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A St. Patrick's Day Party Preview
Perhaps because Mardi Gras has recently put people in the novelty necklace spirit, St. Patrick's Day often involves green plastic beads, as seen at the St. Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, California.
Traditionally, St. Patrick's Day honors the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the spread of Christianity to the island. But the holiday is more broadly celebrated in America, where after a few Guinnesses, anyone can be Irish. For a holiday that recognizes the unique culture of Ireland, there certainly are a lot of American tropes thrown into the revelry. In case you can't remember your last few St. Patrick's Days, here's what to expect.
Traditionally, St. Patrick's Day honors the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the spread of Christianity to the island. But the holiday is more broadly celebrated in America, where after a few Guinnesses, anyone can be Irish. For a holiday that recognizes the unique culture of Ireland, there certainly are a lot of American tropes thrown into the revelry. In case you can't remember your last few St. Patrick's Days, here's what to expect.
PR
Milwaukee Man Missing After Saturday Pub Crawl
Milwaukee police are looking for a missing Milwaukee man who was last seen Saturday night on Water Street.
Family members reported to police that Thomas Hecht, 28, was missing Sunday night.
Hecht's father said his son had joined St. Patrick's Day revelers for the Shamrock Shindig Pub Crawl. Friends said they last saw him outside Rosie's Tavern around 10 p.m. Saturday. He told them he was heading home.
Hecht was wearing a green T-shirt with a St. Patrick's Day inscription on the front and green party beads around his neck.
"He hasn't been answering his cellphone. I had a spare set of keys to his condo. He has not been home, and he parked his car in front of my condo building Saturday afternoon, and his car has not been moved since," Bob Hecht said.
Hecht is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee and Whitnall High School. He works for Johnson Controls, and his dad said Tom has never disappeared for any amount of time.
He lives about a mile upriver from Rosie's, but Bob Hecht said he doubts Tom walked home Saturday night.
"To walk home, Tom would have had to have crossed one of two bridges over the Milwaukee River," Bob Hecht said. "Our hopes are that he's going to be found, and he's going to be OK."
The Water Street Association said it's helping in the search for Hecht via social media.
"We're extremely hopeful for his safety and will continue to assist the MPD until he is found," the association said in a written statement.
Hecht's father said friends plan to canvas the area Monday night.
Family members reported to police that Thomas Hecht, 28, was missing Sunday night.
Hecht's father said his son had joined St. Patrick's Day revelers for the Shamrock Shindig Pub Crawl. Friends said they last saw him outside Rosie's Tavern around 10 p.m. Saturday. He told them he was heading home.
Hecht was wearing a green T-shirt with a St. Patrick's Day inscription on the front and green party beads around his neck.
"He hasn't been answering his cellphone. I had a spare set of keys to his condo. He has not been home, and he parked his car in front of my condo building Saturday afternoon, and his car has not been moved since," Bob Hecht said.
Hecht is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee and Whitnall High School. He works for Johnson Controls, and his dad said Tom has never disappeared for any amount of time.
He lives about a mile upriver from Rosie's, but Bob Hecht said he doubts Tom walked home Saturday night.
"To walk home, Tom would have had to have crossed one of two bridges over the Milwaukee River," Bob Hecht said. "Our hopes are that he's going to be found, and he's going to be OK."
The Water Street Association said it's helping in the search for Hecht via social media.
"We're extremely hopeful for his safety and will continue to assist the MPD until he is found," the association said in a written statement.
Hecht's father said friends plan to canvas the area Monday night.
Ani Maldjian: Go ahead, dare her
Sometimes soprano Ani Maldjian gets going so fast she forgets to breathe. She searched for a bracelet with the word "breathe" on it to wear as a reminder but could not find one on the Internet. So she decided to make her own, using beads. In the process, "I fell in love with bead shops, it's like an addiction," she says. She made her bracelet — but instead of leading to relaxation, the effort led Maldjian to launch Solo, an online business selling her own music-inspired jewelry designs.
It is not surprising that the energetic Maldjian, 29, would pile another challenge on top of her burgeoning opera career. "I knew I wanted to be a singer at age 15," she asserted in a recent conversation at Long Beach Opera, where she was rehearsing for appearances in two Surrealist works: Francis Poulenc's 1944 "The Breasts of Tiresias" and Bohuslav Martinu's 1928 opera "Tears of a Knife." Both one-act operas, to be presented on the same program Sunday and again Saturday, are directed by Ken Roht, producing director of L.A.'s Bootleg Theater and producing director of Orphean Circus.
