Blog

07 Jan

Art Spotlights

6 Paint Pour Techniques to Try This Season

Have you ever wanted to create your own abstract painting — without the pressure of perfection? Acrylic paint pouring draws in tons of artists — newbies and professionals alike — and now you can try your hand at it too! If you’re looking for a unique, low-pressure way to express your creativity, paint pouring is the way to go. Learn all about the different paint pouring techniques here.

How Paint Pouring Works

Paint pouring relies on the organic mixing of paint to create a painting like no other. And, no two paint pours are ever alike — ever! Paint pouring is a beautiful painting style that combines science and art.

But how does paint pouring work, exactly? Painters pour fluid acrylic paints onto the surface of a canvas. Then, they allow the paint to ebb and flow across the board to create a one-of-a-kind abstract painting. Since the paint does most of the work for you, paint pouring allows for a low-pressure, fun, and calming creative process.

Benefits of Paint Pouring

There are many benefits to painting as a whole — from fine-tuning your motor skills to boosting memory and mood. With paint pouring, however, you can experience all of the pros of putting brush to canvas — and more.

Since you’re not feeling the pressure of creating a finely-tuned, perfectly aligned piece of art, this less-stress painting style can help put you in a relaxing meditative state. Art is supposed to be calming and fun. So, whether you’re experiencing painter’s block or are a beginner looking for a zen experience, acrylic paint pouring is sure to deliver!

Best Paint Pouring Techniques to Try

How many different ways can you mix paint and then pour it onto a canvas? There are dozens of methods, each creating their own brilliant effect when the painting is finished. Here are just a few of our favorite paint pouring techniques.

Puddle Pour

With puddle pouring, each paint color is individually mixed with a pouring medium. Afterward, each color is poured, one after the other, onto the center of a canvas. Once a deep puddle of paint has formed, the painter rotates, twists, and adjusts the canvas until the paint spills over the edges, creating an incredible infinity effect. Needless to say, this painting style can get a bit messy. So be sure to leave your favorite jean jacket at home!

Dirty Pour Flip Cup

An acrylic dirty pour technique requires each paint color to be thinned with a medium, stacked into a cup, and then poured onto the canvas. The design is controlled by how you pour and release the paint from the cup. Once the paint is applied, you can move, twist, and play with the canvas to manipulate your design before it dries.

Dirty pour flip cup is an easy paint pouring technique for beginners, and a really fun one to add your own twist to!

Flip Cup Acrylic Pour

Flip cup pouring is similar to the dirty pour, but instead of slowly spilling the paint, the full cup of paint is pressed to the surface of the canvas and then lifted in one swift, fluid motion. From there, you can play with and tilt the canvas until you reach your desired outcome.

Tree Ring Pour

In a tree ring technique, the paint colors are mixed and combined just like in the flip cup style. However, the final cup is poured out in a circular motion — from center to edge — until the entire canvas is covered. This style has a “tidier” effect, but manipulating the paint before allowing it to spill off the edges is still loads of fun.

String Pull Technique

String pulling usually involves a base layer of paint (or paints) before layering one or more strings across the canvas. There are many different techniques within the string pull method, but the most straightforward approach requires paint to be poured on top of the string.

The final outcome and pattern of a string pulled piece relies on two things; how the string is initially layered on top of the canvas and how it is pulled through the paint. The final results? A dynamic and mesmerizing piece.

Dutch Pour

Dutch acrylic pours rely on air-producing tools like hair dryers or canned air. This style starts very similarly to flip cup acrylic pours, but the final steps yield wild abstractions. With the right tool, you can push and lure the colors around the canvas for a smokey, watery finish.

Join a Paint Pour Event at Painting with a Twist

Ready to try your hand at one of these amazing acrylic pour paint techniques? Book a Paint Pour event at your local Painting with a Twist studio and dive deep into these fun and creative methods.

03 Jan

Inspired

How to Create an Inspiring Vision Board & Accomplish Your Dreams

You write your goals down year after year, only to never look at them again. You’ve got good intentions and high hopes, but that piece of notebook paper never actually seems to help you achieve your goals. It’s time to get creative and make your dreams a reality! Learn how to create an inspiring vision board with these tips and ideas.

What is a Vision Board?

A vision board, or dream board, is a collage of inspiring images that highlights your ideal vision of the future. This helpful tool is created with optimism, mindfulness, and all of the positive thoughts you need to usher in your biggest hopes and dreams.

