Hey There from Charm City, MD

aka Baltimore!

My name is Nancy & I've been an artist/artisan/crafter for a looooong time.

Confronted by a Tulip display at A.C. Moore with 40% off coupon in hand, I bought a starter set with the intention of making my 9 year old daughter's school, sports & social events more fun.

I work full time at a pretty demanding job & although it is rewarding, I have a strong need to to create. Creating to me is like stepping off a cliff - letting go of my intrinsic need for order & control to rely only on my hard won faith in my intuition.

I had NO idea that the Face Painting Bug would bite me so hard! The wealth of information available & the absolutely amazing generosity of those of you in the "industry" (for lack of better word) has led me to believe that I just might do alright with this endeavor.

I follow three generations of small business folk & I've been itching to have my own business for as long as I can remember. But unfortunately, capital, inventory & other irritants always seem to sabotage my hopes of getting something going. So maybe this is it. I feel so passionate about it & I can't stop painting on anything that moves - including myself. But not my husband or dog, they're too hairy!!

I am SO looking forward to trying new things & developing my style. I've got some ideas brewing on how to personalise some of the standards & inevitables.
I already have my own version of an Oriole & Raven. I will post my starter pics VERY soon!

Thanks & I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Nancy

Hi there! Welcome to the forum. It is such a helpful place.

Tulip is getting people hooked! Thats exactly what happened to me. I just went today for my first brushes and washtub. Welcome to the forum! Can't wait to see how we grow and improve!

welcome from another nancy

Welcome!

Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the forum Nancy! Warning the only cure for the face painting bug is more face paintng

Thanks Pslambook but I think it's my family that needs the warning!

Hi Nancy

GOTTCHA!!

It happens to the best of us, but as I have told people, at least it keeps me out of trouble and off the streets(age 64)

This is a very accepting place to share and learn, and who knows, we may be the ones learning from you.

Welcome
Evelyn

Welcome Nancy! I also have a very demanding "regular job" and I find face painting such a wonderful retreat from the stress of work. Granted a line of kids can be stressful too, but seeing their face when they look in the mirror makes me so happy!

Hi Happy V!

Even though I've only had 3 sessions so far (all for free)...
1. Painting tiger paw prints at DD's school field day
2. Close friend's DD's Tea Party (flowers & butterflies)
3. DD, friends & neighbors post-slumber party.

..but the looks I get when I give them the mirror!!! They make me feel that I can work magic!
The 6 yo neighbor girl after seeing her pink & orange butterfly mask could barely whisper "Thank you so much" over & over.

I have to give credit to this forum for helping to make my 1st attempts positive ones. I used info gathered here (while lurking) to do the following...
1. Limit designs to 2 or 3. "If I do something special for you, I'll have to do it for everyone & not everyone will get painted" worked like a charm!
2. Assign numbers to waiting kids. (It doesn't work when DD thinks she'll be cute & assign random #s - provoking the mean-mom look)

My idea...
1. I painted the options on my inner forearm. No need for a sign that may get lost when passed around. I will do this for or 2-4 cheek design events - as I'm learning or for high volume, paint-for-free events.

Lessons learned...
1. Don't forget the mirror!
2. Don't forget sunscreen!!!!!
3. Have faith in yourself!

Hiya Nancy and Welcome!

A couple of things....

1) As someone who got into this business using Tulip, how do you like the brand? We've had some negative review here (besides black and white) and would like to know your views. It's interesting b/c there were debates on how many more fpers would come about b/c of this, continue using the brand, switching to another, or just not becoming a business just a hobby.

2) NETWORK GIRL! There are a lot of us from this area. Someone really great in your area is Silly Willy. He is always friendly. Also come Jan, there is the Kapital Konvention in the DC area. Also Fabbulus in November in Philly.

Welcome and have fun!

Hey BluAng - Thanks!!!!

Great info & thanks for the contacts! I've been doing a little looking around online for locals & You can count on me being at the DC & Philly events! Maybe we can meet up.

As for Tulip...
Well it's tough to judge yet. I did buy a Snaz party pack for the basic colors (my Tulip starter was the neon). I also picked up more Tulip in the large single pots in black & white.

I've been using the Tulip more since the kids like the brightness of the neons. I'm going to pick up some Wolfe & Tag products. I need a rainbow cake & a split cake to play with along with some metallic & shimmery colors.

I will let you know for sure.

Nancy

Gidday & welcome to this fun loving group from Cradle Mountain, Tasmania Australia

Welcome to the forum. Metina has done an excellent job with this forum and she lives fairly close by, so you may even run into her in person.

Wish I had read this earlier as I'm meeting a friend near Baltimore this PM....you could have joined us. Next time or maybe at the jam on Wed. evening June 15. Besides the forum this is really an active area for Face Painters, Balloon Twisters, Clowns and Entertainers in general.

Welcome

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome!! It really makes this endeavor much less intimidating.

Just Jenny, how generous for you to extend an invitation to join you! I'm meeting up with a friend this evening as well. I'll PM you to see if we may be visiting the same neighborhood.

I would DEFINITELY like to attend the jam this week. I hope my new paints are here for it. That decision is its own post! Ugh!! I think I stumbled across something about that jam a few weeks ago. Is it in Annapolis?

Thanks again everyone! I truly can't express how appreciative I am for the warm welcome!!

Namaste!

waving hello...Welcome...looking forward to seeing your creations!