Starshine Faces

Santa arrives in Gadsden, Alabama!

2011-11-01T18:20:00.002-05:00

Join Starshine Faces artists at the Colonial Mall in Gadsden, Alabama on November 12th as we welcome Santa! A parade will be held at 9:30 and Starshine Faces artists will be offering free holiday designs from 10:15 - 12:15. Painting will end right at 12:15 so be sure to get in line early.

Look for Crystal the Winter Fairy in the Parade!

Colonial Mall
1001 Rainbow Drive
Gadsden, Alabama 35901

For more information you can go to the Colonial Mall, Gadsden, Alabama website.

Montgomery, Alabama and free facepainting

2011-09-14T09:37:00.003-05:00

Starshine Faces artists Shanda and Kristin S. will be facepainting at Alabama State University's Block Party on Friday, Sept 16th from 6:30 pm - 9:15 pm. We are not in the Montgomery, Alabama area often, so be sure to come see us. Enjoy all the other activities that Alabama State University has for their celebration, including a Fireworks finale! For more information you can go to the Alabama State University website about the event at http://www.alasu.edu/news/news-details/index.aspx?nid=629.

Free Facepainting for all sports events in Alabama is a popular activity! Have you thought about inviting a facepainter from Starshine Faces to be a part of your next tailgate event? Give us a call and we will put a package together for you.

Facepainting in Gadsden, Alabama

2011-07-27T08:06:00.003-05:00

We had a great time painting at It's Yogurtime - Gadsden yesterday. There are some fun photos of some of the very happy children we painted posted on our facebook fan site at http://www.facebook.com/starshinefaces.

Have you thought about having a Starshine Faces artist come to your business. If you have any questions, just give us a call or send us an email. We would love to talk to you. We travel all around St. Clair County and surrounding counties in Alabama, including Birmingham, Trussville, Anniston, Jacksonville, Oneonta, and many more.

Summer Reading Program in Alabama - Last Show

2011-07-20T07:24:00.002-05:00

Our last show for the summer reading program 2011 here in Alabama will be Thursday, July 21st at North Shelby Library.

We have had a fabulous time this year telling stories from around the world under the SRP theme this year "One World, Many Stories." The children's reactions to the basic art of face painting and the reasoning behind why tribes would paint certain designs and use certain colors has been priceless. For storytelling shows in the summer, we try to use stories that the parents enjoy as well and we thank you for letting us know when it is entertaining for you, the parents. After all, someone has to bring the children and we want you to have fun, too!

Keep in touch with this site and also our facebook fan page for more information on where we will be for Story Expressions, festivals, fairs, and other public events throughout Alabama and west Georgia.

See you at Walmart in Jacksonville, AL

2011-07-07T12:53:00.002-05:00

We will be at Walmart in Jacksonville, Alabama on Friday July 15th from 10-4 for FREE FACE PAINTING. We hope to see you there!

Copyright Infringement

2011-07-07T12:48:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that anything that is on business webpages falls under copyright protection in USA and that includes not only photos, but also the text and other information on the website about that business. If you can't describe your own business, it does not mean you can cut and paste someone else's description - like mine. This can be information on regular webpage or a social networking page.

I spent a lot of time working and changing and tweaking my websites and marketing materials so you will know what I provide and that I am passionate about my company and what I offer.

Thank you to my customers who let me know of this problem and I hope to have the issue resolved soon.

Walmart Grand Opening!

2011-07-03T08:08:00.002-05:00

Come see us in Jacksonville, Alabama on July 15 from 10:00-4:00 at Walmart for their Grand Opening Celebration.

Other upcoming events include Story Expressions shows at Gardendale Library on July 6 at 9:30, Rainbow City Library on July 13 at 1 and 2:30, and Montevallo Library at 6pm on July 14th.

Summer Shows for 2011

2011-06-11T22:26:00.003-05:00

Here is a listing of some of our Story Expressions shows and other open to the public events you will find a Starshine Faces artist for summer 2011:

May 31 - 10:30- 12:30 Anniston Public Library - Story Expressions plus one hour extra painting
June 5 - 2:30-4:30 VBS pre-registration First Baptist Church of Ashville, AL
June 6 - 2-4 Southside Public Library Story Expressions plus extra hour
June 12 - 1:00 City Park Fort Payne, AL Big Sam Balloon Man Show on the Road - hosted by First United Methodist Church, Fort Payne, AL
June 14 - 3-5 Phenix City/Russell County Library - Story Expressions plus extra painting
June 14 - 5:30-7:00 Family Night at Chick-Fil-A Inverness - Free Facepainting
June 15 - 10:30 Tallasee Community Library - Story Expressions
June 15 - 2:00 Auburn Public Library - Story Expressions
June 15 - First Baptist Church of Leeds - VBS event
June 17 - 9:00 and 10:30 Gadsden Public Library - Story Expressions
June 23 - 2:00 North Shelby Public Library - Story Expressions plus extra painting hour
June 28 - 10:30 - 2:30 It's Yogurtime, Gadsden, AL - free facepainting
June 29 - 10:00 Guntersville Public Library Story Expressions plus extra hour
2:00 - Learn to Paint class for teens
June 29 - 6 pm Big Sam the Balloon Man Show on the Road - Mt. Lebanon First Congregational Methodist Church
July 1 - 1:00 Childersburg Library - Story Expressions plus one hour
July 6 - 9:30 Gardendale Public Library - Story Expressions
July 13 - 1:00 and 2:30 Rainbow City Public Library - Story Expressions
July 14 - 6 pm Montevallo, AL Parnell Memorial Libary - Story Expressions plus extra hour
July 19 - 10:00 Oneonta Public Library - Story Expressions plus extra hour
July 21 10:30 North Shelby Library - Story Expressions plus extra hour
July 26 - 10:30-2:30 It's Yogurtime, Gadsden, AL - FREE facepainting

This is what we have for our public events through August. There will be more added and many of the other dates are filled with private events as well.

What is Story Expressions?
Story Expressions is a show that combines the art of facepainting with storytelling for a fun imaginative and creative event that is enjoyed by all ages. For this year, we are following the Summer Reading Program theme for Alabama - One World, Many Stories. The program uses volunteers from the audience to help share the stories we have gathered from all over the world. Many of the stories this year are from areas and people who used very basic tribal face paint designs and those are reflected in our show, so the designs are very different from those you usually find us painting at festivals, fairs, and birthday parties. They are very colorful and bright.

The Story Expressions show typically uses 6-8 volunteers, but this year we have managed to increase that to 13 volunteers who are painted during the show. The volunteers do not get to choose what they are painted as but the design goes along with where we are in the story when they are chosen. Not everyone in the audience is painted during a Story Expressions show and we let the children and adults know that at the very beginning of the storytelling session. Some venues have opted to hire us for additional time to paint as many as we can for an hour after the show.

Story Expressions shows can be customized for your event. We can customize or write a story to go along with your event or birthday theme. We love to do Bible stories. If you are interested in a Story Expressions show for your event, birthday, or church, please give us a call at 877-504-5977 or email us at starshinefaces@gmail.com.

It's not a joke: Facepainting is FREE!

2011-03-28T08:12:00.003-05:00

Friday April 1, 2011 - It's not an April Fool's Joke - FACEPAINTING IS FREE!! We will be at the Imagination Place at the Mary G Hardin Center for Cultural Arts on Broad Street in Gadsden, Alabama from 6-8:30 for First Friday. They are celebrating the opening weekend of Gadsden Reads: Tales from Margaritaville, so come dressed in your beach attire and get some fabulous tropical face designs from Starshine Faces.

Sat. April 2, 2011 - CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL! A festival celebrating chocolate? Every vendor is required to give away chocolate? How much more awesome could it be? This will be the 6th year Starshine Faces will be at Chocolate Festival and we LOVE this festival. We will be offering pay per face designs (cheek art, half face, and full face designs), glitter tattoos, henna tattoos, crazy hair, and possibly a new art project that kids can make themselves (depending on weather). You can get the schedule and check out the entertainment that is lined up for the day here: http://www.rbcalabama.com/html/chocolate_festival.html.

Hope to see you there!!

Book your events for summer!

2011-01-29T09:03:00.003-06:00

Summer 2011 is starting to be booked for Story Expressions shows. Story Expressions shows combine the imagination of storytelling with the creativity of face painting. This summer's show will take you around the world with designs from Africa, China, Japan, and more. Story Expressions are great for libraries, schools, daycare programs, and birthday parties. We also offer Bible Story Expressions for church programs and Vacation Bible School.

