With Party Art, you can stop puzzling over fun group activities

Haley Pendergraft, a mom and former teacher from Maple Valley, realized that many parties she attended lacked a way to capture the event's memories. She created Party Art, a creative group activity, to fill that void.

Included in each Party Art package ($49.99) are a 20-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle, 15 assorted paint brushes, 12 acrylic paint colors and a custom frame. Each party guest is given a piece of the puzzle to decorate.

"There are always guests who say they are not creative, but then they sit down and dabble on their puzzle piece," Pendergraft says. "Before they know it the ice has been broken and they are enjoying themselves as they decorate."

Once each piece has been completed, the puzzle is put back together and, Pendergraft says, "The guests are always thrilled with what they have created together."

The idea stemmed from a similar project that Pendergraft completed with her students on the first day of school. Later, she updated the activity to use during her sister's baby shower. After receiving rave reviews, Pendergraft began on the road that formally launched Naptime Studios -- her company, so named because she worked only while her young son slept -- and her innovative product.

Party Art has been used for a variety of events including showers, birthdays, family reunions, graduations and office parties. "I love to hear about the different ways people are using Party Art," Pendergraft says.

In some cases, the product is being used to make a positive difference in the lives of others. For instance, the family of a young girl struggling with cancer created a Party Art masterpiece focused on strength and inspiration to hang in the girl's hospital room to help her through her trying time.

Others have sold their Party Art creations and given the proceeds to charities such as the Children's Hospital Guild of Hope and the Fred Hutchinson Guild.

Party Art can be purchased at shoppartyart.com as well as select local retailers such as Kid's Club, Vertigo, Bellevue Art and Frame and Snapdoodle Toys.

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