Old Guard Nerd looking to learn something new...

Greetings from sunny North Carolina! I'm Jayelle, and I'm totally new to the FP world. It all started when I was looking for summer activities for my kids, 3 and 6, who are both on the autism spectrum. I wanted something that would be multi-sensory and fun and allow them to explore ways to express themselves non-verbally (especially my son, who speaks but has a delay). So I created "Body Art Day" and it was a huge success! I got some body crayons for them to draw on themselves, we used Streekerz to make our hair crazy colors, and of course I got the infamous Klutz book, thinking it would be fun to try some cheek/hand art on them. And now...I'm hooked!

I'm not an artist (though I took some painting classes in high school -- Bob Ross ) but I'm comfortable with a brush. Here are some pics of my first attempts...I've been doing this about 3 weeks, but after lurking here for four or five days I know y'all will be kind.

This is my very first attempt at a full face with a very wiggly 3 year old. My beautiful daughter, mugging. If you've ever used the Klutz book, you'll recognize the "Fairy" pattern.



Here's Lighting McQueen, which I adapted for my limited kit and skills from a SBS someone posted here recently. (Thanks, by the way!) I practiced on my leg, then painted my kids & their 2 cousins for our big Cars 2 party & movie screening this past weekend.


Here's my attempt at Holly Shiftwell and Francesco Bernelli. Holly is basically McQueen without the tail fin, but Francesco was hard because he's a completely different shape. I also tried to do Mater on my son, but although he was happy with it, I'm to embarrassed by it to post the pic.


Here's my niece, who wanted to be a "superhero fairy."



Currently my kit is limited to the Klutz book (which uses Wolfe paints in red, yellow, green, blue, white, and black) and filbert brushes in 3 sizes. Seriously lacking! I do like mixing my own colors (reminds my of my oil-painting days) but it takes longer than my fidgety models like to sit, so I'm looking to put together a slightly larger beginner's kit with more colors. I've already been asked to work with a photographer who is a friend of mine; she specializes in children's portraits and wants to offer her clients painted photo sessions! She also does beautiful maternity photos, and after looking at the bellies on this forum I've decided to talk to her about offering that as well. But I know I will need a lot more practice and a seriously expanded kit before I even start with that -- I've never even used a sponge or tried blending! But you guys are very inspiring!

More about me: I'm a huge geek with huge and rotating list of hobbies, currently including: scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, playing video games, and gardening (also new this year). I love to learn new things and I tend to get obsessive about them, learning everything I can in a short period of time. I'm a stay-at-home-mom and freelance writer, and I have a Master's degree in 20th century US History. I grew up feeling sorry for kids who came to school in store-bought Halloween costumes, because obviously (in my second-grade brain) their parents didn't love them enough to make their costumes like my Mom did...I guess I was a little self-righteous as a kid...I came from an arty/crafty/DIY family (mom sewed, cross-stitched, wrote poetry; my dad was a teacher during the school year and a licensed contractor during the summer). We didn't have a lot of money but I never realized it until I was older; because we made everything ourselves, I never had to go without. I'm trying to give my kids the same kind of experience -- we sacrifice a lot financially so that I can stay home with the kids, but I try to make the most of our time together because I know it won't last!

Sorry for the wall of text...I am a writer, after all!

Welcome!

Welcome....Gotta love Klutz...That was my 1st exposure to fp too

Welcome! I wonder just how many of us got our first taste of face paint from that Klutz book! I know I did

Welcome to the list! I'm a lot like you... obsessive about new interests, needing to learn everything possible as quickly as possible, grew up in a home where we made sacrifices and Mom stayed home with us, and am now doing the same with my own kids. They are older now (15 and 12 years) so I've been self-employed (face painting ) and doing other things to earn an income while still being here for the kids. It's a wonderful life! Happy to meet you, and enjoyed seeing your photos. You're going to fit in great on the forum.

Welcome to the forum! I think a big percent of us started with the Klutz book. I started with the first Klutz book (bought at a garage sale) and some Snaz pallets that come with a little booklet. I eventually got the 2nd Klutz book and then my big leap was to a whole kit of TAG paints.

Welcome! I think your cars are really cute! My daughter and I went to see that today, and I wish I thought of painting us

Hi there and welcome. What a sweet little girl you have! I get the the joy of painting for our Autism awareness days and day camps. I'm learning so much and each child is so different, face painting has been a big hit for them.

Ditto what Angie said, my story is much the same too. I have been a stay at home mama for 17 yrs and am so thankful for face painting now. I can be home when I need to but get to earn some extra for the fam too. It is also such a refreshing break to get to get out and do something you love for a while. Enjoy the forum, nice work by the way. Lovin the cars.

welcome!

GOOD FOR YOU!!

I am 64 and my only child is 34 and she is such a great mother. Her dad and myself spent as much time as possible with her growing up, and my proudest moment came when she was about 20 and I overheard her telling a new friend that her mother always had time to play games and do stuff with her. It is true, I did!
Now I enjoy the fruits of that labor by watching her be such a good mom. It is so worth the time, so keep iit up.

Enjoy learning to face paint, and come here often

Blessings

welcome

Welcome to the forum & enjoy your new face painting obsession!

I really identify with the rotating list of hobbies. So many new things to create, so little time!
You did a wonderful job on the "Cars" designs! Little detailed paintings and cheek art are really the hardest designs to do, in my opinion. Especially on wiggly bodies! I need to practice cars myself, but I'd rather do a full face tiger any day.