Watch our Facebook site for festival and event information for this spring. Some of the events offer free face painting! If you are interested in hiring us for your event, just give us a call!

June has lots of facepainting fun in Alabama!!

2010-06-02T15:06:00.003-05:00

Our Story Expressions summer library program for 2010 started off yesterday at Anniston Public Library. Story Expressions combines the artistry of face and body art with the imagination of storytelling for an hour of entertainment for children and adults. We have a fun, original story written by Starshine Faces artist and owner Kristin Simpson (and her children) for the Make a Splash at your local library theme.

June 2nd the Big Sam the Balloon Man show "On the Road" will be at Meadowbrook Baptist Church in Rainbow City, Alabama. You can google Meadowbrook for directions. If you have not seen Big Sam and Kristin present their gospel show using facepainting and balloon sculptures, you can visit Meadowbrook, or contact us for information on bringing the show to your church.

First Friday is June 4 in Gadsden, Alabama. We will be inside Little Faces Doll Shop so don't worry about heat or rain. There will be two artists with fabulous facepainting, glitter tattoos, and henna from 5-9. All designs are from $5-$10 each. Don't want to wait in line? Print out a Jump to the front of the line coupon on our facebook fan site: First Friday Coupon

You can also check out our facebook fan site events tab for up to date information and details on where we will be throughout the summer.

Here is a list of other Summer Events:
June 12 - Vacation Bible School, Snead Baptist Church
June 15 - Trussville, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions for children 10:00.
Learn to Paint for teens 2:00.
June 16 - Childersburg, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions and face painting. 1:00
June 17 - Trussville, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions 10:00
Oneonta, Alabama Library - Henna Show for Teens 5:00
June 22 - Rainsville, Alabama Public Library - Learn to Paint show for Teens 6-8PM
June 23 - Selma, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions 10:30
June 24 - Guntersville, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions and facepainting 10:00
Ragland, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions and face painting 2:00
June 29 - Ashville, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions 10:30

July 1 - Guntersville Public Library - Henna for teens 2:00
July 2 - First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama
July 6 - Emmett O'Neal Memorial Library - Mountain Brook, AL - Story Expression and Face painting 3:30
July 7 - Gardendale Public Library - Story Expressions 9:30
Chelsea, Alabama Public Library - Story Expressions and Facepainting 2:00
July 8 - Emmett O'Neal Memorial Library - Mountain Brook, AL -Henna Program 3:30
July 14 - Rainbow City, Alabama Public Library - 2 shows
July 15 - Parnell Memorial Library - Montevallo, AL - Story Expressions and facepainting 5:30
July 20 - North Shelby Public Library - Story Expressions and face painting 10:30
July 22 - Vestavia Public Library - Story Expressions and face painting 3:00

August 6 - First Friday Gadsden, Alabama

2010-03-30T10:21:00.001-05:00

I was able to be a part of the Young Reader's Conference in Blount County, Alabama this year. I presented Storied Expressions to about 400 3rd and 4th graders at Hayden Elementary School with the story of Anansi the Spider. The next day I told the same story to three different groups of 1st graders for the day of the conference. I had a fabulous time.

This was an unbelievable conference that not only encouraged the abilities and imaginations of the children that participated, but brought together a group of educators who were able to do amazing things from the decorations (which were fabulous) to the programming and guests (who were also fabulous). Read on to see who I met :)

Although we didn't have time to talk for long, I was excited to meet Lisa McCourt (author of The Stinky Face Series and more), Sneed B. Collard III (author of over 50 award-winning children's non-fiction books), and Jim Aycock (a performing songwriter/actor).

http://www.lisamccourt.com/ - My children love the book I Love You, Stinky Face and I was excited to be able to meet the imaginative lady behind this and over 32 other books. Her books have sold over 4 Million copies! Her website is fun and informative, so take a look.

www.sneedbcollardiii.com - Mr. Collard has written award winning non fiction books that show children the world that is all around them. His books include: A Platypus, Probably; Beaks!; Animal Dads; and many more. For a list of more books and links to his blog and other sites, check out his website.

http://www.jimaycock.net/ - His voice can be heard on national tv/radio commercials (like Subway) and he has had speaking parts in several movies. You may have seen him as the defense lawyer in Walt Disney's "Tom and Huck". At the conference, Mr. Aycock was performing as Mark Twain in his one-man show as part of Alabama's Big Read.

Although I didn't get photos of the faces I painted, I have posted a few photos of the decorations, etc. on the face book fan site. Link to it from www.starshinefaces.com or Fan Site on Facebook

Talladega Superspeedway Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-30T09:24:00.008-05:00

Talladega Superspeedway Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 2, 2010

Starshine Faces is super-excited to have four artists at the Easter Egg Hunt this Saturday in Talladega. The event officially starts at 10:00 AM, but we will be set up and ready to paint starting at 9:00 AM. The weather is supposed to be fabulous, so they are expecting a record number of participants at this year's event. Be sure to get there early to get painted before the rest of the festivities begin.

Here are some past photos from when we were part of the Kids Zone on race days at Talladega

Superspeedway.

Friday Night Fun!! April 2

2010-03-30T08:59:00.004-05:00

Be sure to come find us at First Friday in Gadsden, AL on April 2, 2010. The weather looks like it will be nice and so expect crowds of people this Friday. We will be inside Little Faces Doll Shop on Broad Street. Just look for the giant movie screen that will be set up in front of the store. There may be other painters at the event, so make sure you ask for Starshine Faces!! If you have trouble finding us in the crowds, give us a call at 256-504-5977. Remember, we will be inside the shop and not on the street.

We will have a special Easter Egg Cheek Art design for $1 while offering other fabulous designs at our regular First Friday rate of $5.00.

Here is a list of other events going on at First Friday in April:

First Friday
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Classic Cars: See a variety of cars along Broad Street

Live Music, Dancing & Entertainment By:
Drake White
New Delusions
Damascus Road
Fly By Night
Ed Howard

Special Events:
Coosa Outfitters presents: Outdoor Expo
Gadsden Public Library presents: Big Read Finale Picnic on City Hall lawn
Etowah County Sheriff's Department Educational Unit

Downtown Stores:

Little Faces Doll Shop - Big Sam the Balloon Man will be outside the shop! Starshine Faces will be inside and Moonlight Silver Screen Productions will be doing a presentation outside!

Gadsden Christian Bookstore - Book signing with local author, Terry Workman, teen and twenties pastor at The Tabernacle Church. His works include: "The Making of a Leader" and "The Inside Awakened."

The Stone Market - Wine tasting from 6:30 to 8:30pm, tasting wines for Spring! $5 tasting fee applied to any wine purchase!

Blackstone Pub & Eatery - Beer tasting begins at 5:00pm. Cost is $8 per person. The Blackstone Band will perform at 9:15pm!

Caiston Elle - Open until 9pm. All dresses and jewelry will be on SALE! Also, all winter merchandise will be 50% off the marked price.

Coosa Outfitters - Outdoor Expo with boat dealers & more!

Remona's LaDiva Boutique - Check out Remona's new arrivals for Easter and shop early for your Mother's Day attire. *Make a purchase from Remona's April 1st - May 1st and register for a chance to win a unique Mother's Day gift to be given away on May 8th.* Also take advantage of selected sale items while you enjoy "old school music" played by our DJ. Remona's Spring fashion is SUPER SWEET!

Hardin Center for Cultural Arts - Indoor Art/Craft Bazaar: Booths will be open from 3-8pm. For more info, call 543-2787. "Robot Carnival" exhibit. The exhibit lasts through June 30th and will be open Monday through Saturday, 10am - 6pm, and Sunday, 1 - 5pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children, and free for Hardin Center members.

Gadsden Metro - live webcast from First Friday

Gadsden Museum of Art - Open late

Flowers by Rita/Custom Framing - All major college sports framed prints. Also, don't forget Flowers by Rita for all your floral needs.

Hicks Family Shoes - Get ready for Spring with our great selection of flip flops! See them for yourself as they are modeled in our store windows on First Friday.

Imagination Place

Paint the Town - Click here to register.

The Alabama Gift Company - Come check out our great Easter goodies from Priester's Pecan Company and Chrissie Schubert. Now selling beautiful and delicious "Cookie Bouquets"- a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Easter, Get Well Soon and just because! Remember we are open EVERY Friday until 10pm!