Maldjian, a Los Angeles native and a proud first-generation Armenian American, was inspired to an opera career by hearing her grandfather sing Armenian folk songs. "He just instilled the love of that classical sound in me," she says. Maldjian skipped junior and senior years of high school by taking the GED exam and was accepted to CalArts at 16. After CalArts, she hopped to Cal State Northridge to get her master's degree.
"I went to CalArts as a pop singer; I was singing Mariah Carey tunes. And — rest in peace — Whitney Houston was my idol," Maldjian says. "But within a year I switched to opera. I remember doing this pop competition; I showed up, and there were, like, 5,000 singers. And they were all dressed up — I don't even know how to describe it. They were not there because they cared about music, they were there because they wanted to be famous and get noticed. It just wasn't me."
Besides, pop music just wasn't difficult enough. "I am a perfectionist, and I think I chose a genre and an art form that requires perfection in many ways," she muses. "Opera is the highest of the arts, in my opinion — in music anyway. I wouldn't have picked something that came easy."
Maldjian's grandfather did not live to read the recent reviews that have celebrated Maldjian as one of the opera world's up-and-coming stars — but he would have been overjoyed. A Long Beach Opera regular, Maldjian made her company debut as Anne Frank in the 2007 production of Grigory Frid's "The Diary of Anne Frank," performed in a parking garage. (LBO is known for unorthodox, site-specific performances and plans a fall presentation of Gavin Bryers' ocean-themed "The Paper Nautilus" at Long Beach Aquarium). For LBO Maldjian has also appeared as Madame Mao in "Nixon in China," sung the title role in "Cunning Little Vixen" and appeared in "Medea." She is also a frequent performer with Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera and numerous regional companies.
Of that Anne Frank performance, Times music critic Mark Swed wrote that the role "offers a technical and emotional tour de force for a game soprano. [Company artistic and general director Andreas] Mitisek found just that soprano in Ani Maldjian. Tuesday at 8 p.m., one might have said she was an emerging artist in the earliest stages of a career. By 9:30, she had emerged. And she is surely the first in opera history to have done so from a car park."
Says Mitisek of Maldjian: "She became a star in a parking garage … since then, I've seen her versatility, her vocal ability, grow and shine in different roles. Being the crazy Madame Mao or Anne the young girl, she fills all of the roles with her full self."
For her part, Maldjian is happy throwing herself into new work, for Long Beach Opera and other companies. "I'm definitely a risk-taker, people have said that a lot — I'm not an inhibited singer," she says happily. "I skateboarded once onstage; that was a risk. Directors like it that I hardly ever say no."
It is not surprising that the energetic Maldjian, 29, would pile another challenge on top of her burgeoning opera career. "I knew I wanted to be a singer at age 15," she asserted in a recent conversation at Long Beach Opera, where she was rehearsing for appearances in two Surrealist works: Francis Poulenc's 1944 "The Breasts of Tiresias" and Bohuslav Martinu's 1928 opera "Tears of a Knife." Both one-act operas, to be presented on the same program Sunday and again Saturday, are directed by Ken Roht, producing director of L.A.'s Bootleg Theater and producing director of Orphean Circus.
Maldjian, a Los Angeles native and a proud first-generation Armenian American, was inspired to an opera career by hearing her grandfather sing Armenian folk songs. "He just instilled the love of that classical sound in me," she says. Maldjian skipped junior and senior years of high school by taking the GED exam and was accepted to CalArts at 16. After CalArts, she hopped to Cal State Northridge to get her master's degree.
"I went to CalArts as a pop singer; I was singing Mariah Carey tunes. And — rest in peace — Whitney Houston was my idol," Maldjian says. "But within a year I switched to opera. I remember doing this pop competition; I showed up, and there were, like, 5,000 singers. And they were all dressed up — I don't even know how to describe it. They were not there because they cared about music, they were there because they wanted to be famous and get noticed. It just wasn't me."
Besides, pop music just wasn't difficult enough. "I am a perfectionist, and I think I chose a genre and an art form that requires perfection in many ways," she muses. "Opera is the highest of the arts, in my opinion — in music anyway. I wouldn't have picked something that came easy."
