Mixed-design painting: let guests choose their outlines

For hosts who want guests to pick from several designs instead of everyone painting the same one. Each guest still paints a pre-outlined canvas in their own colors; what changes is planning: how many choices, how many of each, and keeping them straight on the day.

What mixed-design painting is

Every guest chooses one of a few outlines. It is not blank-canvas freestyle: the drawing is done, and the choice is which picture and which colors. Each canvas carries one design. One order can include several designs, each with its own quantity.

How many designs to offer

Choices Good for Trade-off
One design Large groups, children, a single theme Easiest to order and to host; no choice
Two or three Most parties and programs Real choice without a long debate
Four to six Regular groups and mixed ages More sorting, and some designs may be chosen by only one person
More than six Rarely worth it Hard to count, label and reorder

Working out how many of each

  1. Ask early

    Put the design choice on the RSVP or sign-up form, with a small picture of each.

  2. Count choices

    Total each design, and each size if you are mixing sizes.

  3. Add spares

    A spare or two of the most popular design covers late guests and changed minds.

  4. Write the order

    Each design with its own quantity and size. Kits are counted separately, in the number you choose.

Worked example: 20 guests, three designs

Illustrative numbers only. The point is to keep a row per design and size, so nothing is guessed on the day.

Design Size Chosen Spares To order
Sunflower 8 × 10 9 1 10
Lighthouse 11 × 14 6 1 7
Cat portrait 8 × 10 5 0 5

Placing a mixed order

Several designs can go in one order, and you can mix 8 × 10 and 11 × 14 inches. If you would like help putting a mixed order together, contact us; it is optional, not required.

Online ordering is not available yet.

Keeping designs straight

  • Sort the boxes by design as soon as they arrive, and count each pile.
  • Make a seating plan or place cards with each guest's design.
  • Write names on the backs of canvases before the party, not during it.
  • Group tables by design if you want to give tips for one picture at a time.

Hosting when everyone paints something different

You cannot demonstrate every design, and you do not need to. Give general tips that work for any outline: large areas first, rinse between colors, details last. The session run sheet covers the rest. Designs with similar detail levels keep the group finishing at roughly the same time.

Common problems

  • A guest changes their mind on the day. Use a spare if you have one; otherwise swap with a willing guest.
  • One design is far more popular. Next time, offer it again and drop the least chosen.
  • Sizes mixed up. Label piles by design and size, not just design.

Keeping a record

Note which designs were chosen and how many were left over. Over a few events this tells you what to stock. See repeat hosting and reordering.

Questions about mixed designs

Can I put two designs on one canvas?
No. Each canvas carries one design; use separate canvases.

Can I mix sizes?
Yes. Both sizes can be in one order.

Can I mix ready-made and custom designs?
Yes. For a custom one, a photo, theme or idea can become an outline through design assistance, which is free, including revisions you request. We reply and prepare a first outline within one business day, and you can ask for a digital preview.

For current order questions, contact the team. Read shipping and tracking guidance or order-problem and return guidance.

Keep planning

Canvas Paint Party supplies physical pre-outlined canvases and optional paint kits. Your organizer arranges the venue, facilitation and other event supplies. Ask about a custom canvas or contact us about group supplies.

Choose your next planning task