Great Eats:
The Perfect Pucker - Fresh squeezed lemonade & homemade fried pies, caramel apples, hot coffee & hot apple cider
Mater's Pizza - Serving crawfish bisque and white chocolate bread pudding
Courtyard Cafe
Jefferson's
Connie's Coneys
The Coffee Well
Lookout Mountain Kettle Corn
The Rib House

Family Night at Wizard of Oz

2010-03-13T09:49:00.004-06:00

Starshine Faces and Painted Personalities were on hand to add some fun to the Family Night at the Broadway Across America production of Wizard of Oz in Birmingham, AL. Rainbow swirls and Glenda the Good Witch were popular designs for the girls and the Tin Man and Lion were popular for the boys. The designs were fast faces and we did our best to paint as many kids as we could in the hour before the show.

If you are looking for a fun show to take the kids to, I suggest this one. We had a great time and appreciate Alabama Baby and Child Magazine for inviting us to be a part of their Family and Kid's Night on Broadway events.

A Night in Oz

2010-02-22T11:17:00.003-06:00

Birmingham Children's Theater will be hosting a family friendly and fun filled fundraiser on February 27th. Starshine Faces is excited to be a part of "A Night in Oz" again this year bringing the magic of face painting to their fabulous event. For more information and to purchase tickets: http://www.bct123.org/night-in-oz.html

2010-02-22T11:05:00.004-06:00

Starshine Faces will be at Little Faces Doll Shop on March 5 for First Friday. We will be there as part of The Big Sam the Balloon Man show that we are on every Saturday at 8AM on TV24.

We will start selling tickets for face painting at 5:00 for $5.00 - $10.00 each depending on the design.

Come out and meet Big Sam the Balloon Man and see his amazing balloon creations.

Stop in Little Faces Doll Shop and take a look at their Lee Middleton Newborn nursery. Terry can help you with the adoption process.

The Big Sam the Balloon Man Show - On the Road

2010-01-27T08:57:00.001-06:00

Balloons and Facepainting at church
The Big Sam the Balloon Man Show - On the Road

You have seen the show (or you have heard about it) and now you can see the show in action as The Big Sam the Balloon Man show goes "on the road!" Come see Big Sam the Balloon Man and Kristin from Starshine Faces as they share the truths of God's word in a new and exciting way. Bring your friends and family and expect a lot of fun!

February 5, 2010 - Friday
6:00 PM

First Congregational Methodist Church
310 Southern Ave
Piedmont, AL 36272
(256) 447-9741

Library Shows booking now

2010-01-27T08:04:00.002-06:00

The theme for this year is Make a Splash - Read!

Starshine Faces combines the imagination of storytelling with the art of facepainting for a fun and unique experience. Listen as a our artist shares fairy tale, folk tales and other myths and legends and watch as the story is illustrated on the faces of our child volunteers.

We have been fortunate to be invited back to the Alabama Public Library Services event highlighting the new Summer Reading Program. We have already started booking library shows and some weeks are already filled. Give us a call to book your program, today!

Chili Cook Off

2010-01-27T08:03:00.001-06:00

Chili Cook Off on Broad Street

Saturday, February 6th is the 3rd annual Chili Cook Off hosted by Downtown Gadsden, Inc. and Starshine Faces will be at Little Faces Doll Shop adding some fun and color to the event with fabulous face painting. All designs will be $5.00. We will be there from 11-2.

There were 23 contestants at the cook off last year and they expect more this year. Chili samples will be sold to the public for as long as the chili lasts. The judging will be at noon.

For more information about this event go to http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20100114/NEWS/100119925?p=1&tc=pg.

Facepainting at Little Faces Doll Shop
Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama

11:00-2:00 pm

Face painting at First Friday in Gadsden, AL

2010-01-27T08:01:00.001-06:00

Fabulous Face painting returns to First Friday in February!

We are so excited to be invited to Little Faces Doll Shop located at 412 Broad Street in Gadsden, Alabama, for First Friday on February 5, 2010. The festivities will last from 5:00-8:00 and we will be located inside the store. All designs (full face festival... designs, half face designs, and small henna designs) will be $5.00 with a special on Valentine cheek art for $2.00.

Remember, we are located inside the shop, and will be painting rain or shine!

First Friday Gadsden, Alabama
Little Faces Doll Shop
Broad Street

5:00 - 8:00 pm

We are at First Friday

2009-12-03T13:14:00.001-06:00

We will again be at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama. Come see us inside the cultural art center on Broad Street where it is nice and cozy warm. All Christmas inspired designs will be $5 including cheek art, half and full face designs, as well as some select henna designs.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Friday December 4
6-9 pm
Mary G Hardin Cultural Art Center
Gadsden, Alabama

Balloons and Facepainting at church

2009-12-03T13:04:00.003-06:00

The Big Sam the Balloon Man Show - On the Road

You have seen the show (or you have heard about it) and now you can see the show in action as The Big Sam the Balloon Man show goes "on the road!" Come see Big Sam the Balloon Man and Kristin from Starshine Faces as they share the truths of God's word in a new and exciting way. Bring your friends and family and expect a lot of fun!

The Church at Center Stage

Sunday December 6th
11:00 AM
in the children's area located in the Rainbow Plaza shopping center area. Rainbow City, Alabama

For directions: http://www.centerstagegadsden.com/get-directions.php

Rick and Bubba Turkey Toss 2009

2009-11-21T10:30:00.002-06:00

We will be painting faces at Turkey Toss 2009 this year! With Thanksgiving and Christmas themed designs you will be the most decorated contestant this year!

Big Sam the Balloon Man and his lovely assistant Jeri Lynn will also be there with fabulous balloon sculptures as you wait in line to get painted or toss turkeys.

We hope to see you there for the fun and festivities as only Rick and Bubba can provide!

For more details about Turkey Toss 2009 : http://www.rickandbubba.com/

Anniston Christmas Un-Parade and Facepainting

2009-11-09T10:50:00.000-06:00

Anniston, Alabama, Christmas Un-Parade and FREE Face Painting

Join us for some fun and color with face painting in Alabama from Starshine Faces courtesy of the Anniston Public Library!

Anniston, Alabama has changed the format of their Christmas Parade this year. Instead of the parade going by you, the floats will be stationery allowing you to walk past them. This new format allows the floats to be more interactive with attendees.

The Anniston Public Library will have Starshine Faces again this year for the parade celebration. Instead of painting before the parade, we will have free Christmas Cheek Art designs as part of the new Christmas Un-Parade.

November 21, 2009 from 5-7 pm in downtown Anniston, Alabama.

For more information: http://www.downtownanniston.com/supersaturday.html

Family Night at Grease - Birmingham, AL

2009-09-22T22:12:00.002-05:00

Family Night at Grease

Join us an hour before the show for family fun activities at Family Night at Grease on Wed. September 23rd. The pre-show fun begins about 6:30 and includes fun painting by Starshine Faces and Painted Personalities, learning the Hand Jive from cast members, and you can purchase concession foods from a kid-friendly menu.

Hope to see you there.

Face Painting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

2009-08-30T20:41:00.002-05:00

Starshine Faces will be painting faces this Friday at the Art Bazaar INSIDE the Cultural Art Center on Broad Street in Gadsden, Alabama.

Not going to First Friday???? High School football games have started?? You will miss a great time at First Friday, but you can still get your game face on!! We will be set up early for those of you who want to come by and get your game face on before going to cheer for your home team.

All designs this Friday will be $5.00.

Game Day booking!

2009-08-26T09:53:00.003-05:00

Game day weekends are filling up fast. Be sure to check out our new football album on Facebook and also on Flickr. I have been busy uploading photos and updating websites, so be sure to check back often over the next couple of weeks for new information and pictures. You might be on there!!

Sign up for our Newsletter!

2009-08-26T09:50:00.001-05:00

We have a lot of information coming out soon and if you want to be one of the first to know, send us your email address and we will add you to our new Starshine Faces Newsletter.

Send us your name and email address to starshinefaces@gmail.com.

No First Friday

2009-08-06T14:04:00.002-05:00

This is just to let you know that we will not be at First Friday in August. The merchants who are members of Downtown Gadsden, Inc who puts on this fabulous event every month have voted to no longer allow non-food vendors at the event. There will still be the wonderful food vendors you have found at past First Fridays, but I won't be able to be at this one.

