Face Painting: How To Create Your Own Face Painting Pattern

Many books are available on crafts and painting and ideas for fun things to do with kids. But face painting is simple and always a winner, especially with younger children. The only drawback is that they have such a hard time deciding upon just one!

There's a book called '100 Things for Kids to Make and Do' that has several ideas for costumes and face painting. Most of the time a face painting pattern is not actually something of material substance, but a set of directions and photographs of the steps and finished artwork. It's just easier, I suppose, to think of them as patterns.Many kids crafts books will have at least a small section with a face painting pattern of some sort. The more complicated face patterns will come in handy when you need the step-by-step directions. Good directions will keep it simple, showing individual photos of each layer as it is applied.

Teenagers can be a great help at creating patterns. Adept at experimenting with make-up, many times having taken their own art classes in school, and still in touch with what is popular for the younger aged children, they would be flattered to share their skills with a parent in need or maybe just a single older friend having to come up with ideas for themselves. If you will be attending a party and just need help painting your own face, it could be fun and rewarding to enlist a young friend's help.

If you know an art teacher, you could ask him or her for helpful ideas for free face painting patterns. Preschool teachers, kindergarten teachers, school librarians, even Sunday school teachers would know what the kids today like in characters. A friend who enjoys painting as a hobby are all good sources to check for ideas. They would have access to books and magazines with pictures that would help prod the imagination.

Try looking at comic books, art drawing books, animal books, toy books and catalogues.If you need small picture patterns for painting on cheeks, there are some great artists you could get inspiration from. Ed Emberly is a great artist of small drawings, silly drawings sure to bring a smile. He provides easy-to-follow step-by-step guides.

An unusual pattern that isn't overused here in the United States is the panda face. It's best when used with a base of white over the whole face, big black spots surrounding the eye area, a black spot covering the end of the nose, black lips, and a black line from the base of the nose to the top lip. Then dot some small black spots over the lip area under each nostril. Add a set of fake ears and you're good to go!

Dr. Seuss is a wonderful author who has colorful characters that are popular. Try drawing your own version of a Cat in the Hat or a Grinch. Don't forget the cartoons that are popular on television. There should be plenty of inspiration there, or in children's movies. You might want to check the comic section of a newspaper.

For supplies you could try a costume and face painting store.