters! They are now offering ideas and painting in front of people. One of these days they might lead a party.
And....of coarse I wouldn't have any parties without my hosts and those that attend. I am humbled by people's kindness and willingness to return! We are each gifted in so many unique ways.
Thank you for making 2019 possible!!