Why Make a Vision Board?

Have you ever found yourself fired up about a new goal only to have forgotten about it by the week’s end? Vision boards are great for making your dreams and aspirations impossible to forget. By creating a vision board and hanging it up somewhere that you’ll see every day, your goals will always remain at the forefront of your mind.

Want to cross the finish line of a marathon by the year’s end? Those glossy running photos on your vision board could encourage you to lace up your running sneakers every morning. Maybe your biggest goal for the year is to get more creative and step outside your comfort zone. Seeing that easel and brush image each day can give you the push you need to sign up for that painting event you’ve been wanting to try.

In short, a vision board can be a source of confidence and excitement throughout your journey. And if done well, an inspiring vision board can help you take actionable steps towards accomplishing your biggest aspirations.

What are the Different Types of Vision Boards

There is no one-size-fits-all format for creating a vision board. Your goals and dreams are unique, so it’s important to find a technique that accurately represents your goals and motivation style. Fortunately, there are many different types of vision board styles to try out. Check them out below.

Vision Board Layouts

When it comes to vision board layouts, the options are endless! Some people prefer pasting magazine cutouts onto poster boards. Others prefer tacking images onto cork boards or bulletin boards so that they can rearrange, add-in, or adjust their plans when needed. And if you’re not a fan of the arts and crafts route, try creating a digital vision board with a collage or vision board app.

Vision Board Timeframes

A vision board can encompass short-term goals that you can accomplish in a week, month, or season. In which case, you may want to use an adjustable approach like the corkboard option. If you’d prefer to go the long-term route, ensure that your aspirations are detailed with realistic milestones you can accomplish along the way.

Vision Board Themes

If you want to try out different vision board themes, this is the perfect time to get specific about what’s most important to you. Try creating a board that highlights your professional goals, or get super detailed by creating a vision board that showcases your personal and social aspirations. There’s no wrong way to design a vision board. Just make sure the goals you put on it are true to you and your future plans.

Other vision board theme ideas include:

Travel Goals
Money Goals
Romantic Goals
Family Goals
Health Goals

How to Create a Good Vision Board

Consider Your Goals

Before you start gluing images to your board, consider what goals you’d like to include. It may help to jot down your aspirations on a piece of paper before beginning. And remember, there are no wrong answers when it comes to what to put on your vision board.

Find Relevant Images

When finding visuals that you find attractive, eye-catching, and motivating, get creative. You can hunt through magazines, scroll through Pinterest, draw or paint your own pictures, add-in photographs, or print out graphics — whatever you find inspiring! In the end, your finished vision board should be something you enjoy looking at daily.

Showcase Your Vision Board

When you’ve finished arranging your images, hang your vision board somewhere that’s easy to spot. Hang it next to your coffee maker, tape it to your mirror, showcase it in your home office, or prop it up proudly on your nightstand. And if you’ve created a digital vision board, set it as your phone background or print it out.

Whatever you do, don’t let your vision board collect dust or sit in a drawer. And, as you start working toward your goals, don’t be afraid to add, remove, and rearrange your images if needed. After all, dreams and goals evolve as we do.

Remember: Your vision board doesn’t need to make sense or look beautiful to anyone else as long as it helps you visualize your goals on a daily basis.

Accomplish Your Goals at Painting with a Twist

Is “become more creative” or “get a new hobby” a big goal for you this year? Maybe you simply want to add a little more artistic flair to your vision board. What better way to accomplish all of these things than by joining a paint and sip event at Painting with a Twist?

Whether you’re embarking on a creative journey or diving headfirst into a new hobby, Painting with a Twist has the atmosphere, supplies, and inspiration you need to get the goal done.

22 Dec

Decor and Design

4 Tips for Post-Christmas Decorating

Even when Santa Claus has come and gone, your Christmas decor remains. While the Christmas season may be coming to a close, winter isn’t over! So, don’t box up your Christmas decor quite yet. With a few tweaks and additions, you can transform your home into a tasteful winter wonderland. Here are four tips that can help you transition from Christmas decor to winter decor.

1. Remove the Red in Favor of Winter-Inspired Hues

Do you tend to stick with traditional red and green decor? Or, perhaps you embrace the whimsy of color. Either way, paring back on bold colors is the best way to take your existing decor from Christmas to winter.