Maldjian's grandfather did not live to read the recent reviews that have celebrated Maldjian as one of the opera world's up-and-coming stars — but he would have been overjoyed. A Long Beach Opera regular, Maldjian made her company debut as Anne Frank in the 2007 production of Grigory Frid's "The Diary of Anne Frank," performed in a parking garage. (LBO is known for unorthodox, site-specific performances and plans a fall presentation of Gavin Bryers' ocean-themed "The Paper Nautilus" at Long Beach Aquarium). For LBO Maldjian has also appeared as Madame Mao in "Nixon in China," sung the title role in "Cunning Little Vixen" and appeared in "Medea." She is also a frequent performer with Seattle Opera, Atlanta Opera and numerous regional companies.
Of that Anne Frank performance, Times music critic Mark Swed wrote that the role "offers a technical and emotional tour de force for a game soprano. [Company artistic and general director Andreas] Mitisek found just that soprano in Ani Maldjian. Tuesday at 8 p.m., one might have said she was an emerging artist in the earliest stages of a career. By 9:30, she had emerged. And she is surely the first in opera history to have done so from a car park."
Says Mitisek of Maldjian: "She became a star in a parking garage … since then, I've seen her versatility, her vocal ability, grow and shine in different roles. Being the crazy Madame Mao or Anne the young girl, she fills all of the roles with her full self."
For her part, Maldjian is happy throwing herself into new work, for Long Beach Opera and other companies. "I'm definitely a risk-taker, people have said that a lot — I'm not an inhibited singer," she says happily. "I skateboarded once onstage; that was a risk. Directors like it that I hardly ever say no."
Traditional beads bestow honour and love
Chief (Mrs) Serifat Omonigbeyin is Ekerin Iyaloja of Oje Market, Ibadan, Oyo State. She believes strongly in destiny, culture, custom and tradition. She spoke with FEMI AKINSOLA, in Ibadan. Excerpts:
Background
I was born into the family of Alagbaa, in Alagbaa Compound, located at Oke Aare, Ibadan. I attended Islamic Mission School, Odoye, Ibadan. I also attended Erinwusi Community Modern School, Ede, Osun State, and Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan. I was installed Ekerin Iyaloja of Oje Market in 2003.
I never thought I could be in this bead making and decoration. I had wanted to be a medical doctor or nurse. I like their mode of dressing and the way they attend to their patients. I had it in mind that I shall be of help to every patient I come by, especially the little ones and the aged.
Destiny
I so much believe in prayer. At the same time, one cannot rule out destiny. I struggle to make sure I achieve my goal because I have focus and I work towards it. But destiny too plays its role in my life. The sudden death of my father had a negative impact on my life. I was lured into this profession by my grandmother after the death of my father. That is the only job I new my mother with. But I never thought I would eventually venture into it.
Types, styles and identities
Beads are used to make different styles for different occasions. There is also the use of colour separation in bead making. The easiest way to identify beads is by colour. Okun or Akun, has the colour of earth or coffee mixed with milk. It is somehow brown, though, some are browner than others. Alaadun looks exactly like perched corn, ground and mixed with oil. Iyun is one of the ancient beads, common to monarchs and the high chiefs. It has various colours such as, white, pink, red and red. Ikan bead also has many colours.
Segi is a popular ancient bead. It is as popular as Iyun. Iyun and Segi beads are so popular that people bear their names. The major difference between the two is that Segi is ever blue in colour, while Iyun has colour variation.
I can tell a person’s state of origin by the beads he or she uses. Take for instance people from North, specifically the female Fulani. They always tie their beads so close to the neck. Apart from that, people nowadays use beads to make chairs, windows or door blinds. We also use them to make earrings, belts, wristwatches, shoes, bags and hair decorations.
Tools
Beads are our major tools. We also use threads or strings. In the olden days, they used rubber or raffia. We make use of needles for joining, fixing the beads. The size of the needle is determined by the size of the beads. If I were to make crown or sceptre for instance, the tiny needle is applicable because the beads to be used are also tiny. There are other materials to be added to it to make a crown but, the major material that will make it attractive is the bead. Crowns are of different colours and styles. White crowns are common among the traditional worshipers like Olosun,Yemoja, the goddess sea.
