We are the Busy Bees
Messy Play, Art Clubs & Camps, Parties & Events
Based in Co. Wicklow, Ireland
We provide a welcoming and inclusive space for your child to learn, develop and express their individual creativity through art and play.From babies to children up to 12 years of age, our sessions and camps are carefully planned to support and
inspire your child’s imagination and development with art and sensory activities as the core focus.
SESSIONS AND CLASSES
Select a category below to see all information on that particular session or class.
Frequently asked questions
Click on a category below to see the relevant FAQs.
MESSY PLAY FAQs
* My baby is 9 months old. Is she too young?
Not at all! Messy Play is suitable for children aged 6 months - 4 years. The vast majority of the sensory bases on our play trays are taste-safe, which is vital for oral exploration and development in babies and toddlers.
* Is Messy Play a drop-off class or do parents stay?
Each child needs to have a responsible adult present with them for the duration of the class.
* How long is each session?
Each session lasts for 45 minutes.
* How messy is it?
Some weeks are messier than others but in general, messy play really isn't THAT messy! The sensory bases on the trays range each week from dyed rice, which can be a little sticky, to sand or water and lots besides. It will also depend on your child's interests as to how messy they will get. Some children like to sit or stand in the trays whilst others are more interested in the gross motor activities, such as the soft play blocks or the rainbow jumping spots, meaning that they won't get at all messy!
* What should my child wear?
We recommend your child wears comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little messy! For some children, this is a onesie and for others it might be that old pair of trousers that have a hole in the knee, for example.
* What should I bring with me?
Whilst not always needed, a change of clothes for your child is always a good idea as well as wipes and a small towel. We always have a selection of wipes/kitchen towel/old towels at the sessions but it's also a good idea to bring your own, too.
PARTIES FAQs
* Do you have a venue for parties?
Parties can take place in a venue of your choice; either in your home, a Community Centre or other venue that you have chosen to hire for the occasion.It may be of interest to know that we have an exclusive party rental agreement in place with Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre, whereby all parties booked through us receive a cheaper party rental rate.
* What do your Messy Play parties involve?
We bring up to 5 large tuff trays to your party containing a variety of sensory bases and small world parts to encourage and enhance imaginative play. One of the trays also contains an art-based activity. Children then get to take their creations home at the end!All trays can follow the same theme or each tray can be of a different theme to suit your child's interests. Example themes include Dinosaurs,
Under The Sea, Construction and Rainbows.In addition, we also supply our soft play blocks, play tunnel and rainbow jumping spots. Depending on the age range of the children attending the party, additional sensory items and blocks will also be provided.Face painting and party bags are optional extras that can be provided on request.
* We don't live in Wicklow. Do you travel?
Yes! We have recently had the pleasure of doing parties in Kildare and Dublin. Please get in touch to discuss your location; if not in the immediate Wicklow area, a small additional fee may apply to cover travel costs.
* We're having a small party at home. Do you do face painting only?
Absolutely - we appreciate that not all parties need to be messy or arty! If this is something you're looking for, please get in touch.
* Do you charge less for smaller parties?
If you'll have less than 10 children at your party, the standard party rate will not apply and it will be cheaper.
EVENTS INCL. WEDDINGS FAQS
* How do I check availability and what do you charge for events?
Please contact us to check availability. The price per event will depend on how long the event will last; we've recently taken part in Family Fun Days that have lasted for 5 or 6 hours. In contrast, we've also provided the fun on a pop-up basis for 90 minutes. We're fully flexible and will provide everything to keep little hands busy for as long as needed!
* How many children do your set-ups cater for?
Some of our recent events have seen over 100 children attend! Whilst being careful not to interrupt play, we ensure to replenish sensory bases as required and to adjust the trays throughout the event itself to ensure all children get to explore the trays if they so wish.
* Do you offer face painting only?
We do! We are careful not to publish photos without prior parental consent, so it is rare that you will see face painting photos from us online. However, we have provided face painting services at a number of events and parties this summer and have another event lined up in September, too, for face painting only.