The traditional red and green color combo is synonymous with Christmas, and a bold and brightly-hued colorful Christmas display won’t do the trick once the New Year hits.

To transition your decor from Christmas to winter, begin by removing the bulk of your red Christmas decorations. Then, start removing any other vibrant colors.

In their place, incorporate color schemes that are closer to your typical year-round decor. Opt for a winter-inspired color palette that emphasizes soft neutrals, winter whites, and metallics. Sprinkle in accents of deep green, pale blue, or a light pink tone. Doing so will help your winter decor blend in more seamlessly with your “all-season” interior style.

Don’t forget to switch up your outdoor decorations! You’ll want to spruce up your front and back porch, too.

2. Add a Touch of Nature with Greenery

The winter months following the holiday season bring fresh snowfall — and bare trees. Combat the lack of vibrancy outdoors and liven up your living space with touches of nature-inspired decor.

This is one of the best post-Christmas decorating ideas because you can use many of the Christmas decorations you already own. You can add a touch of life to your home with your existing garland, bottle brush trees, and wreaths — so long as they aren’t overly embellished.

From bohemian to traditional, winter greenery has its place in any interior style. Tweak your greenery to create a space that’s all your own! Create a ski chalet vibe by incorporating pinecones, chestnuts, birch accents, and even crisp white and green florals. Mix and match greenery, metallics, and wood elements to create tablescapes, centerpieces, vignettes, and window dressings. Consider using flocking spray or faux snow to add a seasonally appropriate snow-kissed touch.

If you’re a plant lover, Norfolk Island pines, Paperwhite Zivas, Christmas cactus, and rosemary can all be grown indoors over the winter months.

3. Create Cozy with Hygge Inspired Decor

Fending off the post-holiday blues? Growing weary of chilly, dark evenings? Take a note or two from the Danes and hygge-ify your home! Hygge inspired details can help you create a warm and cozy atmosphere perfect for slowing down and appreciating this calmer, cooler season of life.

Start by brightening up your space. String up soft-white Christmas lights or delicate fairy lights to create a softly lit glow. Adorn bookshelves, end tables, and even windowsills with faux candles to add a feeling of warmth. Or, place candlesticks in metallic candle holders to create a luxurious feel.

Then, create a lounge area perfect for sipping hot cocoa or indulging in a movie marathon! Layer on white pillows, chunky cable knit blankets, faux fur throws, or wool blankets. In chilly months, the more blankets the merrier.

4. DIY Your Own Winter Decor at Painting with a Twist

Don’t forget to add a winter touch to your walls. From watercolor landscapes to artful photographs of snow-covered cityscapes, there’s plenty of gorgeous winter-inspired wall art to choose from!

But, there’s no winter artwork piece more meaningful than the one you create in the company of friends or family. Thankfully, Painting with a Twist makes it easy to create your own inspiring winter-themed artwork! Find a winter-themed event at your nearby studio and drop in to create your very own work of winter art. Bring your creativity, and we’ll handle the rest!

17 Dec

All Smiles

How to Host a Merry Friendsmas Party

Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. And when it comes to the holidays, sometimes spending time with your closest pals can be just as sweet as heading home to see family. This holiday season, get ready to host the ultimate gathering with these ideas for a very merry Friendsmas!

Friendsmas Meaning

What is “Friendsmas” anyway? Simply put, it’s a Christmas party with your friends! Whether you live far away from family or just want to host a friends-only holiday party, Friendsmas is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Your Friendsmas party can be before or after Christmas itself, and it can be as straightforward or as all-out as you want it to be. And hey, if the holidays aren’t always your favorite time of year, having an extra excuse to connect and laugh with your friends can not only boost your mood, but it can also create lasting memories and new holiday traditions.

How to Plan Your Friendsmas Party

1. Send out invitations.

If you’re in the mood for a fancy Friendsmas, print up paper invitations and mail them to friends. Or, use a free app (like Canva) to make a quick and cute evite. Either way, an actual invitation instead of a regular old text makes your Friendsmas party feel a little more special before it even begins.

2. Pick a theme.

When it comes to Friendsmas theme ideas, the possibilities are endless. Ask for everyone’s input before choosing the right one for your crew. Tacky Christmas sweaters are classic. Or you could just tell everyone to let their holiday spirit run wild and give a prize to the most festive outfit of the evening.

