How to draw names on plastic pails?

[cdlamis]

Calling all you craft gurus! I am lost. For Julia's birthday party favors, I bought plastic pails and want to write the names of her guests on them. How do I do this? With Sharpies? With real paint? I don't want to use puffy paint since it never turns out right for me.
Thanks for any suggestions!

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
and Isabella 12-18-04

[kensjen]

I would use the thick sharpie and use the dot alphabet...KWIM? HTH!

[buddyleebaby]

At my local school supply store they have what look like markers but is actually paint. I think they might have been called decomarkers or something like that, but I'm not sure. They're permament, super easy to use, come in beautiful colors, and since they're paint they work on pretty much any surface...
HTH

[Jen841]

Ah, my sorority girl days.... PAINT PENS. I have to think these can still be found at craft stores. As a back up there are fun Sharpie colors too.

I think I will be doing the same for this weekend. The Sandbox is the center of attention for the party.

[tarabenet]

Woo hoo! Jen, so glad I'm not the only one having flashbacks! Paint pens would be my choice.

I have had a problem with Sharpies on plstic -- sometimes the plastic soaks up the ink and it goes all fuzzy. Weird. I though "permanent" meant it would stay put.....

[npace19147]

Side question - where did you find the pails? DD's birthday is coming up and I think this is a great favor idea! Thanks!

[SeekerMage]

Target has them in the toy section for a dollar or two. They have a whole lot of outside type toys for $5 and under.

Walmart is another option as is the dollar store as they tend to have sand pails in the summer time. Im sure Oriental Trading Co. has something as well. HTH

[npace19147]

Found them at Target - thanks!

[cdlamis]

Nancy-
I did get them at Target in the pool toys section for $1. I used paint pens from Michaels like others suggested and they turned out great! I filled them with animal goggles (from OrientalTrading), beach tattoos (OT), bubbles, etc.

Daniella
Mom to Julia 6-13-02
and Isabella 12-18-04

[npace19147]

Thanks! Yes, I got mine at Target, along with a sand toy (rake, sifter, etc.) and a set of mini bubbles to put in each pail. Then I wrote the kids' names on them in black indelible marker - I think they look really cute! :)