There’s just something about fall weekends that makes them feel extra special, the crisp air, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and of course… football! While the guys are glued to the big game, why not plan something creative and fun for the girls to do at the same time? That’s exactly what I’m doing this season: hosting a “Fall, Friends & Football” paint party right in my living room.
Disclosure: I received this product from LOKLiK. All opinions are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you. #ipaint
iPaint by LOKLik
The star of the show? The iPaint by LOKLiK a smart outlining machine that takes all the tedious prep work out of painting projects. With a few wood panels, some fall-inspired paint colors, and a little creativity, you can host a stress-free, game-day crafting night that your friends will love.
Why a Paint Party Is the Perfect Game-Day Activity
If you’re anything like me, football season isn’t just about the game. It’s about the food, the friends, and the time spent together. But if watching four quarters of plays isn’t really your thing, creating a laid-back craft night around it is the perfect solution.
Instead of just hanging out in the kitchen while the game plays in the background, a paint party gives everyone something hands-on and fun to do. And they’ll leave with a handmade piece of fall décor to show off. Add snacks, music, and a cozy fall playlist during halftime, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect girls’ afternoon or evening!
Meet the iPaint — My New Paint Party Secret Weapon
Here’s the thing: I love painting parties, but one part of the process always slowed me down, tracing the designs by hand. Back when I hosted my first painting party, I spent hours transferring lettering and graphics onto every single surface before my guests arrived. It was tedious, time-consuming, and by the end, I was too tired to enjoy the actual party.
This year, the iPaint by LOKLiK is doing that part for me.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, the iPaint is a smart drawing machine that automatically transfers your design onto a surface (like wood, canvas, or fabric) with perfect precision. You upload your artwork into the IdeaStudio software, choose your size and layout, and the iPaint handles the rest. It’s designed to work on surfaces up to 16mm thick, which makes it perfect for the wood panel signs I’m using for this party. Want to learn more about the Ipaint? Check out the product specs on the HTVRONT website.
It’s not a cutting machine or a printer — think of it as your artistic assistant that handles the boring part so you can jump right into the fun.
Step-by-Step: How to Plan a “Fall, Friends & Football” Paint Party
Here’s exactly how I’m prepping my next girls’ night using the iPaint. It’s easy, low-stress, and so much fun.
1. Prep Your Wood Panels
Next, prep your surfaces. Wood panels are a great choice because they’re inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to hang or display when finished.
Here’s how I get them ready:
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Lightly sand the surface to remove any rough spots.
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Wipe away dust
Tip: Neutrals like white, cream, or light brown make a great base for fall-themed lettering and graphics.
2. Choose a Simple Sign Design
Since the goal here is a fun, social paint party, don’t overcomplicate the project. I like to stick with a generic fall football theme, something that works for everyone, regardless of their team loyalty. A simple phrase like “Fall, Friends & Football”, “Game Day Vibes”, or “Touch DownSeason” keeps the project beginner-friendly but still seasonal.
Upload your chosen design into the IdeaStudio software and scale it to fit your wood panels. I recommend keeping the layout bold and graphic, large lettering and simple shapes are easier (and faster) to paint.
Step-by-Step: How to Upload a Design & Create a Paint-by-Number in IdeaStudio
Step 1: Launch IdeaStudio and Connect Your iPaint
Start by opening the IdeaStudio software on your computer or tablet. Make sure your iPaint machine is powered on and connected via USB or Wi-Fi so it can receive your design once you’re ready to send it.
Step 2: Create a New Project and Upload Your Design
Click “New Project” and choose the image, text, or graphic you’d like to use for your paint-by-number project. This can be a custom design you created, a photo, or even clipart, just make sure it’s a clear, high-quality image.
Step 3: Choose “Paint by Number” Mode
Once your design is uploaded, select “Paint by Number” mode in the toolbar. IdeaStudio will automatically convert your design into segmented paint areas, assigning a number to each section.
Step 4: Set the Color Options
Decide how many colors you want to use. For example, a basic 5-color palette or a full 48-color option. The software will map each numbered section to one of these colors. You can also tweak the complexity settings here to make the design easier or more detailed.
Step 5: Adjust Size, Scale, and Placement
Resize and position your design so it fits perfectly on your surface (like a wood panel or canvas). Double-check the alignment to ensure the outline lands exactly where you want it.
Step 6: Line up your canvas and IPaint
Use a large cutting mat with grids and tape down your canvas/panel. Use the grids to make sure your canvas is square with the machine.
