FAQs
Q. What areas do you service?
I am based in Frederick County, Maryland and serve surrounding counties of Carroll, Washington, and Montgomery. Also Pennsylvania counties of Adams, Franklin, and York. Please note, a travel fee is applied for events that are over 25 miles from the zip code 21727.
Q. Are you insured?
Absolutely. Face Painting by Elizabeth has public liability insurance. (Proof of insurance is available upon request.)
Q. What kind of products do you use?
I use only professional grade, high quality FDA approved face and body paints and cosmetic glitters. I never use acrylic paint or craft glitter as these are not meant to be used on skin and could cause severe skin reactions.
Q. What about outdoor events and weather?
If you are hosting your party outdoors, regardless of weather, I will require a covered area on level ground. Please make sure the area is clean and free of dirt, mud, rain and wind. Please understand that I cannot paint without sun and rain protection to protect my products and equipment. If a sheltered area is not available, you agree to pay the $20 tent fee and I will bring and set up my own tent. Also, please make sure I'm not too near a sound system (I need to be able to hear the guests).
I do not offer refunds for inclement weather so please secure an alternate indoor location in advance.
Q. Do you charge a travel fee?
I use Google Maps to determine this. There is no fee as long as you are within 25 miles of my location: 6 Zanella Dr Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Each additional mile after the first 25 will be $1 per mile one-way.
I will give a travel discount for multi-hour (4+) events.
Q. What about high volume events?
I specialize in speed painting that looks awesome! If you are having a High Volume Event, I charge a little more per hour then a regular party because it is a high-stress situation for the painter and I am using more supplies than usual and trying to continuously paint non-stop to keep the line moving quickly.
Q. When I called, you said you were available, is that all I have to do?
No, because I get so many price quote calls that may not book. In fairness, I have to book the client that sends me a signed contract and booking fee first. You must send your signed Contract and booking fee to solidify your booking.
Q. How many hours should I book for?
Depending on design complexity, I average between 8-15 faces per hour for regular face painting. This is based on children sitting one after the other. I can not guarantee every child will be painted if you wish to stop all activities for refreshments. I quote and make guarantees on the number of children being painted on the basis that I paint continually for the agreed amount of time. *If you plan to have a high volume event, please ask about my speed painting.
Q. Do I have to pay for your set up and tear down time?
No, I get there early enough to be set up and ready to paint at the contracted start time. I will not stop painting until the contracted stop time, and only after that time will I begin to tear down.
Q. How do I book you?
Simple, you can either fill out this Inquiry Form, or call or e-mail me. Once we discuss the details and you decide to go forward with the booking, I'll email you a Contract and deposit instructions. I will need a signed copy of the Contract sent back to me along with a $50 booking fee, to hold your date and time. (Booking fee is deducted from your total.) Once I receive those, a confirmation will be e-mailed to you that your event is booked. *You are not confirmed until I have received your signed Contract and booking fee.
Q. How can I pay?
For the booking fee: Check or PayPal. (I will email you a PayPal link when I send you the contract.)
For the balance: I prefer cash but will accept a check.
[You may also choose to pay the entire amount (booking fee + balance) all at once when sending in booking fee. But PLEASE NOTE: A 3% service fee will be added for PayPal payments when paying the entire amount.]
Q. Do you require a deposit?
Yes, I do require a non-refundable $50 booking fee (retainer), payable through PayPal or by check. I ask that this retainer be given so that I can secure your date; I will turn down other work to leave that date open for you. This allows you the security that I will be able to paint at your party. The booking fee is deducted from the total amount due. You can pay the full amount at the time you pay the retainer, or you can pay the remainder on the day of the event.
*Your booking is not confirmed until I have received your signed Contract and booking fee.
Q. What's your cancellation policy?
For cancellations made 3 weeks (over 21 days) prior to the event, the booking fee will be refunded, minus $10 administration fee. Within 3 weeks of the event (21 days and less), the booking fee is non-refundable. Why? Because once we are confirmed, I am committed to being at your event and will turn down any other inquiries for that time. Within 3 weeks it's often impossible to fill that spot again. For this reason, the deposit shall be retained by Face Painting by Elizabeth in order to offset its loss of business.
*I do not offer refunds for inclement weather so please secure an alternate indoor location for your event in advance.
I will stay if my schedule allows, but not for free. Overtime is charged in 30 minute increments. You may request additional time beyond the time booked if the guest numbers are unexpectedly larger than planned. Please do a head count at the beginning of your party and discuss it with me right away if you feel you may need me to stay longer.
Q. Discounts and Charity?
Local schools that are holding weekday/week night events are given a 15% discount. Weekend events are at the full rate.
For other charity event options click here.