When my wonderful mom turned 88, we celebrated with scissors, glue, and plenty of love. Instead of a typical party, we gathered dear friends for a collage birthday party at the beautiful 577 Foundation in Perrysburg, Ohio—a spot filled with gardens, art, and a cozy cottage that was perfect for our gathering.

The ingredients were simple: collage, cupcakes, and connections. What we created together was unforgettable.

Why this party idea works:

  • Creative & heartfelt: Guests make art that becomes a gift.
  • Affordable & sustainable: We cut up old greeting cards, magazines, and books—many found at Goodwill.
  • Connection-rich: Laughter, storytelling, and new memories flow as people create side by side.

 1. Shop at Goodwill First

Goodwill is the perfect stop for this project:

  • Books & magazines → ready-to-cut images and words.
  • Greeting cards & calendars → colorful art and photos.
  • Craft supplies → glue, scissors, and paper.
  • Serving dishes & table décor → make your refreshments extra special.

Plus, every purchase supports local job training and community programs—so your party gives back in more ways than one.

2, Gather Your Supplies

No fancy art studio required! Just gather:

  • Paper bases: Cardstock, construction paper, or scrapbook paper (no frames needed).
  • Images & words: Old cards, magazines, calendars, or thrifted books from Goodwill.
  • Adhesives: Glue sticks or school glue.
  • Tools: Scissors, paper trimmers, pencils.
  • Party touches: Cupcakes, candles, refreshments, and background music.

·        Party favors: Consider what you might give your guests as a token of your appreciation to them.  In our case, the ladies were given big straw hats to wear, picked up for pennies at Goodwill.


3. Invite dear friends.


Keep it cozy—6–10 people works well. My Mom’s longtime friends, including one she met in Junior High, were invited to our event.



4. Set the stage. 

Cover the tables, lay out scissors and glue, and pile magazines and cards in the center.

5. Offer refreshments. 

Cupcakes (with candles, of course!) make the mood festive.

6. Create & connect. 

Guests snip, tear, and glue while swapping stories and laughter.

7. Share the art. 

When everyone is finished, go around the table and show each piece. Each collage becomes a personal birthday card.

8. Celebrate the honoree. 

Present the stack of collages to the guest of honor—in our case, my mom, Barb, who loved every single one.

At our party, the women who gathered laughed, remembered, and made new memories together. Each person crafted a collage that was personal, beautiful, and straight from the heart. My mom went home with a stack of original artworks—gifts she treasures as much as the time spent together.

You don’t need expensive supplies or elaborate decorations to host a meaningful celebration. All it takes is paper, glue, cupcakes, and the people you love most. Try it for birthdays, showers, or just because—and watch the connections unfold.  

Thanks to Avery and the 577 Foundation for hosting us and for your amazing generosity.  

Happy Birthday, Mom!  Thanks for all the ways you touch people’s lives with your kindness, care and love.  It was fun to celebrate you on your special day in this unique and memorable way!

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Tim Kime

Artist, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach

Tim Kime is an artist, life coach, and connector. He is the President of Kime Leadership Associates, offering executive coaching, meeting facilitating, and motivational speaking. He is also the Chief Creative Force of Transformation Junkies which upcycles furniture and other household items into functional works of art. He combined his two passions—unleashing the potential in people and transforming items with the launch of the Art of Possibilities Workshops. These workshops are part upcycling, part dreaming, and part goal setting.