Does anyone have any suggestions they would like to share as to funny things to say or do while face painting at a birthday party. I would like to make the waiting more entertaining. I suggest that the host have an activity for the children but they usually don't.

Just talk to the kids. Be interested in them and let them entertain you. Adults don't often ask children their thoughts or opinions...and believe me they have them.

I take face painting time as my one on one time with each child... it's good for the other kids to have something to do while you are painting so that each has their special time with you.

While I'm painting them, I talk with them, joke with them (wow! a pink and purple butterfly? nobody ever picks pink AND purple!!), ask them to make the sound of their animal when they're done then get really scared because they are such a scary tiger....

I agree. When I'm painting the children are always asking me questions. "are you a real clown?" "are you an artist?" "is that glitter?" I always just try to seem very interested in what they are saying and answer all their questions. Where I live there is a lack of "professional" face painters so they dont know what to think of my work. Kids are just curious and love it when you take pains to answer all their questions.

It can be hard to keep talking... But a few things that I have heard people say include things like...

To the squirming child... if you don't sit still, Spiderman will look like he was beat by...
When there is a boy and girl in line... Is he your husband?
To a random child... Are you married?
To the child who asked for a dog... This is the best monkey I ever created, are you ready to see.

As the others have said talking to them is great. One thing I also ask if any them have heard any new jokes. 1st it lets them kinda be the star, and 2nd if its a good one I have a new joke to add to my list.

Another thing it there is no music take a fun cd along and when a crazy song starts get up and dance a bit. [Lets you change position, stretch a little and move around which you need if you have long lines].