Rainbow Art Par-Tay!

Our sweet Babygirl turned six this weekend, so we used her favorite activity to celebrate with an ART PARTY!

rainbow art party

sloan art party invite

Decorating was easy since we used every color in the rainbow! It was so bright and cheery, I couldn’t stop smiling!

table 2
drinks2

straws

We had a great time shopping for foods of various colors…strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, carrots, pineapple, green grapes, celery, blue licorice and blackberries.

table 5

Printables from DimplePrints added more bright personalization.

food

drinks

cake

table 3

My son was willing to sort through bags of M&Ms and layer them in a glass dish. I’m assuming all the brown ones ended up in his belly as payment for his help.

m&ms
table 7

table 4

As each guest arrived, they chose a smock we’d decorated with iron-on patches.

3-27-12 098

Fortunately for my Dining Room chairs, it was a beautiful day and we were able to set the Art Studio up outside. We covered two card-tables with a plastic tablecloth and printed banners, then set jars of brushes and a tray of craft paints out. Crepe paper streamers blew from the tree overhead.

Picnik collage
art table 3

They started by painting plaster figurines, then moved on to canvases. Some even painted their smocks.

painting

painter 4

painter 3a

painter 2

Everyone was so intent on their creations, that it was a quiet and peaceful time. Quite the departure from our usual parties!

art table 4

We left the art outside to dry, and it was snack time! The rainbow color scheme was contagious, and most carefully arranged their food by color. It was also a sneaky way to get them to try all the fruits and vegetables.

Picnik collage

The backyard table had simple decorations, but still carried the theme. A striped runner (made here) layered a basic white tablecloth, with placemats made of foam and felt.

eat table 2

The centerpieces were bright colored bowls filled with shredded paper and rainbow lollipops. Small painted easels held more personalized printables.

Picnik collage

And then the best part….singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and diving in to the cake!

blowing candles

And at 6-layers, this was a beast of a cake, with a lot of anticipation! There is plenty of Rainbow Cake inspiration online, but I followed my friend Courtney’s lead. My only variance was to wrap each layer after cooling with plastic wrap, then freeze. The night before the party, I assembled and frosted (three tubs!) and left it in the fridge until party time. That step made it a breeze to frost, and I think the coldness held it together during cutting. Next time I’ll put something heavy on top of the layers while freezing, just to compact it a little more.

the cutter

I’m not kidding when I tell you there was clapping and cheers when I painstakingly revealed the first piece!

Picnik collage

And even though she knew what hid behind the white icing, the Birthday Girl was thrilled to see it, too.

happy girl

My sweet reward.

happy mommy

Noshing on this was a pretty good reward, too.

the cake

Once everyone was hopped up on sugar, it was time for the Sugarplum party tradition….a pinata!

pinata

We handed out the goodie bags so they could use the totes to gather the pinata loot.

art party gift bag

The little ones took turns whacking the pinata, but it was ultimately big brother who stepped in and killed it got ‘er done.

pinata2
pinata3

I wish I could get her to move this fast in the morning!

pinata4

The happy guests went home with goodie bags full of candy and art supplies, and new art for their rooms.

guests

Thanks to my sweet friend, we even managed to get a rare family photo.

family

Once the guests were gone, it didn’t take Babygirl long to try on some of her gifts, and go for round 2 of birthday cake!

cake sneak

rainbow art party

Such an easy and relaxed party, and since most everything was disposable, clean-up was a snap! Although I am glad to have a full year before planning another one. Not to mention I can’t bear the thought of her turning 7!!

ART PARTY Source List:
Invites & printables — DimplePrints
Plastic plates & flatware — Birthday Express
Paper streamers and tissue puffs — DIY, tutorial coming soon
Rainbow pinata & lollipops — Birthday Express
Red spotted fabric used as tablecloth — Fabric.com
Goodie bag totes — Old Navy
Mini-easels, plaster figurines, canvases & all art supplies — Michaels
Cake — me & Betty Crocker
Canvas smocks & patches — Michaels
Babygirl’s dress — Target

*** Sharing with Home Stories A to Z and Thrifty Decor Chick! ***

Leave a Comment

59 Comments

  1. Laurie wrote:

    Par-Tay is right. You win mom o'the year on this one.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  2. Laurie wrote:

    Par-Tay is right. You win mom o'the year on this one.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  3. Cassie – that looks so awesome! One question – did you have a backup plan for the cake? I would have been skeered mine would have fallen apart.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  4. Cassie! totally amazing. I wouldn't mind this party for myself! That's such a great family shot. My boys loved looking at these pictures too! When Holden saw baby girl carrying the cake plate he said, "She take it away?" 😉