But don't worry!!

We are making plans to be at the rest of the First Friday events. Another business will be trying out the idea of selling vendor space in their business and we have signed on to be a part of that. Unfortunately it will not start until September. On the positive side, though, the vendors will be indoors!!!

Please remember when you get your faces painted to always ask what kinds of paints they use. Acrylic paints and other craft paints are not meant to be used on skin and not all face paints are created equally. Starshine Faces artists only use professional grade facepaints that are designed to be safe for cosmetic use and also for the ease of removal. If you have any questions about facepainting, please let us know.

If you have comments or compliments on First Friday, please let Downtown Gadsden, Inc, know so that they can continue to make this event fun for everyone. We hate we won't be able to be there this month, but we hope to see you in September. Thank you so much for your support.

Facepainting Day on the Rick and Bubba Show

2009-07-21T14:31:00.002-05:00

I had a really fun time painting faces at the Rick and Bubba Show this morning in Birmingham, Alabama. The show can be heard on radio stations throughout the nation and on the internet throughout the world. There are more photos of various interns and guest painted in a design of their choosing on the Starshine Faces fan site on Facebook.

Face painting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

2009-07-02T09:21:00.001-05:00

First Friday in Gadsden, Al

Get ready for First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama and some FREE Artist Choice face paint designs. You must be brave and daring to qualify for the FREE artist choice designs, because you never know what you may be transformed into. It might be something as simple as a tiger or as insane and crazy as an abstract cirque clown. We may even decide to create a super crazy hair design on you!!

Not quite daring? We will also have our typical festival designs available at our regular festival prices so you can choose the design you want. Take a look at our festival Henna designs when you come by to see us in the vendor area on Broad Street.

For more information on First Friday in July you can take a look at the Downtown Gadsden website. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Summer Reading Programs

2009-06-18T16:11:00.002-05:00

The Summer Reading Program is in full swing for many libraries here in the state of Alabama. We have already been to Vestavia Hills Public Library, Crossville Public Library, Trussville Public Library, and various extended day school programs with our Get Creative summer reading show.

By combining the imagination of storytelling and the artistry of facepainting we provide a unique show that children and adults both can enjoy. Some libraries have included an additional hour of facepainting after the show for more children to join in the fun by being painted as well.

Shows that are coming up include Moody Public Library June 18 at 5:30, Trussville Public Library June 23 at 1:00 for 3rd-5th grade and a Learn to Paint show for Teens at 2:00. We are at various extended day programs for Vestavia Hills School System. We are currently working with other extended day programs on dates for programs for their schools as well.

Henna programs for teens will be held at Vestavia Hills Public Library and also at North Shelby Public Libary.

If you are interested in attending any library shows, make sure you call and check with the individual libraries on what their summer reading program policies and age requirements are. Some programs require that you sign up in advance.

FABAIC was Fabulous

2009-06-18T16:08:00.002-05:00

Starshine Faces owner/artist, Kristin Simpson, was able to attend the Face and Body Art International Convention in Orlando, Florida the end of May. She was able to network with so many other artists from around the world and enjoyed seeing and learning new designs and techniques. She competed in the semi professional facepainting competition with about 20 other painters from around the world. Although she didn't place, she learned a lot from the experience.

A variety of photos have been place on our fan website on Facebook. Check out our photos and become a fan while you are there.

Our artists work to continue to bring their art and fun to new levels so that we only offer the best for you, our clients.

Alabama Facepainter gets ready for Convention

2009-05-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

Face and Body Art International Convention is this upcoming week in Orlando, Florida, and I am so excited to be attending this year. We are looking forward to learning more about our art so we can continue to provide you with the best we can for your parties and events.

Here is some information from their site www.fabaic.com

What is the FABAIC?
FABAIC is the annual Face and Body Art International Convention which takes
place in May in Orlando, Florida. Over 400+ painters from around the world gather together to experience the largest face and body painting convention in the US. Classes are offered in Face and Body Art, brush, sponge, airbrush as well as
henna, glitter tattoo and SFX. The first convention was May 2002 in Orlando, Fl.

Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are some of the best body artists in the industry. We have traveled the planet in search of some the most qualified and diversified artists of our industry. Each year we hope to invite new instructors to the FABAIC, along with the Masters of Face & Body Painting. Some previous Instructors may choose not to teach but are excited to be part of the convention and will be Jamming, Co-Instructing and showcasing thier Artwork.
View the list of instructors here.

Facepaint recall does not affect Starshine Faces artists.

2009-05-12T21:38:00.004-05:00

There has been a recent recall on a brand of face paints distributed by Oriental Trading Co. under their subsidiary Fun Express. These paints were made by Shanghai Color Art Stationery Company Limited, Shanghai, China. Starshine Faces artists do not use and have never used these paints. The professional quality facepaints used by Starshine Faces artists fully comply with FDA standards for cosmetic use.

Whenever you get your face painted we strongly advise that you ask about the paints that are being used. Acrylics, tempera, and poster paints were not designed to be used on the skin and they do not comply with FDA requirements for use on the skin. Apple Barrel Paints reply to an e-mail we sent in 2003 stated they do not recommend their paints be used for painting on the skin. If you would like more information about products to avoid you can click here.

If you are looking for paints for an event where you have volunteers painting faces, there are numerous safe face painting products on the market at reasonable prices. Contact us and we can guide you through your choices to help keep your kids safe.

If there is a reaction to any paint or cosmetic that is used on you or your child, be sure to contact your doctor and the people that applied the paint. They need to know if the products they are using cause problems. A professional face and body artist will be able to give you further information about the products they use. If you are hiring an artist ask if they carry insurance as well.

There is no product that is safe for every single person, and if you or your child is sensitive to other cosmetics or lotions, ask for a skin test before you are painted. A small dot or design (we usually paint a little ladybug) is typically painted on the inside of the elbow or upper arm and left for 30-45 minutes. It is removed by the artist using only water to see if there has been a reaction to the paints.

Again, the recent recall on the Fun Express face paints does not affect Starshine Faces or their artists. These paints have never been used by our artists. If you have any questions for us about the products we use, please do not hesitate to contact us at starshinefaces@gmail.com.

Face painters are all wet in Gadsden, Alabama

2009-05-04T10:35:00.003-05:00

First Friday was great and we had a ton of fun painting this past Friday at First Friday...until the rains hit. We were only able to paint a few faces including hair designs before the wind and rain started, but it was fun while it lasted.

Facepainting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

2009-04-28T13:35:00.003-05:00

Art Walk is the theme for First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama the evening of May 1st. We were accepted into the Art Walk and will be doing fabulous transformations on lucky ticket holders. These are not our typical birthday or festival faces. These take face painting to the next level for us and include hair designs and abstract art designs. All paintings this evening will be artist choice, so get ready to see our imagination at work.

Tickets were given out at various birthday parties that hired us, but you can register for a chance to get painted that night. Stop by the booth and fill out the registration forms for your free transformation ticket. We will draw twice during the evening and you must be present to win.

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Chocolate Festival 09 recap

2009-04-21T10:40:00.004-05:00

Wow, was Chocolate Festival 09 fun or what? We had fabulous weather and a great crowd this year. We were busy the entire time we were out there. I had to leave to paint at a storytelling program for a church in the middle of the day, but Shanda and Greg kept the lines moving as fast as they could with face painting and hair colors. Thank you to everyone who was able to come out and see us.

Remember us if you are interested in adding face painting to your festival or event. Our face painting is entertaining for everyone who watches and festival attendees are always grateful for free entertainment, so think about hiring us for your next event.

We can provide references from other festivals who have hired us and Starshine Faces carries full liability insurance.

Themed parties in Alabama

2009-04-21T10:17:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for something to make that birthday party or other event extra special? Look at hiring a facepainter to add excitement and imagination to your next event. We can create design choices to match your party theme. By having a face artist at your next themed event, your guests can be transformed into Clone Troopers, butterflies, pirates, tigers, and more to help your party theme come to life.

Want more? We offer storytelling to help spark a child's imagination or basic balloon sculptures in addition to glitter body art and henna for older children and adults.

So for your next event in Birmingham, Alabama, or surrounding counties give Starshine Faces a call to see what we can offer you.