3. Serve up holiday food.

It’s not a party without food, and it’s definitely not a Friendsmas party without lots of delicious eats. Here are a few easy Friendsmas food ideas to get you in the holiday spirit.

Hot cocoa charcuterie board: Instead of meat and cheese, use marshmallows and candy canes!
Holiday popcorn mix: Drizzle popcorn with chocolate and throw in some red and green M&Ms for a snack your guests will love.
Christmas tree-shaped snacks: Even if you’re serving “normal” food, arrange crackers, cheese, cookies, or veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree, candy cane, or Santa hat.

Don’t forget to stock up on festive party supplies, like colorful or sparkly plates, napkins, and cups!

Sip and be merry.

Want to get in the holiday spirit? Add some festive spirits of the drinkable variety! Choose a wine that pairs well with your Friendsmas food, whip up a signature cocktail, or let guests make their own drinks. If you go for the latter, make sure to have a few extra goodies on hand for added flavor and garnish:

fresh rosemary or peppermint sprigs
whole cranberries (or cranberry juice)
pomegranate seeds
whipped cream (for hot cocoa or eggnog!)
cinnamon sticks

Delegate!

Everyone in your circle probably has multiple parties to attend this year, including you. And no one wants to get stuck doing ALL the work of hosting, plus cooking, cleaning, and planning activities. Why not divide and conquer instead?

Have a few friends make food, one or two make a unique cocktail, another plan an activity, and someone else who’s willing to host in their home. That way, no one is stuck with all the logistics, and everyone gets to enjoy the holiday spirit.

Want even less work? Host your Friendsmas party at Painting with a Twist, and let someone else set up and clean up!

What to Do at Your Party: Friendsmas Activity Ideas

Some friend groups are content to sit around a cozy fire and chat. If yours isn’t one of those groups, try one of these Friendsmas party games or activities!

Hold a gingerbread house decorating contest
For the best Friendsmas gifts, host a Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange
Get crafty with holiday-themed Twist at Home Paint Kits
Watch Christmas movies (or at the very least, put one on in the background!)
Take a walk to look at lights together
If you’re fortunate enough to have snow, host a snowman building contest or snowball fight
Play holiday-themed charades

You can also play a Friendsmas drinking game by choosing a cue word like “present,” “cold,” “lights,” or “snow.” Then, have everyone take a sip of their drink every time someone says the forbidden word.

Celebrate Friendsmas at Painting with a Twist

Whether you’ve been planning your Friendsmas party since March, or you need a last-minute Christmas party idea, Painting with a Twist can help! From helping you with heartfelt Friendsmas gift ideas like pet portraits and customized home decor to handling setup and cleanup, we make it easy to have a merry Friendsmas.

Rally your crew, bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and we’ll do the rest! Relax and enjoy the festive spirit with your friends at your local Painting with a Twist studio.

08 Dec

All Smiles

Make the Holidays Magical with These Romantic Ideas for Two

The holidays are filled with good tidings and great joy. From spending quality time with your friends and family to embracing the spirit of the season with your local community, it seems like there’s tons of cheer to go around.

However, romance can get pushed to the back burner during this whimsical time of year. If you want to make this holiday season extra special for you and your S.O., check out these fun ideas for how to enjoy Christmas as a couple.

How to Have a Romantic Christmas as a Couple

Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been married for years, finding inspiration for romantic Christmas date ideas isn’t always easy. Maybe you and your partner are navigating busy schedules. Perhaps you’re just looking to create new holiday traditions. Whatever the case, get ready to make some major holiday magic with the ideas below.

1. Cut down your own Christmas tree.

If you live within driving distance of a tree farm, cutting down your own tree is a fantastic Christmas tradition idea for couples. You can pick out the perfect fir and maybe even enjoy a sleigh ride while you’re on the farm.

Once your tree is situated at home, it’s time to decorate! Jam some holiday tunes, pull out the ornaments, and hang up Christmas stockings for a totally wholesome and memorable time between you and your beloved S.O.

2. Make a batch (or two) of Christmas cookies.

Baking is a BIG part of the holiday season and an inexpensive date idea you can really put your own spin on. Pour some eggnog or mix a cocktail, and then roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Try your hands at new, creative recipes using seasonal flavors (like ginger or molasses) — or go the classic sugar cookie route. Then, break out your themed cookie cutters, and make them your own.

