Canvas prep is a vital part of my paint party set up! Don’t skip this post – this is incredibly important to have done for your paint parties. Here’s what you need to know.

Today I’m going to show you a super easy way to get your canvases prepped and ready for your next paint party!

We all have things we LOVE about teaching paint parties, and things that we…..well, don’t love so much. If you don’t exactly look forward to tracing out all your canvases for your paint parties, I’ve got the best post for you today! I’m pulling back the curtain and letting you in on my method for easy paint party prep with my canvases.

Why You Need to Prep Canvas

First, let’s talk about why doing this is so important. Could I paint my designs freehand? Absolutely! Could I teach my students to do the same? Probably! But, what I have found over my past decade of teaching paint parties is that people love a tracer!

Having a traced canvas lets your students come in and relax a bit. They can just have a drink and chat with their friends and not worry about the design as much. They will have more fun (and thus rave about you even more to their friends).

And for you as the teacher, it’s WAY easier to trace ahead of time. Trust me, running from table to table tracing on the day of the event is SO stressful.

Which canvases do you use?

I personally use the Artist’s Loft 16 X 20 canvases for my paint parties. I get the value pack, which comes in a set of 5. They go on sale from time to time, and when they do I stock up—big time!!!!

How to Prep Canvases for Paint Parties

When you run a business, some things aren’t magical. It’s just behind the scene work to get to the magic. Tracing canvases isn’t glamorous but it is SO worth it!

1. Make Canvas Prep Fun!

What are you currently binging on Netflix? What podcasts or audiobooks do you want to catch up on? Well…here’s your chance!

I have a TV in my art studio so I can put on something I’m watching – then I look forward to my canvas tracing so I can binge a bit!

2. Draw or Print Out Your Design

Every paint party starts with a design. You can certainly design one of your own and work that way. However, I have an easier way for you – Paint Party Headquarters! If you haven’t heard of PPHQ before, it’s the BEST way to learn how to throw profitable paint parties in person and online. There are a ton of perks, but one of the most useful ones is getting printable designs you can use for your own paint parties!

PPHQ members can simply grab one of the designs I’ve put together, print it off on a regular printer, then tape the design together to perfectly fit the 16 x 20 canvas. It’s SUPER simple – I promise!

Click to get on the waitlist for Paint Party Headquarters!

3. Start Tracing

Again, this is the part of my business that feels like work. But, I just gotta put our head down and do it! Once I get in the rhythm, it only takes me a couple of hours to get through a stack. Canvas prep actually even feels like a break sometimes where I can zone out a bit!

To trace, place carbon paper between your printed design and your canvas. Then, use a pencil to trace over your design. You don’t have to put a ton of force on the pencil, but you do want to be firm. Make sure to check every once in awhile to make sure your tracing is going through.

Bring in Backups

There have been seasons in my business where I have plenty of time to devote to canvas prep. And there have been other times where I have absolutely NO time! In these situations, I bring in the backup. I’ll pay my daughter Pixie and some of her friends to do these for me—both in cash AND ice cream!

I also sometimes get my husband to jump in and help. It’s not his favorite, but he’s always willing to add a helping pair of hands, thankfully! He’s the best!

Canvas Prep – Watch the Video

I go deep into the tracing process and answer a lot of questions about paint party prep in this video! Take a look and let me know if you have any additional questions.

Question for y’all…what show or podcast would you listen to while you trace? I’m always looking for suggestions!

Join Paint Party Headquarters!

If you ever wanted to run your own paint party business, you have GOT to join us in paint party headquarters! I take what took me ten years to learn and boil it down to give you the really good nuggets that will help you build a profitable business. You can get on the waitlist here.

Have questions about PPHQ? Text me and ask away!

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