Alabama Chocolate Festival

2009-03-30T10:09:00.002-05:00

Get your face painted at the Alabama Chocolate Festival

Saturday April 4th is the Alabama Chocolate Festival in Rainbow City, Alabama, from 10 am to 8 pm. Every booth is required to give away free chocolate so get there early before they all run out!!

Starshine Faces will be there offering fantastic face painting, glitter tattoos and crazy hair. This is a pay per face event and prices will range from $1 - $15. The festival itself is free to attend.

Face painting photos from Birmingham, Alabama

2009-03-19T22:16:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we painted at the Birmingham Children's Theater fundraiser A Night In Oz. We had a fabulous time and there are photos now posted through the BCT website. You can link to them here. Enjoy!

Looking for a facepainter in Alabama? Check out Starshine Faces on Facebook

2009-03-12T20:48:00.003-05:00

Check out our Starshine Faces site on Facebook. New photos have been uploaded.

ABC 33/40 segment about Kid's Night on Broadway

2009-03-06T12:21:00.005-06:00

Go here to see the segment we painted on Talk of Alabama. The subject line is wrong, though, just to let you know. Cecelia was there to promote the Kid's Night on Broadway...not Face painting itself.

Kid's Night on Broadway

2009-03-05T09:57:00.015-06:00

Friday morning on Talk of Alabama I will join Cecelia Pearson of Alabama Baby and Child Magazine as she promotes Kid's Night on Broadway for March 11, 2009.

Starshine Faces will help make the Kid's Night on Broadway even more fun and colorful with fabulous face painting! Join us to get painted and enjoy Kid's Night on Broadway!

KIDS NIGHT ON BROADWAY!

Broadway Across America- Birmingham presents Kids Night on Broadway March 11, 2009. With activities starting at 6:30 pm in the BJCC Concert Hall lobby Broadway Across America is offering with paid admission the opportunity to experience the show up-close and personal. Kids 4 years old to 17 years old will have the opportunity to meet members of the cast of CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY and learn and participate in various skills, try on costumes, experience tricks, participate in activities and try some of the fun acrobatic antics of which Cirque Dreams is world renowned.

This hands-on and educational encounter with the artists is accompanied with a special ticket offer-Buy one adult ticket and receive a child’s ticket free. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800.982.2787 or at the box office. Use the password KIDS.

For more information you can also go to this link: CLICK HERE

Face art design painted by Starshine Faces Artist: Shanda Phillips

A Night in Oz

2009-03-03T09:05:00.004-06:00

We were transported to the Wonderful Land of Oz thanks to the Junior Board of Birmingham Children's Theater. The fundraiser event included fun crafts and foods for the children and adults as well as characters from the Wizard of Oz mingling and interacting with the children and parents.

There were so many children in costumes ranging from Dorothy and her friends to a Batman I saw roaming around. We were busy all night and you can check out some of the photos on www.myspace.com/starshinefaces or by linking here.

Photos of library shows

2009-03-02T11:17:00.004-06:00

Summer dates are filling up fast, so if you are still deciding, give us a call and see what we can do for you. 800-504-5977.

Last year we did some shows at the Vestavia Hills extended day program and this is what they had to say:

"Starshine Faces was spectacular! This young woman told the most fantastic stories and painted the children’s faces to tell the story. EVERYONE was mesmerized by her story and every child wanted to be next. The children, however, were willing to patiently wait their turn. (Even the adults were tempted to have their faces painted.)" from: http://www.vestavia.k12.al.us/docs/communitynewssept_oct08.pdf

Remember, we can do storytelling shows all year, not just summer time!!

Here is a link to some photos from last year's Catch the Reading Bug.

http://tinyurl.com/bqxhue

DON'T WAIT!! Library Shows Booking Now!

2009-02-04T16:43:00.003-06:00

It is that time again. Time to start working on schedules for the Summer Library Program and summer storytelling sessions. The theme for our storytelling shows this year is Get Creative! Wow, does that fit our storytelling style or what?

We include children's stories from your local library as well as fun fairy and folk tales from around the world. The audience watches as the stories come alive on the faces of our volunteers. This year CRAZY HAIR is an addition to some of our stories!

If you have teenage or adult programs, ask us about our All About Henna presentations. We explain what Henna is and what it is not (henna is never black), give some cultural information about henna or mhendi and then offer a henna designs for the participants to choose from.

Do you have some adults who want to get creative at your library? What about our Face Painting classes? We offer presentation or hands-on programs that teach basic designs along with safety i!nformation for those interested in face and body art.

Spark some imaginations, and add some color and fun to your library or school programs this spring and summer with a storyteller from Starshine Faces!!

Catch the Reading Bug Program - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

ONE DAY LEFT FOR FANTASY FALLS!

2008-10-28T08:46:00.003-05:00

Fantasy Falls has been good this year. There were more attractions including the Star Lab shows, some previews of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow play that will be at Wallace Hall of Gadsden State Community College and a tall dragon that would walk around and growl.

There is one day left - Halloween night. We will have one painter out there that night so get there early if you don't want to wait in line. The event starts at 5:00 and lasts until 9:00 at Noccolula Falls in Gadsden, AL. There is an admission fee and the facepainting is $3.00 cheek art, $5 half faces, and $10 full faces. You can get your hair colored with color hairspray for $2.00.

Thank you to my wonderful models from Georgia in the photo above. They were painted last year as well and they made sure they got in line early so they wouldn't have to wait this year. They just made their school basketball team and were so excited to have their numbers painted on their basketball faces. Congratulations girls and thank you for the photo!!

New Packages!!

2008-10-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

We have added some new birthday party packages and festival packages. Call us for current pricing on the following choices:

CURLY SWIRLY LET'S BE GIRLY: This is the ultimate party for your little princess. Full face designs include fairies and princess designs as well as fun swirl and curl masks. We add crazy hair or glamourous hair styles including glitter spray or colored hair spray and your fun is topped off by a glitter body art design in your choice of colors. These designs can last 3 or more days with care. Finally, a take home gift for each girl includes two glitter art stencils, two cosmetic glitter colors, body adhesive, glitter spoon, and full instructions. This party is priced per person with a 5 girl minimum.

TIRE TRACKS AND MICA TATS: The ultimate party for the guys in your life. We have fun full face designs for guys ranging from super heros, to tire tracks and flames. Add to that some fun hair colors and styles like mohawks and spikes. The fun continues with a mica or glitter body art design in the color of their choice. Finally, a take home gift for each child includes two body art stencils, one cosmetic glitter color and one black mica color, body adhesive, glitter spoon, and full instructions. This party is priced per person with a 5 person minimum.

CHEEK ART: We have added a cheek art option for by the hour events. This is a less expensive option to our full and half face designs and is great for school events and events where free face painting is offered. Designs are limited to small sizes for the cheek and include our fast designs for super busy events. All designs include glitter if chosen.

GET YOUR GAMEFACE ON!!

2008-08-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

It is gettting to be that time again...football season!!

Starshine Faces is willing and able to make your spectacular tailgate season much more colorful and fun with fabulous face paint designs. Wear your school colors or become your school mascot and cheer your team on to victory. We have packages for painting at your family and friend tailgate socials and we also have corporate and school packages for those larger homecoming festivities. Tell us about your event and we can put a package together for you!!

Dates in the fall are going fast and so call today to get your contract to reserve your date.

Kristin

Springfest

2008-08-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to Kell Realty of Springville for hiring us to be a part of Springfest in Springville, Alabama. As usual with free events the line was extremely long, but we painted a record amount of people in the time we had available. I wasn't able to get some photos because of the frantic pace, but we had a lot of fun and there were some colorful designs all over the event.

If you have never been to Springfest, try to make it out next year, but don't forget your chairs and blankets and expect a huge crowd. The music is great and the fireworks are awesome. If you have blinky lights to keep track of your kids in the dark I suggest bringing those. One of the local churches handed out glow necklaces that evening and the kids loved them.

We hope to be back next year.

Kristin

The Art of Henna

2008-07-18T14:51:00.000-05:00

We did our Henna lecture last night for the North Shelby Library's Teen event. Everyone seemed to be very interested in the information about Henna and how it has been and is used and how it actually works. I spent a good bit of time educating them about Black Henna and how it is different from pure Henna. You can find a lot of information at www.thehennapage.com and look under the heading Black Henna. Once the educational part was finished I put a small henna design on each of the girls and decorated the last one with some gold glitter gel as well. Once I get the photos uploaded from the camera, I will post them here and also on the www.starshinefaces.com website.