3. Bundle up for an ice skating adventure.

Maybe it’s been years since you laced up some ice skates. But the holidays are the perfect time to bundle up and brave the ice once again! Ice skating with your significant other can be a great bonding experience. Glide together holding hands or take turns pulling one another around the rink. After you’ve had your fill and put in as many laps as your legs can handle, warm up with a few mugs of hot chocolate to round out this wintry date.

4. Plan a cozy at-home date night.

Maybe you and your partner would prefer a cozy night in instead of an active night out. If so, you can always indulge in a romantic date from the comfort of your own home. After all, a living room picnic complete with wine, charcuterie, and your favorite Christmas movies can set a really lovely mood. And if you want to go the extra mile, why not flex your creative muscles? A shared creative endeavor (like at-home painting) is sure to trigger some serious love hormones.

5. Do a driving tour of holiday lights.

If you need a new holiday tradition, but you’re all out of romantic Christmas eve ideas, a tour of holiday lights might be just the answer. Driving around and looking at neighborhood displays or paying a visit to a larger light exhibit is a wonderfully romantic idea for a Christmas Eve night. Bring along a thermos of cocoa, and turn on some holiday-themed music as you celebrate the season with your sweetheart.

6. Go shopping at a Christmas market.

You have to get your shopping done one way or another, so make it more enjoyable with your S.O. in tow! Few things are as festive or as full of holiday cheer as Christmas craft shows, which tend to run for a whole weekend (or more) leading up to the big day.

Look for a Christmas market in your area or take a little trip out of town to one that interests you. Once you arrive, soak up the day as you meet artisans and find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.

7. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on Christmas Eve.

Cooking at home is a terrific Christmas Eve tradition idea for couples. Grab your partner, get dressed in your best chef ensembles, and turn on the heat! When you’re done, set the mood with a jazzy playlist and decorated dinner table.

If you’d prefer a less time-consuming alternative, order in from your favorite restaurant instead. Then, set the mood with a few aromatic candles and enjoy a delicious, non-traditional holiday meal with your partner under candlelight. Now that’s a romantic Christmas dinner idea for two!

Create New Holiday Traditions at Painting with a Twist

Prioritizing your partner and creating new traditions during the holiday season doesn’t have to be difficult. From Twist at Home Paint Kits to Couples’ Night events, your local Painting with a Twist studio has everything you need for a romantic and blissful Christmas season. Look for a studio near you, and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

02 Dec

Inspired

The Best Aesthetic Gifts for Your Beauty-Obsessed Loved One

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to find the perfect gift for the aesthetically obsessed person on your list! From lush slippers to spa kits, we’ve gathered some of this season’s must-have presents. Give the gift of luxury with this aesthetic guide.

1. Decadent Candles

Treat your friend to soothing aromas and a relaxing atmosphere this season. Luxury scented candles not only smell nice, but they can be a perfect addition to your giftee’s home decor. And if you want to find a quality candle quickly, try out stores like Anthropologie and Etsy. Their limited selection of high-end candles will be simple to sort through. Plus, you can pick up other gifts and goodies along the way!

2. Lush Slippers

Who said slippers couldn’t be fashion-forward? The hot item on everyone’s lists this season is a new rendition of an age-old gift — open-toed fuzzy slippers with outdoor-ready tread. Say goodbye to house slippers; these are ready to take the dogs out and grab the mail!

3. A Trendy Gold Necklace

Chunky, paper clip, layered — you can’t go wrong with this well-loved gift option. A trendy gold necklace will pair perfectly with all of your friend’s holiday outfits and will instantly update their look! After all, chic gold necklaces have always been the little black dress of jewelry.

4. A Custom Painting

Perhaps your giftee’s home is curated to perfection, but they’re always on the prowl for the next brilliant piece of art décor. Help take your aesthetic loved one’s living space to the next level by gifting an experience at Painting with a Twist! Whether they’re obsessed with paint pour art or are enamored with their insta-worthy pet, there’s something for everyone at your local studio.

5. Lux Travel Set

Traveling is inevitable this time of year, so help make it enjoyable for your aesthetic loved one. Whether you decide to purchase a store-bought travel set or plan to craft one of your own, make sure it includes a color-coordinated blanket, eye mask, and mini pillow. With this gift, long treks by car or plane will be a lot more relaxing (and way more lux for your beloved giftee)!