SATURDAY ART CLUB FAQS
* Where does Art Club take place?
Saturday Art Club takes place in Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre in Room 6 from 9:15-10:00am.
* Do I have to book all Art Club classes?
Not at all! There is the bundle booking option, which allows you to book all classes in a block of Art Club, or there is also the option to book the weeks that suit your schedule.
* Do I have to stay with my child during Art Club?
Unlike Messy Play, Art Club is a drop-off event. However, if your child is worried or anxious, we're happy for you to stay with your child until they are comfortable.
* Why is it on so early?
We completely understand that it's an early start on a Saturday! But, in our experience, starting the day on a creative and imaginative note is extremely positive. It also allows your child to interact with other children of a similar age and to immerse themselves in artistic mediums in a screen-free environment.
The role of art in childhood is huge; it can boost self-confidence, encourage communication and self-expression and the calming environment at Art Club can help to set the tone for the rest of the day ahead.
CAMPS FAQS
* Do you offer 1 or 2 day Camp options?
Single or 2 day Camp attendance can be arranged on request and depending on numbers.
* My child is 3. Can she come to your Camp?
Our Camps are only open to children aged 4 and over. If your child is 3, they are more than welcome at one of our Messy Play sessions, where there is also an art activity in addition to the other fun!
* How are your Camps different to other Camps?
Our Camps are relaxed and we deliberately keep numbers low to maintain that calm atmosphere and to ensure that all children receive the attention they need.Unlike other Camps, there isn't a strict routine in place. For example, if a child is hungry, they are free to open their packed lunch and eat as they wish. A hungry child isn't a happy child, after all!There is also no pressure or expectation on any child to do any of the activities. Children are also free to go outside as they please into the contained yard where they can run around and be in the fresh air. The only exception to this is if there is heavy rain!We find that keeping things pressure free, relaxed and calm makes each and every Camp enjoyable and memorable.
About me
Hello!My name is Claire and I live in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.I started We Are The Busy Bees in 2022 with my very first Art Camp and it has evolved since then into term-time Messy Play sessions and mid-term and summer Art Camps, as well as weekly Art Clubs!After having my third child in 2020, I discovered that a lot of parent and child groups had not returned after COVID. I wanted to provide a group that offered children the opportunity to play freely, whilst supporting and encouraging key areas of their development. I also wanted to offer parents, grandparents and child minders the opportunity to connect again after COVID. And so Paint & Play, now called Messy Play, was born!We all know that making a mess at home can be stressful - the clean-up of the child, you, the floor, the walls, the dog! The list goes on! My Messy Play sessions remove that worry for parents.For older children, I aim to provide a space, through my Art Clubs, where individual creativity can be encouraged and nourished in a welcoming and friendly environment. Self-expression through art in childhood is a really crucial tool for some children and is one I recognise and celebrate in my Clubs.Please feel free to reach out with any questions via the Contact Us form.
Messy Play
Messy Play runs term time only and you can find us at the below locations and times:• Tuesday mornings 9:45-10:30am at Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre• Friday mornings 10-10:45am at St Brigid's Hall, Rathnew.This current block of Messy Play will finish in Rathnew on 18th October and in Newtownmountkennedy on 22nd October. Don't worry - there are still some spaces left for all sessions! Simply go to the Homepage and click Book Now..............I'll be back for 2 exciting fun-filled weeks in November with the last of my Messy Play sessions of 2024.Newtown November Dates:12th and 19th NovemberRathnew November Dates:15th and 22nd November...............
Suitable for babies from 6 months up to children of 4 years of age, our Messy Play sessions are a
mixture of sensory art and messy play.Messy Play follows a different
theme each week, with varied sensory bases on our tuff trays as well as a fun art activity, too! Not forgetting our soft play area, tunnel and sensory blocks, puzzles and books for each child to explore.Our sessions also offer parents, grandparents and childminders a valuable opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals in the local community.Unfortunately our Wednesday morning sessions in Kilcoole have come to an end.Messy Play can be booked in advance as a Bundle or there are limited PAYG spots each week. Book via the Book Now button on our Homepage.