If you are interested in having a Henna party or adding it to your fall festival line-up. Give me a call at 877-504-5977!!

July events

2008-07-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

We will be at the Porsche 250 this weekend on Saturday (20th) and Sunday (21st) in the Children's Activities areas. We will be painting race inspired designs and we look forward to seeing you there!! This will be the first time for us at this event and we are looking forward to a great time and lots of fun and excitement.

Tomorrow is our last library show for the season and we are at the library in Montevallo, AL. The library shows have been tons of fun and we have had a great response to our storytelling and facepainting. We are getting ready for next year's theme of Be Creative at your Local Library, so get ready for some craziness next year. Remember we have holiday themes as well for Halloween and Christmas.

Hopefully this fall will be as busy as last year with public events as well as private ones. Thank you so much for your support of Starshine Faces.

Talladega Superspeedway

2008-06-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I never put an update for the Talladega Race we painted in April. I posted the pictures at our My Space site and you can also see more photos at our main website of http://www.starshinefaces.com/.

We were hired to paint in the KidsZone and let me tell you, I had a blast. I had never been the race before and I was AMAZED at the number people who were there. I was also impressed with how the KidsZone area was set up. In order to enter the area you had to have a child with you and the entrance area was watched by not only a KidsZone volunteer, but I also saw a police officer who would keep an eye on the area as well. There were bathrooms just for our area which was great for the kids and their parents.

We painted all kinds of different designs. The tire track, flames of all kinds, and of course the car numbers in various designs were our most popular. We had a few butterflies, lions, tigers, and fairies, as well. We even painted one Ricky Bobby Wonder Bread design :) With two painters, we didn't have a long line at any one time which suprised me considering the number of people who attended the race. We painted a lot of parents as well. On Sunday we let the parents know that we would paint s if there weren't any kids in line. That worked out really well.

Shanda and I had a great time and lots of fun being creative with smaller designs. I hope that the KidsZone coordinators were pleased with our work and enjoyed being painted as much as we enjoyed painting them. We will let you know if we are invited back so you can look for us.

Riverfest in Gadsden

2008-06-20T09:44:00.001-05:00

Wow! Riverfest was hot and wet, just like I remember it from last year and the year before. I decided to have a vendor booth this year hoping that it would work out as well as or better than two years ago when I shared a booth with another painter from Birmingham. We had tons of fun and painted more teens than I thought we would, but we won't be back at Riverfest as a vendor.

In order to make back our costs we have to paint a lot of faces and there just weren't a lot of faces that wanted painting. We offered glitter tattoos and crazy hair and both went over well. The Glitter Tattoos looked great in the sun and of course didn't wash off in the rain shower of Friday night. We had a lot of people stop by the booth AFTER they had gotten an airbrushed tattoo from another vendor and told us they wished they had gotten a Glitter Tattoo instead. The Crazy Hair was so much fun we have decided to add it as a stand alone birthday party package or an upgrade to a facepaint package.

If we are hired to allow free facepainting in the children's area or by another booth to draw attention, then we will return to Riverfest. We had a great time with the people that we painted (we will post pictures ASAP - we have some great ones), but the event just doesn't work out financially for us to continue.

Library Shows

2008-06-20T09:28:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who has come out to see us at the various library shows we have already particpated in this year. It has been tons of fun. Here is an updated list of where we will be going. Some of these events are public events and some are for school programs that are not open to the public. Not all of them will have facepainting available for all the children. Those programs who hired an extra painter to paint all the children have a note next to them. We look forward to seeing you there.

June 23 Cahaba Heights school program 9AM
June 24 West Elementary school program 9 AM
Central Elementary School Program 1PM
June 26 Lincoln Public Library (painting for everyone) 10 AM
June 27 Gadsden Public Library 10 AM (show only)
Ragland Public Library 1PM (painting for everyone)
July 15 Montevallo, AL Library show 2PM (painting for everyone)
July 17 North Shelby Library Henna Presentation for Teens (tentative - by reservation through the library only)
October 29 Emmet O'Neil Public Library, Mountain Brook, AL (sign up at the library)

Here are some other places we will be painting, but not telling stories at. These are tentative as we do not have a contract in, yet, so check back for confirmation on these events:

June 28 Community block party in Southside, AL - post VBS event for a local church
July 19-20 Porsche 250 at Barber Motor Speedway - Kids areas

We have dates open for parties and festivals as well, so if you are interested in hiring us to help bring fun and color to your event we look forward to hearing from you. Thank you so much for your support of Starshine Faces.

Kristin

New Events

2008-04-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Next Wed, April 16th come and see the new storytelling session and get your face painted at the Ohatchee public library at 2:00. Kristin will be telling stories about Beasts and Bugs and painting some special volunteers as she tells her stories. It is a lot of fun to see the paintings come to life with the story characters and she goes through the various adventures of some fairy tale and folk tale people.

Some tentative events include Adoption Day, Saturday, April 12 at Petco in Gadsden, Alabama. We will offer pay per face paintings ranging from $5-$15 and while you are there, be sure to check out the wide variety of pet adoption agencies and shelters. If you are interested in adopting a new pet for your family, this is the day to look around and talk to someone who can help you find the perfect pet for you.

Keep checking back for the next BIG announcement!!!

Chocolate Festival Recap

2008-04-09T15:57:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Festival was good in a wet, sloppy, muddy sort of way. The festival was moved from the Food World parking lot area to the soccer fields next to Rainbow Middle School. Although the rain caused some delays in setting up and getting started, our booth was ready for the crowds when they arrived. As usual I loved the fact that the festival staff continued to check on the vendors to see if they needed anything. They have a great group of people looking out for the vendors that actually make the festival and that is a good lesson for a lot of festivals I go to.

I don't think anyone was really prepared for the mud, though. There were children and adults who looked like they had been dipped in chocolate from slipping in the mud. Honestly it was kind of humerous to look at although not all of them looked very amused. I doubt the school or soccer teams were smiling when the looked over the fields on Monday either.

I could hear the bands play from where I was and they sounded great. We didn't stay to hear Emerson Drive play because it started to sprinkle and rain again. I didn't want the sky to open up on us while we were breaking down the festival set up, so we started putting things away a little early. We weren't the only ones, but we were one of the last ones to break down and leave.

Overall we were pleasantly pleased by the turn out. I was concerned because of the location change and the entry fee (which was new this year), but considering the weather, we did o.k. and there were more people than I thought there would be. I am not sure how the other vendors faired, but the carnival seemed to be busy.

The only complaints I heard from festival goers concerned the lack of Chocolate. I think they must have gotten there late because we ran out of chocolate towards the end. Every vendor had to provide chocolate, but I think people were looking for homemade chocolates to purchase or try. There was a pudding eating contest earlier in the day (it just gives me a tummy ache thinking about that!) and some people were looking for the chocolate milk dunking booth. They could have just rolled in the mud.

I personally like the Chocolate Festival and right now we plan to be a part of the festival until they decide it has run it's course. Everyone loves Chocolate, so I think it is here to stay.

Now on to the next event.....

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk

2008-03-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I was able to participate in a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for the Cure in Southside, Alabama. The weather was questionable, but everyone involved hoped for the best as the event started. It was actually a lot of fun and just about everyone wanted the same types of designs which were quick and fun. We did a lot of matching of clothing colors and so we had some colorful faces walking around...till the rain started...and the weather sirens started to sound.

Everyone went inside the high school with the numerous members of the sheriff's department helping to get items and people to a safe location. There were people lined up in the hallway as we waited for word on what was going on...severe weather or tornado? Turned out to be a tornado warning and about that time my husband called to let me know the tornado was right up the road from our house and he was in the basement with my other two children and the dogs. I had my oldest child with me.

There were a lot of scared crying children, including my daughter. I was able to incorporate what we had learned in our Bible lesson for the week about the "Joy of the Lord is our strength" into a life application through this event for my daughter. She said she thought we were going to have fun and this was not very much fun and she didn't feel very happy and she was very scared. Our lesson had talked about things that make us happy and how those things can be temporary, but the Joy of the Lord is forever. She asked what strength meant in this lesson and I was able to tell her on Saturday that it can mean courage to face any situation and by knowing that God is in control, we can lean on him when we are scared because he is stronger than anything we will face. Once she relaxed a little after we prayed, we listened to the 2008 VBS music I had downloaded into my cell phone. That helped as well.