Our forefathers were very creative. The common method they used to determine the size and weight of their children, specifically babies is the use of tiny beads round their wrists and waists. When a child fell sick, they applied this method as their medical procedure. Besides, women use beads round their waists, to add to their beauty. Some ladies especially students from higher institutions come to me for waist design. I also enjoy the patronage of white ladies especially, those whose husbands are Nigerians, they appreciate waist beads. Some may come with measurement, for their waists while I determine the size of some without measurement.
Wrong perception
Most people do not value what they have, rather, they promote alien culture. These foreigners you are crazy about their cultures do come here to promote our culture. I made rump beads for most of these white ladies from U.K. Each time they come to Nigeria, they patronise us, they appreciate beads a lot. It is funny that we that are endowed with all these gifts shy away from them. We do not want to be identified with traditional materials.
When they see you with beads, they give you different names like Ologboni, Babalawo, Onisegun, to them you belong to a cult group, They even blackmail our young ones, who use beads round their necks and wrists as cultist. Whether they accept it or not, beads cannot be outdated.
Bead serves as a mark of honour for whoever uses it, man or woman. What readily comes to mind is that, such a person must be decent, responsible and lover of peace. You cannot see a person using beads causing trouble, the good spirit accords with beads will not allow him or her to do so. Have you ever seen a person with traditional beads engaging in street fight? Definitely no, once you are seen with traditional beads, you are accorded due respect.
Before I was installed a chief, people were already calling me Oloye (chief), due to the generous way I use beads. Bead, no its size or weight, once the user puts it on, it becomes light. Beads are for no all seasons. Sincerely Bead is still the only object that can communicate easily at all time between its users and the audience in terms of love, peace and humility.
School
I intend to set up a private school of art and culture, it will be first of its kind. Though, I am not rich but I believe in God it is possible. Most of us in art and culture have talents to display, but the financial constraint stands on our way. Similarly, I have it in mind to promote peace, love, unity and progress among bead dealers. I feel proud of my culture and tradition anywhere I go.
Oje market, Ibadan
If the story from my mother and some elders in the market are to reckon with, the market has been in existence for over two hundred years. This same market is in Ede, Osun State. Both Oje-Ibadan and Oje-Ede are held every ninth day. The one held at Oje-Ibadan every ninth day is meant for herbs sellers. The general one is held every 17th day.
Appeal
Government should make available programmes that will make life meaningful to the citizenry. Tangible programmes should be made for our youth, this will serve as a controlling method against the juvenile delinquency that is very rampart among the youth. Besides, government should be sincere in their policy making. Any policy that will add to the burden of the masses should be given a second thought, people are suffering.
Women empowerment programmes should not be restricted to the people in urban areas, let them reflect also in the lives of rural dwellers. Whoever takes a good care of a woman takes care of a nation.
Background
I was born into the family of Alagbaa, in Alagbaa Compound, located at Oke Aare, Ibadan. I attended Islamic Mission School, Odoye, Ibadan. I also attended Erinwusi Community Modern School, Ede, Osun State, and Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan. I was installed Ekerin Iyaloja of Oje Market in 2003.
I never thought I could be in this bead making and decoration. I had wanted to be a medical doctor or nurse. I like their mode of dressing and the way they attend to their patients. I had it in mind that I shall be of help to every patient I come by, especially the little ones and the aged.
Destiny
I so much believe in prayer. At the same time, one cannot rule out destiny. I struggle to make sure I achieve my goal because I have focus and I work towards it. But destiny too plays its role in my life. The sudden death of my father had a negative impact on my life. I was lured into this profession by my grandmother after the death of my father. That is the only job I new my mother with. But I never thought I would eventually venture into it.
Types, styles and identities
Beads are used to make different styles for different occasions. There is also the use of colour separation in bead making. The easiest way to identify beads is by colour. Okun or Akun, has the colour of earth or coffee mixed with milk. It is somehow brown, though, some are browner than others. Alaadun looks exactly like perched corn, ground and mixed with oil. Iyun is one of the ancient beads, common to monarchs and the high chiefs. It has various colours such as, white, pink, red and red. Ikan bead also has many colours.
Segi is a popular ancient bead. It is as popular as Iyun. Iyun and Segi beads are so popular that people bear their names. The major difference between the two is that Segi is ever blue in colour, while Iyun has colour variation.
