Brand Spankin' New

Hello All!

I live in Florida and have a 2yr old son and a super husband that is very supportive of my new hobby. My son received the Klutz face painting book last month as a belated birthday present from his uncle and once I started... I was hooked. I haven't been able to paint a whole lot but I think about it ALL the time and have been reading the forum since we got the paints. I really love creative stuff but most of my old hobbies would put me farther away from my son (not able to touch, too distracting, chemicals, etc.). I’m hoping this hobby will let us do something fun together and maybe I’ll even be able to break even eventually…

I tried to do a cat of some sort on my face for Purim last month and the paint would NOT stick to my cheeks or forehead. Very bizarre. I was convinced it was the sponge I was using with either too much or too little water (though I tried EVERYTHING in between). I threw in the towel that night (guests were coming and I was not looking good) but began to research and found the right sponges. The forum helped so much. Also, I think it might have been a little hard to get a full face out of that tiny little square so I got a larger palette and a few other paints with some birthday money I had. I was giddy as a school girl and could NOT WAIT until the paints and sponges arrived. I did the jaguar as soon as the weekend came. I was/am very happy with it. Do not ask me how long it took. I can at least honestly say it was under an hour but my organization was horrible and I kept holding the book up every 5 seconds. I’m also not in love with the nose but am OK with it needing practice. I also think cats are one of the easier things to look nice so while I have received a lot of compliments from friends for it, I take it with a grain of salt.




The next day I tried a dragon. This, I’m less happy with but it is my first attempt. With the Dragon challenge this month, I’m looking forward to lots of inspiration! In the meantime, my son refuses to let me touch his face with paint so I’m limited to TINY little designs on his hands of mostly Elmo, fish, Cookie Monster (wish I had a picture), and puppy dogs. He also brings his hands up every 2 seconds and is very shifty. I’ve been amazed things have turned out as well as they have. I really hope he’ll let me do some designs sometime this year. Right now I have mostly Diamond FX and Wolfe (from Klutz book) but I think after reading so much I should probably have Snazaroo for him… I just received a practice head which I hope will help with my practice (I try lots on my arms too). I’m not sure how I’ll ever get to a 5 minute design but I’m hopeful.

Sorry this is so long…

-Erica

Erica, Welcome to the forum from Jacksonville, FL! Hello neighbor!
I think you are on to an amazing start. Way better than my 1sts:-)
Let me know if you're into the idea of doing some gigs. I get a lot of requests I have to turn down for Gainesville(it's just too far if I have other parties here in Jacksonville).
Also, we have a face painting jam just starting here in Jax the 2nd Thursday of the month at Woddy's BBQ on San Jose Blvd.

I would love to do some gigs once I feel like I can do some designs in a reasonable amount of time. I really love kids and I'm loving the painting. I will be attacking my nieces over Easter muahahah.

I'm not entirely sure what a jam is but I think it's when people get together and paint? I would love to do that sometime but I have a day job M-F(which most days I'm pretty happy about) but it does prevent some potential fun. And my adorable little petri dish's (son's) many sick days suck up all my vacation days . Thanks though and please let me know if you hear about something on the weekend!

Hello and welcome to the Forum...Your off to an amazing start!!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your work!

welcome! those look very good!

Hello! They look great for your first time...you should see mine!
I think you'll be ready for gigs in no time, keep it up!

Welcome! I'm very much a newbie too and haven't had much time to practice painting... I need lots of practice!!
The people in this forum are sooo talented that it's a little intimidating to me, but they are also the most supportive and awesome group I've ever met.

Looks like you're off to a great start! Hello and welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

Hi and welcome

Welkome!
Nice pics.

Welcome to the forum Erica, wow, you are doing a great job already. I am looking forward to seeing more of you and your work in the forum, this place is the best!

Great first faces! Welcome to this forum.

Hi Erica, Your designs look great!!! I am new to facepainting too. At first my daughter (10 yrs) was so excited to have her face painted now she is sick of it. I hope your kids will enjoy every moment and not get tired of it. Have fun and enjoy the forum.