1. sample signs
I bring with me examples of the signs they are going to create that night, fun ones I have done that seem to fit the theme, along with my logo “heartcraft girl” sign
2. aprons
3. paints
I bring all the colors I think they might need for the night depending on the theme and like to include
gold and silver too – they are all various types of acrylic paints
4. wax
I include some wax just in case anyone is into sanding and distressing their sign and adding wax to seal it. I love Annie Sloan! (note: it is only sold at specialty shops in your local area, not on Amazon)
5. twine
6. paper plates
I have found this is the easiest way for everyone to place their dab of paint & is a good place to mix colors as well.
7. transfer paper
I love Angel Crafts transfer paper! It is paper vs a tape type so it has just the right amount of stickiness. During my first workshop I tried a brand that stuck so tightly to the vinyl I could not get it off!!
8. foam brushes & scissors
I bring a variety of sizes of foam brushes for everyone to paint with. I also bring some paint brushes to paint in the intricate areas of the words and of course scissors too!
9. hair dryer
Sometimes you have to rush things a bit to make sure they are dry before adding another layer – so I like to include a hair dryer just in case!
10. cloth
11. frames
I stain the frames and even have the background color on them ready to go. I find it saves time and allows everyone to get started with the font color so they don’t have to wait for the background color to dry. If it is not dry enough – sometimes the paint will stick to the vinyl. Plus it looks better too!
12. drop cloth
I bring a drop cloth to put over the table that I am using. You never want to have to worry that you’re going to spill paint on someone’s nice furniture! Canvas drop cloths are inexpensive and work great!
13. cut vinyl
I have the vinyl all cut out (quotes and graphics using the silhouette/cricut machine) and ready for each person with their name on the back. I used to weed it for them (take off the letters so that the stencil is ready to place on the frame) but I have found that most people enjoy doing it, and it lets them be a part of the whole process of knowing what the silhouette machine does – so now I just bring more tools and let them do the “work”!
14. tools
I now have at least 5 weeding tools for everyone to use. I love these hooks from Silhouette – they are really fun and easy to use. The scraper also works great to attach the vinyl to the transfer paper.
15. price sheet & order sheet
And last but not least I include a price sheet just to confirm everyone’s order. I have them email me their order in advance and I send them a paypal invoice beforehand so that part is all taken care of.
*BONUS – RAFFLE DRAWING
At the end of each party, I like to raffle off one of my pieces – so I actually cut up the price sheet with everyone’s name and put them all into a jar! Everyone likes to win something fun!