I can tell a person’s state of origin by the beads he or she uses. Take for instance people from North, specifically the female Fulani. They always tie their beads so close to the neck. Apart from that, people nowadays use beads to make chairs, windows or door blinds. We also use them to make earrings, belts, wristwatches, shoes, bags and hair decorations.
Tools
Beads are our major tools. We also use threads or strings. In the olden days, they used rubber or raffia. We make use of needles for joining, fixing the beads. The size of the needle is determined by the size of the beads. If I were to make crown or sceptre for instance, the tiny needle is applicable because the beads to be used are also tiny. There are other materials to be added to it to make a crown but, the major material that will make it attractive is the bead. Crowns are of different colours and styles. White crowns are common among the traditional worshipers like Olosun,Yemoja, the goddess sea.
Our forefathers were very creative. The common method they used to determine the size and weight of their children, specifically babies is the use of tiny beads round their wrists and waists. When a child fell sick, they applied this method as their medical procedure. Besides, women use beads round their waists, to add to their beauty. Some ladies especially students from higher institutions come to me for waist design. I also enjoy the patronage of white ladies especially, those whose husbands are Nigerians, they appreciate waist beads. Some may come with measurement, for their waists while I determine the size of some without measurement.
Wrong perception
Most people do not value what they have, rather, they promote alien culture. These foreigners you are crazy about their cultures do come here to promote our culture. I made rump beads for most of these white ladies from U.K. Each time they come to Nigeria, they patronise us, they appreciate beads a lot. It is funny that we that are endowed with all these gifts shy away from them. We do not want to be identified with traditional materials.
When they see you with beads, they give you different names like Ologboni, Babalawo, Onisegun, to them you belong to a cult group, They even blackmail our young ones, who use beads round their necks and wrists as cultist. Whether they accept it or not, beads cannot be outdated.
Bead serves as a mark of honour for whoever uses it, man or woman. What readily comes to mind is that, such a person must be decent, responsible and lover of peace. You cannot see a person using beads causing trouble, the good spirit accords with beads will not allow him or her to do so. Have you ever seen a person with traditional beads engaging in street fight? Definitely no, once you are seen with traditional beads, you are accorded due respect.
Before I was installed a chief, people were already calling me Oloye (chief), due to the generous way I use beads. Bead, no its size or weight, once the user puts it on, it becomes light. Beads are for no all seasons. Sincerely Bead is still the only object that can communicate easily at all time between its users and the audience in terms of love, peace and humility.
School
I intend to set up a private school of art and culture, it will be first of its kind. Though, I am not rich but I believe in God it is possible. Most of us in art and culture have talents to display, but the financial constraint stands on our way. Similarly, I have it in mind to promote peace, love, unity and progress among bead dealers. I feel proud of my culture and tradition anywhere I go.
Oje market, Ibadan
If the story from my mother and some elders in the market are to reckon with, the market has been in existence for over two hundred years. This same market is in Ede, Osun State. Both Oje-Ibadan and Oje-Ede are held every ninth day. The one held at Oje-Ibadan every ninth day is meant for herbs sellers. The general one is held every 17th day.
Appeal
Government should make available programmes that will make life meaningful to the citizenry. Tangible programmes should be made for our youth, this will serve as a controlling method against the juvenile delinquency that is very rampart among the youth. Besides, government should be sincere in their policy making. Any policy that will add to the burden of the masses should be given a second thought, people are suffering.
Women empowerment programmes should not be restricted to the people in urban areas, let them reflect also in the lives of rural dwellers. Whoever takes a good care of a woman takes care of a nation.
Let guests' creative juices flow at an art-themed party
Whether you're throwing a birthday party for a toddling 2-year-old or a too-cool-for anything tween, an arts-and-crafts-themed bash might be just the thing. Guests - especially little ones - love a party where they get to DO something, especially if it's something they can take home as a memento of the day. Plus, if you take advantage of the wide availability of discount craft supplies and inexpensive, solid-color party goods, it can be easy on your budget. Here are some tips for hosting an awesomely creative celebration:
INVITATIONS: Maybe you've heard that an invitation sets the tone for a party? Give guests a peek at what's in store with an invite that bursts with color. For younger kids, try the Colorful Paint Tray invitation from Pear Tree Greetings (peartreegreetings.com, 16 cards for about $22). It mimics the familiar shape of a box of kids' watercolors, and the bright colors work for boys or girls. And Pear Tree's interactive site makes it easy for you to play with the wording and colors until you've got them just the way you like. Minted's Artist's Palette invitation, dotted with colorful paint splotches, is a bit more abstract, and would work for a wide range of ages (minted.com, 15 cards for $44).
