It all started with a Christmas ornament of Bob Ross … well, sort of! That’s where the story at Bronner’s starts anyway!
My Introduction To Bob Ross
It was a few months ago that YouTube had recommended a video to me by Rosanna Pansino, following a Bob Ross tutorial using … FROSTING! I thought that recommendation a bit strange since my only true exposure to the artist was from classmates for an animation project back in college. But perhaps it was recommended because, unbeknownst to me, the iconic painter is trending once again.
Either way, I was amused and had long had the desire to pick a paint brush back up since discovering in college how calming painting is. But I’ve only ever waded in those waters. Intimidated by a blank canvas, I never know where to start – how that first paint stroke can turn in to something so remarkable. Like a tree, for example! And so ever since I’ve never really picked those paint brushes back up! But with this video, my curiosity was piqued.
Bob Ross has touched many lives over the decades and continues to do so even after his tragic passing. Whether during the original airing of his soothing show “The Joy Of Painting,” through the Netflix release of “Beauty is Everywhere” or through the Bob Ross YouTube channel, the iconic painter is still making waves around the globe … and now at Bronner’s!
Pair those two lovely scenarios together and you’ll understand my excitement when this Bob Ross ornament first arrived in the store. Evidently I wasn’t the only one!
Bob Ross At Bronner’s
As we shared the ornament in a promotional email and on our social channels, people were going NUTS🐿️ over Bob Ross!
The frenzy only continued with media coverage from outlets like Mlive and ABC 12.
Bronner’s buyer Jessica Swartzendruber may not have realized just how popular he’d be when she decided to pick up the ornament, but it was the perfect illustration that “there are no mistakes, just happy accidents“!
“Just Let Your Imagination Go!”
With a little inspiration from the new Bob Ross ornaments and since Bob often encouraged new painters to pick up a brush, I was determined to give oil painting a try.
“OK, Bob! Fear aside, I’m ready.” But first … friends! (Because “Everyone needs a friend.“😂)
This seemed like the perfect opportunity to indulge two “bucket list” items of mine: 1. learning to paint and 2. attending a painting PARTY! And I knew just who I’d recruit for this adventure!
I laughed when my friend Elizabeth exclaimed that one of her husband’s wishes was “to own an original Bob Ross painting; they’re actually hard to find! He will just have to settle for my interpretation of a Bob Ross painting!”
Perhaps she didn’t realize how true that statement was! The New York Times went in search of Bob Ross’s paintings and they found them … but (not surprisingly) they were not for sale! Where they are may just surprise you though:
So … an original “Elizabeth” painting was in order!
Let’s Get This Party Started!
We picked a date, a painting (the 10th episode from season 23) and gathered our supplies to paint Bob Ross’s Falls in the Glen.
No party is complete without a few treats! So, like any person looking to plan an epic gathering, I headed over to Pinterest for some painting party inspiration! From paint brush-styled Rice Krispies® treats and candied pretzel brushes to palette cakes and cookies … I wanted to try them all!
Before I get to the reveal, I must give credit where credit is due. Pulling off this party in such a short amount of time was very much a Bronner’s team effort! I’m so thankful for all the help I received from Bronner’s Season’s Eatings team member Christine, who made the most delicious palette sugar cookies using Bronner’s signature cookie frosting recipe! Our newest receptionist and baking enthusiast, Autumn, volunteered to bake a (double-layered) palette cake. I added pretzel and Rice Krispies® “paint brushes” to the spread. And, of course, what treat table is complete without coordinating decor? Eileen from our decorating team helped bring a “happy little” painterly display to life that I think would have made Bob proud!
So now – the grand reveal … 🥁
Happy Little Clouds
Happy little clouds come to life with a few classic Christmas decorations! Use white icicle lights for a classic “rainy” effect which pairs perfectly with our painterly rainbow; or choose multi color lights for a splash of color! Our iridescent tinsel icicles add a depth and dimension, as Bob Ross loved in his own paintings, while Dacron is shaped into fluffy white, “happy clouds!”
Food As Art
Treats And Trees From Bronner’s
My Bronner’s-hosted Bob Ross painting party would not be complete without a few masterpiece ornaments! A myriad of paint brush and palette ornaments are available in-store; including the two Bob Ross ornaments that started it all! This Christmas you can really celebrate with a happy heart and “Happy Tree!”
Looking for a fresh, new artificial tree?! Bronner’s has a whole forest of happy trees to choose from online and in-store! Or get your “happy tree” fix with a visit outdoors to celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Michigan State Park system who have recently relaunched a tree planting initiative, aptly renamed “Happy Little Trees” thanks in part to Bob Ross Inc..
**Really! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED getting to wear this Bob Ross wig! And I’m certain my friends Elizabeth and Tracy would agree it’s kind of a MUST for a Bob Ross inspired painting party!!**
Unfortunately I was a bit slower and we ran out of light before I was able to finish my painting, but Tracy and Elizabeth were able to complete theirs and I thought they turned out fantastic! Bob was right. Every body does NEED a friend, and I am so glad I was able to share this evening with “ma-frans” Bob and Bob😂😂! I may not have gotten to see what my “Falls In The Glen” would look like finished, but I haven’t given up! I intend on trying this again with a little more daylight on my side🌞.
“Well, the little clock on the wall says we’re just about out of time. God bless you, my friend.” – Bob Ross … & Aileen Libbey 😂
OFFICIAL-ly JUST IN!!
Love Bob Ross, but not ready (or able) to leap in to that paint palette like I did?! Bronner’s has got you covered with the new arrival of this fun, and OFFICIAL Bob Ross coloring book in store! Perfect for an activity-on-the-go.
“The Official Bob Ross Coloring Book: The Colors Of The Four Seasons, an exclusive authorized collection of art derived directly from sixty-nine of Bob Ross’s own paintings, offers his legions of fans a contemplative, relaxing, and inspiring way to connect with the work and personality of the pop-culture icon.
Featuring many of Ross’s most famous quotes and catchphrases about happy little trees, friendly squirrels, and more, the book also includes a full-color gallery of the original artwork. But as he would no doubt want, coloring fans of all ages are encouraged to make their own decisions, embrace their mistakes, and make each painting their own.” – as excerpted from the back cover.
Wow, Aileen Libbey has some amazing talent. I would pay millions for her waterfall picture, some would even say she is more talented than Bob.
Great ideas!
Thank you kindly, Elizabeth!
that was a good article on Bob Ross n painting parties.
I met Bob Ross…before he retired from the Air Force….38 years ago.
he told his plans to paint on TV…giving lessons.. to teach painting.
it wasn’t too long he grew is hair out…sideburns at first…then into a fro…then layer the beards.
Bob received lots of fan mail and he would try to write them all back.
WOW!! That’s such an incredible experience for us to hear about; thank you for sharing it with us, Larry! Bob Ross definitely touched a LOT of lives and has left an incredible legacy! I really enjoyed broadening my knowledge of him from those early college days, while writing this post!