18/05/2025
Let me tell you a story…. 📖
🎨Alfie & the Magical Face Paint Adventure🎨
In the vibrant villages of ‘The Belchamps’ in Essex where the sun always seemed to smile, there lived a curious little 3 year old boy named Alfie.
Alfie was known for his boundless energy, always eager to explore and discover new things. However, there was one adventure that always made him feel a bit uneasy — the thought of having his face painted.
The annual Summer Fayre, a beloved event that transformed the surrounding local villages into a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds, was finally here.
There were so many stalls offering delicious treats, handmade crafts, exciting games with fabulous prizes, and, of course, the ever popular face painting stall where as usual a queue had formed.
Everyone was wanting to be painted by the local face painter called ‘The Artful Dabber’ and the queue buzzed with excited children awaiting their transformation into their favourite character or whimsical design.
Alfie’s friends beamed with excitement, each one planning to turn into something magical—a roaring lion, a graceful butterfly, a beautiful unicorn, or even a brave superhero!
Alfie really wanted to feel the same excitement, but instead he felt a swirl of nerves in his tummy at the thought of having his face painted.
“What if it feels strange? What if I don't like it?” he wondered, clutching his mum’s hand a little tighter as they walked past the face painter stall and he nervously watched her in action with her rainbow paints, magical brushes and sparkling glitters!
Sensing his hesitation, Alfie’s mum gently knelt down beside him. “Alfie,” she said softly, “every great adventure begins with a little courage. Why don’t we visit the face painter together? We can watch for a bit, and you can decide if you’d like to try.”
With a deep breath, Alfie agreed. As they took their place in the queue, he saw children beaming with delight, their faces transformed into vibrant works of art.
The Artful Dabber had a gentle touch and a warm way about her that made every child feel at ease. Gradually Alfie’s and his mum made it to the front of the queue. Alfie was feeling very nervous by now as knew he was going to be next.
When it was Alfie’s turn, seeing Alfie’s apprehension, The Artful Dabber crouched down low to Alfie’s height and said, “Hello, Alfie, would you like to see how the face paint feels on your hand first?”
Alfie nodded, feeling a spark of curiosity he saw a quick swipe of her brush through a brightly coloured tub of paint and then like magic saw a beautiful perfect rainbow on his hand.
The paint felt cool and smooth, and actually quite relaxing, not scary…
“It tickles!” Alfie giggled, admiring the vivid colours appear on his skin.
His nervousness began to melt away, replaced by a budding sense of excitement.
The Artful Dabber sprayed a tiny bit of fine glitter onto the rainbow and Alfie beemed. “I like it” he said cautiously. “It’s like fairy dust!”
“Would you like to try a small design on your cheek next?” The Artful Dabber asked him.
Alfie hesitated for a moment, and thought about what his mum said about having the courage to have an adventure, then he nodded. “Can I be a brave tiger please?” he requested, his voice filled with anticipation.
“Of course!” The Artful Dabber replied, her eyes twinkling.
As she worked, she gently explained each step, making Alfie feel relaxed as he knew exactly what was happening and where her brushes were going to touch his face next. He closed his eyes and held very still just as he was told. The Artful Dabber kept telling him how brave he was and how still he was sitting. He felt very proud of himself.
The gentle strokes of the brush on his cheeks and forehead felt so calming like whispers of magic, and Alfie the brave tiger could almost hear the jungle sounds in his imagination.
When she had finished, The Artful Dabber said “Open your eyes brave Alfie!” and she held up a special mirror, adorned with sparkling gems, for Alfie to see his reflection.
However, this was no ordinary mirror - it was a magic face painters mirror…
As Alfie looked into it, he didn't just see his reflection; he saw the brave and courageous tiger within him, with wonderful bold stripes and a fearless expression.
Alfie’s eyes widened in awe. “Roar!” he playfully growled, feeling the transformation from a little boy into the king of the jungle!
The mirror captured more than just his face; it reflected his newfound courage and the joy of embracing something new.
Alfie turned to his mum with the biggest smile on his face ever “I did it!” he said “my very first face paint. I love it!”
Alfie’s mum and The Artful Dabber looked at Alfie’s happy tiger face and smiled knowingly at each other. “You were so brave Alfie, we are very proud of you” said his mum.
“Thank you for letting me paint you!” said The Artful Dabber “ I hope to see you again next time”.
Alfie grinned at her - he knew right there and then, there was definitely going to be a “next time”!
Face painting, Alfie realised, was really nothing to be scared of. It was fun, relaxing and a chance to become something extraordinary, even if just for a little while.
Alfie realised that each time he had his face painted in the future he could be anything he wanted—a pirate, a superhero, a dragon, a dog or cat …. in fact absolutely anything at all!
And so, as the sun set on that amazing day, Alfie left the Summer Fayre and walked home with his mum as the bravest tiger, his heart roaring with happiness, knowing that a little courage could create the most magical of memories.
From that day forward, Alfie eagerly looked forward to face painting and the way it made him feel. It taught him that sometimes, facing your fears could lead to the most fun!
The End.
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🎨The Artful Dabber knows how scary face painting can feel for first timers, so if you have an ‘Alfie’ then just whisper in my ear when you next see me, as I may have a special surprise for the next brave tiger! 🎨
To book privately or find out which event I am next at, please go to: www.TheArtfulDabber.com
Thank you!
Sara 🎨🎄