6. Classic Notebook

A classic notebook makes a great gift for any artistically inclined friend. Make sure to purchase a notebook size that’s easy to throw in a bag. That way, all your favorite creative’s brilliant thoughts or sketches have a place to land whenever the mood strikes.

Pair the notebook of your choice with a quality matching pen and magnetic bookmark set for the ultimate DIY Christmas kit. And even when this gift isn’t being used, it’ll be a pretty addition to their coffee table or desk!

7. Curated Coffee Mug

There’s something truly special about having a coffee cup that’s got your name on it (literally and figuratively). And fortunately, there’s a mug tailored to almost every personality, style, and profession.

Consider your giftee’s hobbies and passions before making your final curated mug purchase. Do they like dogs or cats? There’s a mug for that. Are they a teacher or an accountant? There are mugs for them too! Play with your options, and make this the best gift yet.

8. Dreamy Pajama Set

Chilly winter nights call for a good pair of pajamas. Opt for satin if the gift recipient runs warm at night and flannel if they tend to get cold. Go with a classic color and pair it with some festive socks to create a lux care package. Your giftee will be dreaming of sugar plums in no time!

9. DIY Spa Kit

Almost everyone enjoys a relaxing day at the spa. So what better way to encourage this indulgence than by giving your pal an aesthetic gift DIY style. A homemade spa kit is sure to please, and your giftee will enjoy luxuriating their way through the stress of the holidays.

Not sure what to add to your DIY spa kit? Check out these ideas:

Bath bomb(s)
A travel-sized candle
Sheet face mask(s)
Body cream
Lip balm
A mason jar with scented Epsom salt
Mini nail polish set

10. Wine Sulfite Filter

Every wine enthusiast has had their share of boozy hangovers. Help remedy this by gifting them with a trendy sulfite filter that they’re sure to use year-round. You’ll ensure they feel a little better after holiday-inspired drinking and add a little spice to their kitchen decor.

Get Aesthetic at Painting with a Twist

Looking for more aesthetic DIY gift ideas? Why not let your loved one create their own aesthetic décor? Painting with a Twist offers Open Studio events that allow you and anyone else who joins to create their own unique piece of art. Book an Open Studio event at your local Painting with a Twist today!

18 Nov

All Smiles

Operation Friendsgiving: How to Host Thanksgiving with Friends

Are you in charge of hosting this year’s Friendsgiving celebration? If so, planning meals, decorating the event space, and pulling together all of the small details can feel a little overwhelming. But the best part about spending this holiday with your closest pals is that you can spice things up and celebrate your own way.

Operation Friendsgiving is underway! Here’s how to host Thanksgiving with friends.

Send Festive Invites

As with most social events, you’ll want to give your friends a heads-up on the event date. The holidays are a busy time of year for everyone, so as you prepare for autumn, send out festive Friendsgiving invites to make sure everyone knows to keep their calendars open.

Luckily, being the perfect host or hostess no longer requires a trip to the post office—unless you absolutely love mailing paper invitations. You can send out digital invites from your desk and then focus on the most important part of any Friendsgiving—food.

Designate Dishes

The feast is what differentiates Thanksgiving from other holidays. You can’t have Thanksgiving with friends without turkey, a delicious serving of sides, and pie. When planning your event, it’s crucial to coordinate who will bring what to ensure the stuffing doesn’t go missing.

Create a shareable document or spreadsheet with categories like appetizers, side dishes, and desserts where all of your attendees can sign up for a dish. This allows your friends to pick food items they feel comfortable cooking, while also ensuring you don’t get any duplicate dishes.

Decorate for Dinner (or Brunch)

Holiday parties usually imply holiday decor. But one of the advantages of Thanksgiving with friends instead of family members is that you can create your own traditions. With no precedents set, that means the decor can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.

If you decide on a Friendsgiving brunch, your Friendsgiving table setting could consist of a simple harvest-colored tablecloth strewn with mini pumpkins. Or you could plan a formal dinner party with an elaborately decorated dining room table, glowing candles, and an assortment of gourds, pumpkins, and fall decor. How the event plays out is completely up to you!

Don’t Stop at Dining

As part of any celebration, you might want to implement a few activities to keep the conversation — and the party — going. Is your crew filled with problem solvers? Set up a board game or piece together a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle before or after dinner.