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  5. OMG, you nailed this party!!! How fun! Totally loving those aprons you put together for the painting part 🙂 And, pleaaaase leave a slice of cake for me!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  6. so so cute! it looks like a blast! i love the cake. my bday is in august if you want to make me one.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  7. What a fantastic party! Love it all!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  8. This is ABSOLUTELY adorable! Love the goodie bags- inexpensive and much better for the kiddos than candy!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  9. Lili wrote:

    such a fun and adorable party! oh, and i LOVE your gingham shirt!

    happy birthday baby girl!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  10. Super cute party! The guests all look so focused on their masterpieces.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  11. Karen wrote:

    What a fun party and so cute!

    Makes me wish my girl was still little.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  12. So stinking cute! Great job on everything. And how cute is she with the cake in her cute suit!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  13. sfitzg2 wrote:

    What a great party!!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  14. Dharma wrote:

    I miss the heck outta kids parties, my "little" guy is now 10 and declared himself OVER IT. Boo! That cake is amazing, I wish had your guts lady.

    Can I have an apron?

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  15. Leslie wrote:

    That looks great! You're such a fun mom. 🙂

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  16. Amanda wrote:

    this is AWESOME!! Great job girl!! and now Im so craving a piece of that cake!
    Pinning this one for sure!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  17. What a fabulous par-tay! Everything looks perfect! Great job on that beautiful cake. I love how excited baby girl got about it – too cute! The last pic of her wearing her new shades and holding the cake is priceless. The family pic couldn't have turned out better either! What great memories you are all going to have of such a special day.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  18. It turned out SO cute! Looks like she had such a fun time – and that CAKE – I am very impressed!! All of it is amazing – great job!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  19. Abbey D. wrote:

    Hi Cassie…could I share this with our readers? I'd for sure link back and give you credit…

    Abbey @ DimplePrints

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  20. So fun and festive! The cake turned out awesome! your little one looked thrilled with everything!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  21. Oh Cass! It is so awesome. Put together so nicely and I am sure the kids had a blast. Might be scooping up this idea for next year! I LOVE the photo of Sloan in her new swimsuit and second piece of cake. Nice work on the cake, mama!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  22. You are so creative! I smiled & laughed the whole time while reading this & seeing all the great pictures! Everything was so amazing but I expected nothing less:) Looks like the kids had a blast!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  23. Such a fun partay!!! Love love love the cake and looks like everyone had a great time!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  24. That is one seriously fun P-A-R-T-Y! The look on her face in every picture says it all, it was the bomb-diggity! (c: And your family pic is adorbs…just to get a great family photo makes it all worth while! (c:

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  25. I love your art party! The colors are amazing and everything just looked so perfect! You are one totally creative and talented lady!!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  26. Aw… a few things. Party is fabulous. Yet again I'm wishing we were closer and my kids could crash. Your family is stunning, seriously. Lastly, we need to see more of your pretty face on here. For realz.

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  27. Andrea wrote:

    cute little art party!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  28. Stacie wrote:

    I love the invitations and all the bright colored decorations and food!
    http://www.createyourdecor.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  29. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the idea of the art party as part of the rainbow theme.

    Might just have to borrow this idea!

    Hope you are all safe and sound after the wicked weather down your way today.

    Melissa M. Kansas City

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  30. Ok, first off – I want you to adopt me. That was the most beautiful, fun, amazing birthday party I've ever seen. Everything from the cake to the crafts to the goodie bags was perfection.

    But you want to know my favorite part? That you had twizzler-like thingies for the blue part of the fruit rainbow. That made me smile. You are the bomb.com.

    xoxo

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  31. This party looks awesome!!!! rainbows are so bright and happy, and I love encouraging kids to do art and use their creativity! Well done girl!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  32. Looks great!! How fun to use every color in the rainbow!!! I bet the kiddos all had such a blast!!
    Fab-ulous job!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  33. Love it! Looks like fun was had by all!

    Posted 4.3.12 Reply
  34. leah wrote:

    Adorable… I especially like the cute customization on the aprons and the art area! Totally a great idea!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  35. Incredible party Cassie! You make it all look so effortless. Your girl is lucky to have a mom who cares so much to make wonderful childhood memories like this one. Well done!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  36. Well – you've done it again! What a fab party you gave your girl! The cake came out so great! Love that pic of your girl with her sunglasses on – so cute! What a great family pic too – we never get one of all of us together at an event!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  37. Happy Birthday beautiful Babygirl!! How did I not know her name's Sloan?!