So, I had left all my paints and brushes and well...everything outside under the tent that we had lowered to cover everything. After a little while, I decided to run out and grab them up to bring in. I figured if we were going to be in a while and the tornado was going the other way, we might be able to set up inside to paint. So, the sheriff deputies let me run out and grab everything and actually helped me. I brought it in, but the lighting was kind of dim for painting and I decided to wait just in case we ended up having to take immediate cover. I still wasn't completely sure what the weather was going to do. Are we ever sure what it will do?

Luckily, Big Sam the Balloon Man was at the event as well and was able to bring his balloons and balloon pump inside. Before he even got everything set up inside, the children saw him and started lining up. The occasional loud pop of a balloon would make everyone jump, but the children were distracted from the weather concerns for a while. My daughter was so excited to get in line. She had brought her balloons to the event with her to twist balloons for the children in line to get their faces painted. She is able to do some basic things and she was amazed at the skill and abilities of Big Sam.

So, finally the severe weather cleared, but the rain continued to pour down outside. I made the decision to not continue to paint since there was only an hour left and with the rain pouring down, there was a very large chance of children crying because the rain destroyed their face paintings. I didn't want to cause any additional parental stress especially after the stress of the weather.

Luckily the tornado didn't hit us or my family at home, but it did hit a community up the road from where I live. A friend of ours who lives there said her home is the only one that was undamaged on her street. She looked out at her neighbors house and thought that it was fine. When she went over to check on them and no one answered at the front door, she walked around the house to see if they were out back and the back of the house was pretty much gone. She found out they were actually out of town on a vacation and were not at home when it happened.
My husband had to go to work when I got home on Saturday and said that there was some major damage and that from what he could tell of the path, it did skim right past our house.

So, that is my update from this past weekend's activities. I am interested in returning for this event next year (when the weather might cooporate a little more), and it will be posted on the calendar if that works out. There were a lot of photos taken as well and as soon as I get a link to where they will be posted I will put it on this and the www.starshinefaces.com websites.

Kristin

2008-03-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

Here is our 2008 calendar so far. The TBA dates are waiting for contracts to come in. Our policy is to confirm the dates once your signed contracts are received.

If you have seen us or were painted by us, feel free to leave a comment. We would love to read your opinions!

April
5 - Chocolate Festival in Rainbow City, Alabama.
27 - TBA

May
18 - 1:30 - 4:00 Summer Reading Program Kick Off and Carnival -- Emmet O'Neal Library Mountain Brook, Alabama

June
2-6 - You are invited to Vacation Bible School at FBC Ashville, Alabama - (not a face painting event) Join us on Outrigger Island learning about TRUTH. Pre-register on June 1st from 2-4.
7 - Company Event - private
9- Anniston/Calhoun County Public Library - Summer Reading Program 10:00-12:00
10 - TBA
14 - Riverfest in Gadsden, Alabama -
26 - TBA
27 - TBA

July
4 - Private Event
15 - TBA

August
9 - TBA

September
20 - TBA

October
Fantasy Falls in Gadsden, Alabama
18 - Attalla Heritage Festival
25 - TBA

November

December
13 - Private Event

New Slideshow

2008-03-06T18:58:00.001-06:00

Calendar for Spring/Summer so far

2008-03-06T18:40:00.000-06:00

Want to get painted? Here are some public events that are on the calendar. Check back often because we are adding events everyday.

March 15: Walk for the Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. Glencoe, Alabama 8:30-12:00.

April 5: Alabama Chocolate Festival, Rainbow City, Alabama 11:00AM - 7:00PM. Pay per face fees apply

We are getting requests for library shows and other festivals in. As soon as dates are confirmed, I will post where we will be.

Thanks for checking in.
Kristin Simpson

Library Showcase and Kidsfest

2008-03-04T18:08:00.000-06:00

Well, after some changes in scheduling I was able to attend the Library Showcase in Montgomery last Tuesday. I had a wonderful time and let me tell you there are some GREAT entertainers in our state. My face was honestly hurting from so much laughing and smiling.

I was very nervous, but the stories that I have put together for the Summer Reading Program this summer fit so well with the Catch the Reading Bug Theme, that I really felt like it would be well received. And it was. I have already started booking library shows and registration events. I am excited to be able to share this unique presentation with the children and parents alike.

This past Saturday I was able to participate in Kidsfest 2008 which was put together by Jay Carr of Birmingham Kids Directory in Birmingham, Alabama. I offered free facepainting if the parents were willing to sign a photo release and so I have some new photos to put on the website. Look for those to go up on Thursday of this week to the Myspace site and a link from our main www.starshinefaces.com site. I was excited to be able to paint another pregnant belly while there. Our "festival bellies" are not as detailed as our regular painted bellies, but they give you an idea of what we can do to make your pregnancy experience a little more colorful.

Elaine of Painted Personalities was there as well and it was good to catch up with her for the brief few minutes we had before the event started. She was able to stay all day (I had to leave for a birthday party that afternoon), and based on the crowd, I know she was busy all day.

Check back in for updates on what is coming up next, what libraries we will be at this summer, and for updates on new photo postings of facepainting in Alabama.

Library Showcase in Alabama

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As of this moment we will be unable to attend the Library Showcase in Montgomery, Alabama next Tuesday. Needless to say I am really disappointed, but right now I am the only one who is ready to do the storytelling shows we have created. The rest of the Starshine Faces artists will be trained and ready by the time the summer reading programs start so that cancellations won't occur. I hate to not show the new storytelling shows that we have put together for the Alabama State Library theme for this summer "Catch the Reading Bug." So, unless there is a change and I can work it out, we won't be in Montgomery, Alabama next Tuesday, but we do thank you for visiting us to see what we can do for your program.

For those who had asked why we are unable to attend, my children have doctor's appointments that will be next to impossible to reschedule. I had to get the date available when I had to reschedule because of a previous hospital stay and it ended up the same day as the Library Showcase. The doctor is filled for months in advance and you have to get what you can.

We are still available to book for the summer reading program or anytime program for that matter (we have a super fun Christmas Party program). Our story telling / face painting program features Spider stories and we are perfecting the one featuring butterflies and other bugs. A select number of children are invited to participate in our unique storytelling show by having their faces painted as the story is unveiled to the audience. The stories are from books that are probably already in your library from children's picture books to multi-cultural folk tales.

If you have already booked your entertainment for the summer, don't count us out just yet. What do you have planned for an early registration day? Invite the children to come and register early, get their faces painted, and check out the really cool selection of Bug books you have picked out for the summer. For a super special award program at the end of the summer, invite Starshine Faces to transform your children into the Bugs that they have read about and learned about all summer. Capture a photo of the buggy children and send them home with a wonderful keepsake of the fun they had in your program the summer of 2008.

So, don't just Catch the Reading Bug this summer, invite your children to BE a Reading Bug! Invite Starshine Faces to your library and we will transform your audience!

Kristin

Spring is on its way!!

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Spring is coming and weekends are filling fast. Here are some public events that we will be at over the next couple of months. If you have a festival in Alabama that you would like Starshine Faces to add fun and color to through fabulous facepainting, be sure to give us a call.

March 1st - KidsFest in Birmingham, Alabama. This event is held from 10-4pm in front of the McWane Center in Birmingham, AL. You can go to http://www.alkidsfest.com/ for more information on this event. Kristin will be painting faces for FREE with a signed photo consent form for us to use the photo for marketing materials and display books, etc. If you have any questions, just send us an e-mail or give us a call. We will also be demonstrating our Balloon Twisting skills.

March 15th -Walk for the Cure for Juvenile Diabetes. This will be held in Glencoe, Alabama and we will be painting faces. Look for more details to follow, but the times will be from 8-12 on this Saturday.

April 5th - Alabama Chocolate Festival, Rainbow City, Alabama

We have been painting at the Alabama Chocolate Festival in Rainbow City, Alabama

since the first year the festival started. We LOVE this festival because the response to what we offer has been so wonderful and hey....we love chocolate. Every booth gives away free chocolate, so bring your sweet tooth. This is a pay per face event and prices will range from $5-$20 with a $1 special of chocolate kisses painted all over the face. The location of the festival is different this year, so we will see if that changes the participation. You can find more information here...oh and the kitty face on the page was painted by Kristin the first year of the festival. http://www.rbcalabama.com/html/chocolate_festival.html

June 13-14th - Riverfest, Gadsden, Alabama. We are planning on being at Riverfest for this year. We are not sure, yet, if the painting will be pay per face at our regular festival rate fees, or if the painting will be reduced or even free. Once we confirm we will let you know.