Step 7: Test Pen Depth and Preview the Outline
Before sending the project to the iPaint, use the “Pen Down” or “Preview” function to check the pen depth. This ensures the pen touches the surface just right for clean lines. If needed, make small adjustments to pressure or placement.
Step 8: Send to iPaint and Start Drawing
Once everything looks good, click “Start” or “Generate” to send the project to your iPaint. The machine will begin tracing your design directly onto the surface, complete with numbered sections.
This step alone is a total game-changer. Instead of spending all day tracing, I can prep signs while I’m making snacks or setting up the space. That’s time I get back to actually enjoy the party.
Step 8: Download the Color Guide
Download the svg or pdf of the color guide so your guests can mix and apply the colors correctly.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Paint-by-Number Project
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Start with simple designs. If it’s your first time, choose bold shapes, clear lettering, or graphics with distinct edges. Highly detailed photos can create too many tiny numbered areas, which can be overwhelming to paint.
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Use high-quality images. The clearer and more defined your original design is, the cleaner your paint-by-number sections will be once converted.
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Choose your palette wisely. For group projects like a paint party, fewer colors (5–12) make painting faster and more enjoyable, while larger palettes (20+) are great for detailed, advanced pieces.
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Always test pen depth. Before sending the full project, do a quick pen-down preview on a scrap surface to ensure the pen touches correctly. Too much pressure can bleed lines, while too little may leave faint outlines.
- Square up your canvas: It’s important to keep your canvas and panels square with the iPaint to make sure your image is nicely centered. I use a large cutting mat with grid lines to line up the machine and my panels.
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Secure your surface. Tape or clip your canvas or wood panel down before starting to prevent any shifting while the machine is drawing.
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Label your paints ahead of time. If you’re hosting a paint party, pre-label the paint containers with their corresponding numbers. It speeds things up and makes the experience smoother for guests.
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Keep it fun and flexible! Remind your guests (and yourself) that paint-by-number is a guide, not a rule. Swapping a few colors or adding extra details makes every piece unique.
3. Set Up a Painting Station
Once your panels are ready, set up a comfortable painting station for your guests. Since this is a casual football-day gathering, you don’t need anything fancy, just a cozy setup with everything within reach.
Here’s what I like to include:
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One wood panel per guest (outlined with the iPaint)
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Acrylic paints in fall tones think orange, gold, burgundy, green, and brown
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Assorted brushes (flat, detail, and liner sizes)
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Water cups and paper towels for rinsing brushes
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Aprons or smocks (because game day snacks and paint don’t mix )
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Drying area a folding table or shelf lined with parchment paper
- Color Guides – print out the copies of the color guide. One for each station.
Pro tip: Use inexpensive plastic tablecloths or kraft paper to protect your table — and make cleanup super easy at the end of the night.
4. Add the Game-Day Vibes
This is where you can really lean into the theme and make the party feel special. I like to treat it just like a regular football watch party, but with a crafty twist. Here are a few ideas to take it up a notch:
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Tailgate-style snacks: Think sliders, nachos, pretzel bites, or a DIY chili bar.
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Signature drinks: Serve a themed cocktail or mocktail in team colors.
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Decor: Add mini footballs, fall leaves, and a few team-neutral decorations around the space.
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Photo moment: Set up a simple photo backdrop with a football banner and props so guests can snap pictures with their finished signs.
With the game on in the background and everyone painting, chatting, and snacking, the atmosphere feels festive and relaxed, like a fall hangout, but with a creative twist.
Supply List for a Fall Football Paint Party
Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand before guests arrive:
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iPaint by LOKLiK+ pen holder
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Laptop or tablet with IdeaStudio software
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Digital design file (fall football phrase)
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Wood panels (≤ 16mm thick)
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Sandpaper and optional primer or base paint
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Acrylic paints in fall colors
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Variety of paintbrushes
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Mixing trays or palettes
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Water cups and paper towels
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Smocks or aprons
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Plastic tablecloth or kraft paper for table protection
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Drying space
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Snacks, drinks, and football décor
A “Fall, Friends & Football” paint party is the perfect way to enjoy game day, even if you’re not glued to every play. It’s a fun, social, and creative alternative to just sitting on the couch, and with the iPaint by LOKLiK handling all the tedious prep work, it’s easier than ever to host.
Your guests will love spending the afternoon painting, chatting, and laughing and they’ll go home with a handmade fall sign they can proudly display all season long. Whether you host it for a big game, a Sunday watch party, or just a cozy weekend gathering, this kind of event is guaranteed to become a new fall tradition.
Happy Painting!
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