How to host the best INSPIRED art and craft party!
So you’re playing host to an INSPIRED party, how exciting! While it’s true that your expert Artist Sarah takes care of the subject, lesson plan, and any materials or equipment you might need there is still some work to be done as the host - but don’t worry, read on for some tips on how to make sure everyone has fun and to get the most out of your party.
THE SPACE
Depending on the nature of your party, arts and crafts can be messy business! Sarah will always bring along the trusty wipe-clean tablecloth to cover a big area but accidents will always find a way to exceed such boundaries… Choose a room where you don’t have to worry about the floor or the sofa cushions if there’s a spill and preferably one with a nice big table you can all sit around, for most the kitchen has this covered - and isn’t that where we always find ourselves at a party anyway?
Be sure to specify if you don’t have a suitable table to use as a folding one can be provided, or perhaps another setup can be arranged like clearing a working area on the floor and sitting on cushions.
Whatever you decide on, try to have it set up before the start of your party so you don’t have to waste time moving furniture when you could be crafting!
SET THE SCENE
You might want to decorate for your party, a string of pretty bunting/streamers and some fairy lights can help transform any room into a party zone! Of course don’t feel you have to, you’ll have plenty of pretty things to look at as you create anyway.
If you are using fairy lights, remember that we’ll likely be needing the main lights on so we can see what we’re making but they still bring a nice sparkly element to the party environment.
CRAFT PARTY REFRESHMENTS
Coffee, tea, pop or fizz - your party, your choice! Though a word of warning; while a glass of wine might help you relax and encourage fun, it also means you’ll be less than accurate with your brush strokes and probably isn’t advisable to be handling scissors… ;)
If you want to put out snacks for you and your friends again it’s really up to you, a bowl of sweets or pretzels are usually crowd pleasers and stay good for a couple of hours of ‘grazing’. Be careful not to handle anything too greasy though as oil splatter or on fingers quickly and permanently marks paper.
HOUSEMATES, PETS, and CHILDREN
Be sure to make arrangements with any housemates about which room is to be your space for the duration of the party and if possible have a responsible sitter agree to take care of your children and keep them away from the space so you are able to concentrate on enjoying yourself. INSPIRED parties are aimed at adults and while mature children are welcome to participate (all participants must be booked as an attendee), depending on the nature of the craft it may involve small parts and sharp scissors etc so may not be safe for little ones to be around.
Likewise pets, as much as we love to have them around, can easily get themselves into trouble around crafting materials so those with particularly curious or boisterous natures should be kept away for their own safety.
KEEPSAKES
By the end of your party you’ll have created a beautiful keepsake to remember your fun, but feel free to also take pictures of yourself and the creative process if you want to - Sarah can also help out with this and will usually take a group photo at the end where you can all proudly show off your creations!