Are you a more active bunch? Organizing a scavenger hunt or a game of touch football before you chow down might be just the activity you’re looking for. And if a love of Thanksgiving crafts unites your friend group, an at-home painting kit with fall-themed paintings would be the perfect activity to round out your Friendsgiving feast.

Celebrate Friendsgiving at Painting with a Twist!

Trying to host the perfect Friendsgiving can be a little stressful, especially when you want it to be like a “Friends” Thanksgiving episode. So why not leave the planning to Painting with a Twist!

Book a private event at your local studio for a memorable holiday party. We’ll provide the painting supplies, festive atmosphere, and fun. All you have to do is grab your drinks and holiday snacks of choice, rally up your best pals, and show up ready to have a Friendsgiving event like no other!

15 Nov

Inspired

8 Creative Ways to Show Gratitude This Year

Are you looking for unique and creative ways to express gratitude this year? The holiday season is the perfect time to share your appreciation for those who’ve made a positive impact in your life. From composing handwritten letters to cooking someone’s favorite meal, doing good deeds for others can spread more merriment and holiday cheer than you might imagine.

1. Share Specific, One-of-a-Kind Details

Whether you want to express your thanks for a friend’s help or a family member’s kindness, telling them in person or over the phone is a small gesture that can make a huge impact — especially if you go out of your way to share specifics.

All too often, people feel unsure if they’ve really made a difference. But if you make a point to divulge these one-of-a-kind details in person (like what you learned from them or how they brightened your day), you’re sure to leave a lasting, heartfelt impression on the recipient.

2. Compose a Handwritten Letter

If sharing vulnerable sentiments in person makes you nervous, there are also ways to express gratitude in writing. In fact, many people find that they can more accurately articulate their feelings and thoughts when they put pen to paper. You’ll have a chance to say exactly what’s on your mind and heart without interruption.

Take the extra step to source nice stationary. Then, compose a handwritten note that says all the things you’ve been meaning to say but have kept to yourself for too long.

3. Ship a Surprise Care Package

When was the last time you received a surprise care package in the mail from somebody you love? If you’ve been lucky enough to be on the receiving end of such a delivery, you know just how heartwarming that experience can be.

Share gratitude with your best friend or a long-distance relative by boxing up some homemade sweets, at-home spa goodies, or games and puzzles they can enjoy on a lazy afternoon. Not only will they savor the contents of the package, but they’ll also enjoy the thrill of receiving an unexpected surprise.

4. Gift Them an Original Piece of Artwork

One of the most personal ways to express gratitude to someone is by gifting them with an original work of art you’ve given your own time and energy to. On top of being an opportunity to explore your artistic talents, this is a chance to create custom artwork that the recipient can hang in their home.

To provide them with this gift, join a painting event at your local Painting with a Twist studio. There, you can have a great time making wonderful new memories and a standout token of appreciation.

5. Find a Book That Says It for You

Are there any books that have changed your life in some capacity, from teaching you a new skill to opening up your perspective on the world? Or perhaps you’ve read something that served as a source of encouragement and inspiration at a time you really needed it?

A fantastic way to express gratitude in words (that doesn’t require you to write your own) is to give someone a book that sparks curiosity or piques their interest. Books can be a terrific extension of your gratitude and something that can be revisited over and over again.

6. Cook Their Favorite Meal

Few things are more nourishing than a home-cooked meal, but even more so when the cooking is done by someone we love.

Whether you’re preparing a dish for a mentor or a friend who feels like family, try to find out their favorite foods (or ingredients to avoid). Then, whip up something delicious for them to enjoy. Consider sticking around after you drop off the meal to offer extra words of ‘thanks’ while you’re face-to-face.

7. Show Up with Acts of Service

Small acts of service can go a long way in helping someone feel loved, seen, and appreciated. And while this suggestion can be interpreted a thousand different ways, some great examples include: buying coffee for a coworker who’s been putting in extra hours, offering to babysit for your neighbor who needs an afternoon off, or mowing the lawn for your extended family while they’re away on vacation.

However you choose to show up, acts of service are always an indication of gratitude and can make a world of difference to the giftee.

8. Treat Them to a Night Out

When you don’t have time for a handmade gift but still want to share gratitude for someone special, treating them to a night out is an excellent option.

Would the recipient love to attend that local concert they’ve been raving about? Or maybe they’d prefer a calming evening at a yoga studio? Whatever you choose, know that the gift of experience is a lovely way to express appreciation for all they’ve done. And the best part is, you get to join them for this memorable outing, too!

