How to Throw an Epic DIY Art Birthday Party on a Budget!

Throwing a birthday party should be exciting, not stressful. If you're looking for a standout celebration that combines creativity and fun without emptying your wallet, consider a DIY art birthday party. This type of party encourages party guests to unleash their artistic side, while also being budget-friendly. Let’s explore how you can create an unforgettable DIY art birthday party with engaging invitations, art supplies, decor ideas, and fun activities—all for a minimal cost!

Invitations: Get Creative

The journey begins with the invitations, which set the tone for your party. Why splurge on expensive ones when you can craft personalized invitations that are both fun and memorable? I LOVE using Canva for any invitations I have. Their platform is easy and beautiful!

DIY Invitation Design: Use colored cardstock or recycled paper and cut them into creative shapes, like paint palettes or easels. Write the essential party details in colorful markers. Or, be like me and create it in Canva! Here is what I created! My daughter LOVES color!

Art/Paint Party Invite
Personal Touch: To make your invitations stand out, include a small piece of art. This could be a small watercolor painting, a stylish doodle, or a previous finished art project! Although I didn't do this for my daughter, I wish I would have had time to scan in a project of hers and use as part of the design! How fun!!

Art Supplies: Gather Your Gear!

I started this process early to price out items and understand where I was going to be budget-wise. I hunted in the craft stores and on Amazon to find the best prices for the items I needed (See some great items below from Amazon if interested!)

Budget-Friendly Art Supplies: Check local dollar stores for affordable art essentials like paints, brushes, canvases, and coloring supplies. For example, you might find a pack of 10 brushes for around $5 and canvases priced at just $1.50 each. Buying in bulk can lead to greater savings. Places like Michaels and Joann Fabrics run coupons that I was able to grab a pack of canvases at a great price using a 40% off coupon!

Activities: Keep the Creativity Flowing

Painting Birthday Party! — Our Finished Masterpieces!

My main event for this party was an hour painting demonstration, done by ME! After pricing out local companies to do it, I found it to be extremely expensive (or I got no answers back at all). I watched a YouTube video to learn the painting, and then watched it several more times to feel comfortable teaching a room of 8 year olds! I used Michelle the Painter, with her "Cookies & Canvas" series! She made learning so fun and easy! Check her out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcjRh75N0EkBesides

I created several other "Stations" for the kiddos to get creative!:

Coloring Page for Birthday Party — Giant Coloring Page

One was a giant coloring station! You could use butcher paper, OR, Amazon has great LARGE coloring pages for tables. I loved that this became a spot for parents to color while there as well! They loved being able to keep their hands busy!

Another station was cupcake decorating! This allowed the kiddos to add a rainbow of colors to their dessert!

Upcycling Materials: Look around your home for items you can repurpose into art supplies. Old newspaper, magazines, and fabric scraps can be transformed into fun collage materials, promoting creativity while being eco-conscious.

Decor: Craft a Colorful Atmosphere

Setting the right mood at your party involves engaging decor that reflects the art theme.

Colorful Backdrop: I am a huge fan of balloons, and for this party, and amazing DIY balloon garland is really all you need! Although I love using my local balloon lady, you can also DIY this part to save!
Art Displays: Showcase artworks created by your guests or some fun art-themed prints. Use string and clothespins for an easy way to hang the art while adding a playful touch to your decor.
Simple Table Decorations: Consider using a simple white tablecloth and scatter colorful paint splatter cutouts across the table. I found a SUPER inexpensive "Paint Splatter" table runner, but you could absolutely DIY this or come up with somethin similar!
Fill mason jars with various art tools like brushes and markers for a charming centerpiece. The table cloths I used were upcycled from another class I had done in the past - I was actually glad I did Upcycle them, as they were FULL of paint afterwards and went right in the trash :) I added colorful disposable cups and napkins and Voila!
Honestly, the canvases and art supplies looked so great as-is, I barely needed to add decor!

Paint Party Decor!
Take-Home Items: I am usually all about the gift bags for children to take home, however, I loved giving each Birthday guest their own personalized apron to take home! I loved these and so did the kids! I had a friend of mine make it with her Cricut! This along with their piece of art, they were LOVING their items as they left with their parents!

Snacks and Refreshments: Keep It Simple

Here's how to keep snack time both simple and fun.

Arts & Crafts-Inspired Snacks: I went for anything COLORFUL. The cupcakes were a HUGE hit - Everyone had their own cupcake on a paint pallet to add as many rainbow colors as they wanted!
Cupcakes!
Budget-Friendly Options: Focus on easy-to-prepare finger foods such as popcorn, cheese cubes with crackers, and veggie sticks with dip. These snacks are not only affordable but also simple to clean up!
Art Party Snack Table!

Wrapping Up the Celebration

Planning a DIY art birthday party on a budget can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. By being creative with your invitations, supplies, decor, activities, and refreshments, you can craft an experience that guests will cherish. The key is to encourage creativity and fun among attendees. Roll up your sleeves, express your artistic side, and get ready to have a colorful celebration!

Happy planning and enjoy the excitement of your art-themed birthday party!

Want my shopping list items?! Here are some links to get you started!

(Affiliate Links:)

Giant Coloring Page: https://amzn.to/414xJ1a

White Aprons (that I personalized for each guest!): https://amzn.to/4hny0SD

Transfer paper to create the personalized aprons: https://amzn.to/4aSJ47Q

Set of paint Pallets (used for both PAINT and cupcakes!): https://amzn.to/4130j2F

Easels: https://amzn.to/42MvuRq

Larger Paint Brushes: https://amzn.to/4aPFuew

Bulk Paint Brushes: https://amzn.to/4137Sq9

Canvases in bulk (I found 11x14 to be the PERFECT size!): https://amzn.to/4gu9cqH

Acrylic Paint (I found this brand to be the cheapest, while still being a great product!): https://amzn.to/4gDmnpu