Camps
Our Art Camps provide your child with the opportunity to independently express their imagination and creativity through the medium of art.Our focus is on the artistic process rather than the end creation and our Camps are thoughtfully planned to ensure that each and every child will feel confident in their creative ability. Our Camps also offer your child a chance to explore areas of art that they may not necessarily be exposed to: from different types of pastels to clay, liquid watercolours to tempera paints and collage to drawing activities.Check out our social media pages for a peek into our recent Camps! This summer, we were able to offer a choice of 4 Camps in 2 separate locations in Co. Wicklow!
Our Camps took place at Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin in Rathnew as well as at Turquoise Cafe in Roundwood. Thank you to everyone who joined me!Unfortunately we won't be running a Camp this October mid-term, however, we're hoping to be back with a bang in February mid-term 2025. Keep an eye on our social media pages for full details once available. An email will be sent to everyone on our mailing list, too, so please contact us if you'd like to be added.
SATURDAY ART CLUB
The current block of Saturday Art Club will run for 3 more weeks until 26th October. If your child would like to try out a class, there's still lots of time for them to join us!The November block of Saturday Art Club will take place on the following dates:9th November
16th November
23rd NovemberIn November, Saturday Art Club will be moving to a brand new location: Woodstock ETNS in Newtownmountkennedy and the Club will run at the later time of 10:00-10:45am.Suitable for children aged 4-10 years, our Art Clubs are an opportunity for each child to explore their individual creativity in an inclusive and supportive environment. We will explore a range of artistic projects, from collage to printing and pastels to painting. There are additional activity stations each week too, from Lego and sensory playdough to fun, interactive games for all to play if they wish.It's the best way to begin the weekend!See Book Now on the Homepage to either book all classes or to book the ones that suit you!
Afterschool ART CLUB
Our Afterschool Art Clubs run each Monday at Woodstock ETNS in Newtownmountkennedy.Our first club takes places from 1:25-2:25pm and is for Junior and Senior Infants only.Our second club runs from 2:25-3:25pm and is for students in First - Fourth Classes.We explore different mediums of art, including painting and
techniques, drawing, collage, clay, print-making and so much more. It's a calming and creative way to end the day!With our different activity stations set-up around the room, our Art Clubs are an opportunity for each child to express their individual creativity in a friendly and calming environment.This current term of Afterschool Art Club is full and a waiting list is in place. The November - December block of Afterschool Art Clubs will be available for booking very soon. Spaces are offered first to parents of existing Afterschool Art Club students and any spaces available after that will be offered to all parents of Woodstock students.If your child attends a different school and you think a Busy Bees Art Club would be a valuable addition, please contact us using the Contact Us form.
parties & Events
We cater for children of all ages and provide a choice of party packages to suit your budget and your child's interests!Our basic packages are priced the same, however, smaller groups are catered for on request at a lower price.For children up to the age of 5, we recommend our Messy Play package and for children over 5, our Arty Party package works well! That being said, we are completely flexible and can provide whichever party type you and your child would like irrespective of their age.Parties can take place at Newtownmountkennedy Community Centre at a discounted hourly rate when booked through us. This is an exclusive agreement in place with the Centre.Alternatively, we will come to your house or party venue and bring all the fun. Face painting and party bags are additional extras and can be provided if required, making it the best day possible for your child and an easy day for you as the parent!Face painting only is also available. Please contact us to discuss rates.....................................................................................................
events
Whether you're planning a corporate event, a wedding, a Family Fun Day or even just a general social gathering, we will bring all the fun for the little ones!During 2024, we've had the honour of being involved in the D12 Autism Fun Day in Dublin, collaborating with Marina Wellness at Greystones' wonderful Plaza Market as well as the recent Family Day to raise funds for Newtown Juniors FC in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow.We are available for events taking place throughout the island of Ireland.If you're having a small event or would prefer not to include Messy Play or art activities, we are also available solely for face painting, too.Get in touch to discuss your requirements and to check availability.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us today. Simply fill out the form below and we will get back to you promptly!