IF you have a business and you want to either attract HUGE AMOUNTS of attention to your festival booth or business, give us a call. Our facepainting attracts attention where ever we set up and you can use this to attract attention to your product or service.

We are currently sending letters to restaurants from Gadsden to Trussville, Alabama areas. If people have to wait for a table or wait for their food, isn't it better to have something fun to distract them with? Once I find out where we will be on a regular basis, I will be sure to post it so you can come see us.

Thanks for looking and we look forward to seeing you at ALL of these public evetns.

Kristin

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-15T10:11:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe it is 2008 and time to do a 5 year update of our business plan. Starshine Faces has continued to grow with your support and each year brings more smiles and color to the various events we have worked.

We hope to return to so many venues this year like the Boomdays festival in Fort Payne, The Alabama Chocolate Festival in Rainbow City, Attalla Heritage Festival, and so many more. We have updated our school/church prices and packages as well and we are looking forward to working at more school events.

This February we will be doing a presentation for various librarians of Alabama as they look for entertainment and storytellers for their Summer Library Programs. Combining face painting and storytelling, we hope to offer something new and exciting for the children to participate in this summer.

I was able to visit with some fellow facepainters and shop at the Face and Body Art Association Convention vendor room while she was on vacation in Orlando the second week of this year. Although I wasn't able to attend the actual convention, it was fun to shop and meet the people whose work I have admired in books, online, and in magazines. I will be doing my best to attend the convention in May.

Keep posted for more updates especially as the festival season starts this spring to see where we will be next. We are also available for private parties and corporate events, but be sure to contact us early for the dates you desire. We already have parties booked into June of 2008.

October is Busy

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October is the beginning of insanity for most facepainters including us. We are super busy this month with public and private events. Here is a short list of some of the places you will be able to come see us.

Fantasy Falls at Noccolula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. October 19-20; 25-27; 29-30; From 6-9 pm. There is an admission fee for this event. Faces will be pay per face starting at $2. http://www.activeculture.info/eventsDetails.asp?ItemID=4343 for more information on this event.

Attalla Heritage Festival on October 20 from 9-5. This will be a pay per face event with typical festival prices ($3 cheeks, $5 half face, $10 full face, $5-$10 glitter body art, $2 hair colors). Here is more information on this event... http://www.cityofattalla.com/html/heritage_day.shtml

First Baptist Ashville, Alabama; Children's Fall Festival - Kristin may be painting at this event, but even if we don't, there is still a lot of fun to be had. This event is for ages pre-school through 6th grade and includes games and prizes with a focus on Jesus. October 27th with the times to be decided, but probably 2-4 or 3-5. For more about our church go to www.ashvillefirstbaptist.org.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through our site www.starshinefaces.com.

K

Boomdays was Booming!

2007-10-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Boom Days in Fort Payne, Alabama hired us to provide free facepainting for their festival. We were busy all day, but I was very impressed by the people of Fort Payne. They were super nice and even though the wait time was long at points during the day, we had very well behaved children and patient parents. I am looking forward to returning to that area for future events. Hopefully next time they will be able to hire two of our painters instead of just one so the wait time won't be as long.

Tiger Rags Grand Opening

2007-10-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful time at the Tiger Rags grand opening in Auburn. We were hired to offer free facepainting through out the day and we painted all ages. Thanks for the fun.

Springfest August 11th

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Kell Realty will be offering free face painting by Starshine Faces at Springfest in Springville, Alabama on August 11th.

Here are the event details:
Elam Field (map)

Start Time:
4:00PM

WHERE: I-59 North to Exit 154 (Springville), turn left and go over interstate bridge and approx 6/10th of a mile will be a big field (Elam Field) on the left.Come enjoy a FREE event with Live Music, Coca-Cola, Mayfield Ice Cream, and Fireworks at 9pm.Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy the festivities .

PERFORMERS: High School Band, Rachel Isley 'Ms Springville', Cold Brew, FireHouse Country, Floodgate, Hunter Lawley Band, Reverse Bomonkey, and Naked Rodeo.

SPONSORS: WZZK, CECO Pipeline Supply, Birmingham Coca-Cola, Barber's Dairy, Mayfield Ice Cream, Springville Wal-Mart, and City of Springville

Come see us in Southside!

2007-07-20T15:21:00.000-05:00

Starshine Faces will be painting faces and doing glitter tattoos at the Southside Anniversary Celebration in Southside, Alabama. The festival is at the Southside High School and will be from 10 AM and end at 10 PM with a firework show (depending on the weather). We look forward to seeing you there!!

Welcome to Starshine Faces Blog!!

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Starshine Faces specializes in providing fabulous facepainting for corporate and private events. We bring fun and color to any type of event. Other forms of entertainment are also available including Henna, Glitter Body Art, Balloon Twisting, and Storytelling. We are fully insured and can provide certificates of liablity for your event.

Does your event have a theme? Let us know and we will provide a design sheet that will compliment your event. Do you have a large event or festival? No problem. Let Starshine Faces provide the painters you need for your event. We have packages to cover events from small birthday parties of 10 people to large 3 day festivals with thousands of people. Let's talk.

If you are interested in more information about Starshine Faces visit our site at http://www.starshinefaces.com/. There is a gallery of photos for you to see our work as well as common questions you need to ask when looking for a face paint entertainer. You can also contact us through the links on our site.

Thank you for your interest in Starshine Faces and we look forward to hearing from you.

Kristin Simpson

Starshine Faces

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Copyright Infringement

Walmart Grand Opening!

Summer Shows for 2011

It's not a joke: Facepainting is FREE!

Book your events for summer!

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Talladega Superspeedway Easter Egg Hunt

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Family Night at Wizard of Oz

A Night in Oz

The Big Sam the Balloon Man Show - On the Road

Library Shows booking now

Chili Cook Off

Face painting at First Friday in Gadsden, AL

We are at First Friday

Balloons and Facepainting at church

The Big Sam the Balloon Man Show - On the Road

Rick and Bubba Turkey Toss 2009

We will be painting faces at Turkey Toss 2009 this year! With Thanksgiving and Christmas themed designs you will be the most decorated contestant this year!

Big Sam the Balloon Man and his lovely assistant Jeri Lynn will also be there with fabulous balloon sculptures as you wait in line to get painted or toss turkeys.

We hope to see you there for the fun and festivities as only Rick and Bubba can provide!For more details about Turkey Toss 2009 : http://www.rickandbubba.com/

Anniston Christmas Un-Parade and Facepainting

Anniston, Alabama, Christmas Un-Parade and FREE Face Painting

Family Night at Grease - Birmingham, AL

Face Painting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

Game Day booking!

Sign up for our Newsletter!

No First Friday

Facepainting Day on the Rick and Bubba Show

Face painting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

First Friday in Gadsden, Al

Summer Reading Programs

FABAIC was Fabulous

Alabama Facepainter gets ready for Convention

Facepaint recall does not affect Starshine Faces artists.

Face painters are all wet in Gadsden, Alabama

Facepainting at First Friday in Gadsden, Alabama

Chocolate Festival 09 recap

Themed parties in Alabama

Alabama Chocolate Festival

Get your face painted at the Alabama Chocolate Festival

Face painting photos from Birmingham, Alabama

Looking for a facepainter in Alabama? Check out Starshine Faces on Facebook

ABC 33/40 segment about Kid's Night on Broadway

Kid's Night on Broadway

A Night in Oz

Photos of library shows

DON'T WAIT!! Library Shows Booking Now!

ONE DAY LEFT FOR FANTASY FALLS!

New Packages!!

GET YOUR GAMEFACE ON!!

Springfest

The Art of Henna

July events

Talladega Superspeedway

Riverfest in Gadsden

Library Shows

New Events

Chocolate Festival Recap

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk

New Slideshow

Calendar for Spring/Summer so far

Library Showcase and Kidsfest

Library Showcase in Alabama

Spring is on its way!!

Happy New Year!!

October is Busy

Boomdays was Booming!

Tiger Rags Grand Opening

Springfest August 11th

Come see us in Southside!

Welcome to Starshine Faces Blog!!

We hope to see you there for the fun and festivities as only Rick and Bubba can provide!

For more details about Turkey Toss 2009 : http://www.rickandbubba.com/