Express Your Gratitude at Painting with a Twist

Have you found the best way to express gratitude to that special person? Of course you have! Book an event at Painting with a Twist as a meaningful token of appreciation. You can even opt for personalized events like Paint Your Pet or Trivia Night to ensure your gift is something of importance to the giftee! Sign up today, and say ‘thanks’ with a fun and creative approach.

10 Nov

Creative Techniques

How to Become a Better Painter

Maybe you’re an amateur art buff who has always admired great artists throughout history. Perhaps you’re just trying to keep up with that five-year-old whose paintings look fit for the Louvre – at least in comparison to yours.

Whatever your reason, when it comes to painting, practice is everything! Start building your skills with these tips on how to become a better painter.

Invest in the necessary supplies.

If you’re committed to becoming a better painter, you’ve got to do a whole lot of painting. And like any new hobby, there are a few start-up costs. Although you don’t need to buy the most expensive paint, the nicest brushes, or the fanciest easel, you do want to make sure your new supplies are of quality.

Take your time when shopping around for materials, and make sure they’re suitable for creating quality artwork. Although good painting tools won’t magically turn you into a better painter, they certainly can make the process more enjoyable and help you to fully accomplish your vision.

Paint every day.

Experts — in any field — don’t become experts because they’re lucky. They become experts because they spend countless hours learning, practicing, and experimenting. So if you’re wondering how to become a better painter, the answer is to paint.

There are no shortcuts to mastery, and there’s no substitute for feeling a paintbrush in your hands or seeing how paint glides onto canvas. So start by setting up a mini art studio in a corner of your home. Then, commit to practicing each day. Whether you’re painting elaborate landscapes on a nice canvas or just trying out new brush skills and techniques on scrap paper — the more you paint, the better.

Do your homework and get inspired by the experts.

There’s no substitute for the hands-on experience of actually painting, but that doesn’t mean background research won’t help you too. Learn the color wheel, read artist biographies, watch painting videos, visit art museums, or just fall down a painting rabbit hole on the internet.

Learn the styles of different artists, and figure out which painting styles you like and dislike. If you’d like to take things to the next level, try joining painting classes near you. The goal is to immerse yourself in the world of art to positively influence your craft.

Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Experiment, experiment, and experiment some more. Some paintings will look terrible, and others will turn out better than expected. You cannot be afraid of “failure” because it’s this process of experimentation that will make you a better, more confident painter.

Try mixing colors, applying varying amounts of pressure, holding your brush differently, and playing with space and color. Put on music and paint to the rhythm. Try mimicking your favorite painter, and then try doing the opposite. Challenge yourself to paint ordinary objects in extraordinary ways. These are all great tips for stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming more creative.

Get social!

Don’t spend so much time worrying about how to get better at painting that you forget to have fun along the way. You may not think of painting as a social activity, but developing your skills amongst friends and like-minded individuals can boost creativity and bring more enjoyment to your craft.

A Painting with a Twist event is the perfect opportunity to try out your new skills while socializing, sipping an adult beverage, and enjoying a night out with friends. One of our talented artists will guide you through the process step by step, but you’re encouraged to add your own creative flair and test out new painting techniques along the way.

Put your skills to use at Painting with a Twist.

Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s time to put those painting skills to the test! From girls’ nights to Zen Painting events, your local Painting with a Twist studio is sure to have an event that will help take your skills to the next level.

08 Nov

Painting with a Purpose

Paint Your Pet Benefitting Operation Kindness

We are so excited to announce our 4th annual Painting with a Purpose efforts to support Operation Kindness at participating Texas studios. Operation Kindness is a pioneer in North Texas for providing assistance to animals in need of medical care, companionship, and most of all, a home.

Event Dates

Join us January 23-29, 2022 for any Paint Your Pet events at participating studios to help us give back to this wonderful organization. A portion of all proceeds will be given to Operation Kindness.

Paint Your Pet

We know you LOVE your furry (or even scaly) best friend! What better way to celebrate them than with a custom piece of art made by you? Join us for one of our Paint Your Pet events where our artist entertainers will guide you step-by-step to create a custom portrait of your pet.

Participating Studios

Select the nearest participating studio from the list below, and book a Paint Your Pet event from January 23 to January 29. Don’t wait, seats go fast!

Find an event near you.

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