Or go the handmade route: Print the party info on heavy white cardstock (leave a wide border) and let the birthday kid go crazy with crayons, watercolors or colored pencils. If your guests are local (and there aren't too many of them), tie a card with the party details to a few markers or a tray of inexpensive paints and hand-deliver them.
VENUE: As long as you have a large table or two, and room to set them up (and you're willing to clean up afterward), you can host this party at home. But if you're not willing to pick up beads and vacuum away glitter, you may want to consider other options. If you're happy to do almost everything yourself, and just need a good spot, look for a multi-purpose room at a local community center. If you'd prefer to have someone else do the dirty work of helping guests craft, look for a local paint-your-own pottery studio, art workshop or craft store. Some of those places have party packages designed just for kids of certain ages, so you'll have minimal work to do - other than handing over a check.
DECOR: The great thing about an art party is that a little color is all you need to invoke the theme. That could mean a few bunches of colorful balloons, paper pinwheels hanging from the ceiling or a big easel with a sign welcoming guests. (Drag the easel out of your kids' playroom; it can double as a crafting station during the party.) Cover the tables you'll be using with a bright, disposable (or washable) tablecloth to make cleanup easy afterward. And have an extra tablecloth (or two) on hand so that you can switch them out if things get too messy, or if you want a clean space for cupcakes and snacks. If you're worried about the floor, consider a dropcloth - head to the hardware store and buy a few in the painting section.
If you want lots of little detail decor elements (popular in many DIY parties on blogs or Pinterest), why not let someone else do the work for you? Online partyware store Paper & Cake offers a suite of printable elements designed around an art party theme; all you have to do is download, print and snip (paperandcake.com, $18.95). The package includes invitations, thank-you notes, a pennant banner, jar labels, table tents and more, all decorating with colorful splashes of paint. Just print them on cardstock, and you're ready to go. If you want the PDF equivalent of a party planner, Paper & Cake also sells a 25-page art party plan (among lots of other themes) for $15.95 - tips, a planning schedule, resources and more.
PROJECTS: Of course, the fun of an art party is the projects. And the complexity and number of the projects will depend on the age of your guests, and how many people you're hosting. But the great thing about an arts and crafts party is that even small children can enjoy it. Don't underestimate the fun of simple projects, especially at the beginning of the party as you wait for everyone to arrive. Offer a giant tray of stickers, crayons, self-adhesive jewels and rubber stamps (look for self-inking ones) and let kids create collages to their hearts' content. String a clothesline nearby and hang guests' creations until they take them home.
Even small children can string beads, if the materials are age-appropriate. For 4- to 6-year-olds, try making bracelets: Create a kit for each child that contains a plastic lacing needle strung with elastic cord (tie a bead on one end of the cord, and knot the other end of the cord around the needle). Include letter beads for each child's name in his or her kit. (Do a test-run to be sure the holes in the beads are large enough for your needles.) Then offer other plastic colorful beads in various shapes on a tray in the middle of the table. When a child has strung enough beads to fit around her wrist, remove the needle and tie off the elastic.
If you're willing to let guests get a little messy, almost every kid loves to paint. Online party purveyor Oriental Trading Company (orientaltrading.com) sells tons of inexpensive craft supplies, including small plastic palettes so that each kid can have his own colors nearby (12 for $4). Also look for sponge paint dotters in different shapes (24 for $6) and brushes in lots of shapes and sizes. If you can get them on sale at a local craft store, real artist canvases are a fun treat, but sturdy paper meant for paints is perfectly fine too. Oriental Trading also sells kids' aprons for as low as $10 for a dozen - a must-have if you're going to be painting.
FAVORS: If you have slightly older guests (7 and up), consider sending each child home with a quality art supply, like a tray of watercolors or a box of colored pencils. Smaller children will probably appreciate a collection of items, like stickers, pencils and maybe a candy treat. To stick with the color theme, try mini rainbow swirl lollipops (38 for $7).
