Mardi Gras Face Painting Tips For A Super Mardi Gras Party

Never was there a more fitting time for face painters to get their brushes and paints out as we close in on the glitziest street party of the year, when the dazzling sequinned outfits adorn the daring and, for the more modest, sensational wigs, long dresses, wacky jester costumes and beautiful jewelled, sequinned and diamante masks are the order of the day. Are you a beginner on the verge of breaking new ground with a Mardi Gras face painting party? If you've already hosted your first, then you will have a better understanding of what to expect. That first time is always the hardest, but it is also one of those great feeling moments when you realise that it wasn't so difficult after all and you actually had some real fun! Here are a few tips.

COLOURS - Remember it'sMardi Gras so we are looking at vivid and vibrant colours, glitter and stick-on jewels. Your face painting skills will dictate the designs you choose. If you know you're going to be busy, just have a few selected designs on hand for the kiddies - and adults too! - to choose from.

MARDI GRAS MASKS - Get clever and be creative, pick a style of mask you could face paint. Have two styles available, one for the boys and another for the girls. If you've never done it before, then look up some pictures of people wearing masks. Take note of how much of the face is covered up. Study the line of the mask and how it looks on the face with a view to how you would draw the line. It really doesn't seem that hard, does it? Reserve something like jet black and silver for the boys, while, for the girls, well, the colours and designs are endless. Choose warm, vibrant colours and mingle with some great contrasting shades. Add sequins and stick-on jewels to make the design stand out. Have some sparkly feathers or glowbys and bright glittery bows available to add to the design and don't forget to sort out your price for any extras. The glitzier the better. Get practising on your family and friends now to perfect your face painting creation.

CHEEK DESIGNS - These are so quick and easy and kiddies love them. Probably the most popular for the girls are butterflies, while boys love spiders and spiders' webs. Stars, flowers, bugs, dolphins, octopuses, balloons and scars are other great and easy cheek face paintings you could think about using.

STENCILS AND STAMPS - Don't be scared of using stencils and stamps. Even professionals have them and they're ideal for tiny little stars, etc. The rubber stamp will place the design exactly where you want it, leaving you to just fill in the colours. Kiddies really won't mind as they love their faces painted

FULL FACE PAINTING - Make life simple for yourself. Just because you're a beginner does not mean you can't do popular full face painting designs. Stick within your comfort zone. Think about the likes of a witch, Shrek or The Hulk; these designs give you a head start straight away. Paint the whole face with your chosen green base colour. Don't forget to let each coat dry first, then add your shades and shadows around the eyes and mouth. Clown face painting is easy, too. Do a full face base coat of white then add your red cheeks and nose, not forgetting some blue crosses over the eyes. Spiderman is the same. A full red base coat then, with a fine brush, carefully paint your spider's web, either on a cheek or over one side of the face. Ladybirds and bugs are also good. Get the right sized brush or stencils and add the spots as required.

GLITTER AND JEWELS - These little extras will help make your designs not only stand out but look stunning. Any mistakes you make can easily be covered up with a hint of glitter here and there. Once you have your basics conquered, get your first party under your belt . Keep things simple and your face painting customers will walk away happy chappies. Your face painting designs will improve with time and the more experience you acquire.

DON'T FORGET

MIRROR: For your customers to admire their wonderful face painting design.

WATER: Have an extra bucket of water to hand, especially if you know you're going to be busy, to keep your brushes clean.

CHAIRS/STOOLS: Make sure you sit your subjects on a chair or stool where you can alter the height. Think of your back and health at all times.

WIPES/TISSUES: Take plenty of wet wipes and tissues, not only for your customers but for yourself as well. You would be amazed how many you will go through.

SPONGES: An important part of your face painting kit. Perfect for applying all over base coats or large areas and great for blending colours.

COLOUR PALETTES: Don't make the mistake of rushing out to buy every colour in the rainbow. Remember that you can achieve any shade you want just by acquiring the primary colours of blue, yellow, red, black and white. It's a personal choice that you can make based on your budget as a beginner face painter.

TICKETS: Try using a ticket system if you're expecting a large crowd. This will save any arguments and pushing in. Also the designs you have chosen to do would look professional in an album so the kiddies can be looking through and choosing which one they're going to have while waiting.

Have fun, fun, fun. Even the most basic designs done well are all you need to get your first Mardi Gras face painting party off to a good start.

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