    ::eyeing Quinn & wondering if it's too late to change her name to that::

    You ROCKED this rainbow part-tay. I would've cheered & clapped like a maniac during the cutting of that gorgeous cake too. Then I would've elbowed my way to the head of the line to get my piece(s). I don't care if you're 6 y/o, you have to be on your toes when you stand in the way of FC & cake.

    OK, off to spend hours Pinning all the eye candy from this post…..including that pink gingham shirt you're wearing. Love.

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  38. Mary wrote:

    Wow you did such an amazing job!! I love all of the small details – you have lucky kids! I wish my parties were that cool growing up!

    Also, the picture of you kissing Sloan got me teary-eyed! So precious!!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  39. Anonymous wrote:

    ADORABLE!!!!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  40. Deanna@onestepwomanblog.com wrote:

    That party was beautiful!I love how the snacks were presented in a rainbow of colors! Good job!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  41. Awesome, awesome party!! I love that picture of Sloan at the end in her glasses with the cake- thats a framer!

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  42. So stinkin' CUTE!!! What a fabulous idea! Looks like it was a HUGE success!
    xo-Lisa

    Posted 4.4.12 Reply
  43. This looks great, and I know the kiddos had so much fun! Wonderful job!

    Erin @ The Great Indoors

    Posted 4.5.12 Reply
  44. Dude, this is the best party I've seen in a loooong time!! You totally rocked it and make my parties look like ummm, garbage? I'm too lazy to do all of this stuff but it sure is fun to read about others going all out! 🙂 Definitely mom of the year award.

    Posted 4.5.12 Reply
  45. Oh, what an awesome party!! I love all the bright colors…everything is so cheerful and happy! And the cake – WOW lady! What a great job. What a lucky girl. Looks like she had a great day! 🙂

    Posted 4.5.12 Reply
  46. Cassie- you outdid yourself! The party looked super fun and you really thought of everything. I bet it took a lot of work to pull that off- it's the sign of a good party when it looks effortless, but I know otherwise! Gathering all those food goodies, supplies, piñata, making that gorgeous cake- seriously, hats off to you!

    Posted 4.6.12 Reply
  47. Adorable!!! I can't even process the adorableness of this party. And the picture of that precious birthday girl in her swimsuit with the cake….adore!!!

    Posted 4.6.12 Reply
  48. emily wrote:

    You can sure throw one heck of a par-tay! You did an amazing job. That cake is perfection! Love all the pictures from the day!

    Posted 4.6.12 Reply
  49. Michaela wrote:

    You are too good, Cassie! All the special touches are great. I love how each color of food had its own plate! Such a cute family photo, too!!

    Posted 4.6.12 Reply
  50. Ok seriously!!!!!! I'm FLYING you into town for my kids next birthday!!!!! This is SO amazing!!!!!! It's just WRONG we don't live near each other anymore 🙁 Our girls are supposed to go to each others birthday parties!
    SOOOOO loved the whole rainbow theme & the painting party!!!!
    I might have to COMPLETELY copy this for E's #7 🙂

    Posted 4.9.12 Reply
  51. Courtney wrote:

    That is some serious cuteness!

    Posted 4.9.12 Reply
  52. Cutest party ever! I think I'll borrow your ideas for MY next party. It's okay that I'm 39, right? Great work!

    Posted 4.9.12 Reply
  53. Cassie , take a bow! The party is just amazing, with lots of lovely details…. Super inspiring!

    Posted 4.13.12 Reply
  54. LOVE!!! That's an awesome party. I'm in the process of planning my daughter's 5th birthday and I can't seem to come up with any great ideas. (Mostly because there will be 5 boys and 3 girls there all 5 and under. )

    Posted 4.13.12 Reply
  55. Heidi Rew wrote:

    So cute, Cassie! I'm glad you said a tutorial for the streamers is coming soon b/c that was one of the first things I noticed. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking…hmmm…did she use markers or dye? Or something else? Can't wait to find out! Stopping by from Thrifty Decor Chick. <3 Heidi Rew from PartiesforPennies.blogspot.com

    Posted 5.8.12 Reply
  56. That cake is spectacular!!! And what a happy, fun party! Sloan is a lucky girl 🙂

    Posted 5.8.12 Reply
  57. Askanam wrote:

    such an awesome party! and the photo with her carrying the cake is adorable!

    Posted 2.22.13 Reply
  58. I love your party! I did a rainbow party for my daughter in November and had so much fun with all the gorgeous ideas I found!
    http://prettybittybugs.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-entry-wall-it-makes-me-happy.html

    Posted 7.6.13 Reply