INVITATIONS: Maybe you've heard that an invitation sets the tone for a party? Give guests a peek at what's in store with an invite that bursts with color. For younger kids, try the Colorful Paint Tray invitation from Pear Tree Greetings (peartreegreetings.com, 16 cards for about $22). It mimics the familiar shape of a box of kids' watercolors, and the bright colors work for boys or girls. And Pear Tree's interactive site makes it easy for you to play with the wording and colors until you've got them just the way you like. Minted's Artist's Palette invitation, dotted with colorful paint splotches, is a bit more abstract, and would work for a wide range of ages (minted.com, 15 cards for $44).
Or go the handmade route: Print the party info on heavy white cardstock (leave a wide border) and let the birthday kid go crazy with crayons, watercolors or colored pencils. If your guests are local (and there aren't too many of them), tie a card with the party details to a few markers or a tray of inexpensive paints and hand-deliver them.
VENUE: As long as you have a large table or two, and room to set them up (and you're willing to clean up afterward), you can host this party at home. But if you're not willing to pick up beads and vacuum away glitter, you may want to consider other options. If you're happy to do almost everything yourself, and just need a good spot, look for a multi-purpose room at a local community center. If you'd prefer to have someone else do the dirty work of helping guests craft, look for a local paint-your-own pottery studio, art workshop or craft store. Some of those places have party packages designed just for kids of certain ages, so you'll have minimal work to do - other than handing over a check.
DECOR: The great thing about an art party is that a little color is all you need to invoke the theme. That could mean a few bunches of colorful balloons, paper pinwheels hanging from the ceiling or a big easel with a sign welcoming guests. (Drag the easel out of your kids' playroom; it can double as a crafting station during the party.) Cover the tables you'll be using with a bright, disposable (or washable) tablecloth to make cleanup easy afterward. And have an extra tablecloth (or two) on hand so that you can switch them out if things get too messy, or if you want a clean space for cupcakes and snacks. If you're worried about the floor, consider a dropcloth - head to the hardware store and buy a few in the painting section.
If you want lots of little detail decor elements (popular in many DIY parties on blogs or Pinterest), why not let someone else do the work for you? Online partyware store Paper & Cake offers a suite of printable elements designed around an art party theme; all you have to do is download, print and snip (paperandcake.com, $18.95). The package includes invitations, thank-you notes, a pennant banner, jar labels, table tents and more, all decorating with colorful splashes of paint. Just print them on cardstock, and you're ready to go. If you want the PDF equivalent of a party planner, Paper & Cake also sells a 25-page art party plan (among lots of other themes) for $15.95 - tips, a planning schedule, resources and more.
PROJECTS: Of course, the fun of an art party is the projects. And the complexity and number of the projects will depend on the age of your guests, and how many people you're hosting. But the great thing about an arts and crafts party is that even small children can enjoy it. Don't underestimate the fun of simple projects, especially at the beginning of the party as you wait for everyone to arrive. Offer a giant tray of stickers, crayons, self-adhesive jewels and rubber stamps (look for self-inking ones) and let kids create collages to their hearts' content. String a clothesline nearby and hang guests' creations until they take them home.
Even small children can string beads, if the materials are age-appropriate. For 4- to 6-year-olds, try making bracelets: Create a kit for each child that contains a plastic lacing needle strung with elastic cord (tie a bead on one end of the cord, and knot the other end of the cord around the needle). Include letter beads for each child's name in his or her kit. (Do a test-run to be sure the holes in the beads are large enough for your needles.) Then offer other plastic colorful beads in various shapes on a tray in the middle of the table. When a child has strung enough beads to fit around her wrist, remove the needle and tie off the elastic.
If you're willing to let guests get a little messy, almost every kid loves to paint. Online party purveyor Oriental Trading Company (orientaltrading.com) sells tons of inexpensive craft supplies, including small plastic palettes so that each kid can have his own colors nearby (12 for $4). Also look for sponge paint dotters in different shapes (24 for $6) and brushes in lots of shapes and sizes. If you can get them on sale at a local craft store, real artist canvases are a fun treat, but sturdy paper meant for paints is perfectly fine too. Oriental Trading also sells kids' aprons for as low as $10 for a dozen - a must-have if you're going to be painting.
FAVORS: If you have slightly older guests (7 and up), consider sending each child home with a quality art supply, like a tray of watercolors or a box of colored pencils. Smaller children will probably appreciate a collection of items, like stickers, pencils and maybe a candy treat. To stick with the color theme, try mini rainbow swirl lollipops (38 for $7).