Party

A KPop Demon Hunters themed birthday party

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When your child gives you just over two weeks to plan a birthday party, and decides to make the theme that of the hit movie of the summer (the one that Netflix has yet to put out any merch for), you don’t panic.

You plan.

I hope that this helps you if you find yourself in a similar situation, whether by using the templates or getting inspiration.

This party had four parts: craft, dance, food, free play. (Note that we were in a park.)

All links are affiliate-free. Canva links contain all free items. The image background for the badges is from NASA.

Initial setup

Invitations and Thank you card templates on Canva (both French and English are included)

Badges (lanyard from chasingartwork, ID card holders from Amazon, badge – front and back template on Canva)

Child’s name protected by the white bar

Please note that if you need any assistance with the Canva templates, you can contact me through our contact us form!

Craft

Needed:

  • mirrored compact, plastic (Amazon)
  • emery board (Amazon)
  • stencil (or you can free-hand it) (Canva template)
  • nail polish (whatever brand you like)
  • spray sealant (Walmart)
Note that the kids didn’t use the inverse stencils. They also didn’t use the lion head.
example/test run

Optional:

  • nail polish remover and q-tips/paper towels
  • Exacto knife (if you’re cutting out a stencil like I did) and cutting board – do this in advance! It’ll take longer than you think.

Steps:

  1. Rough up the surface of the plastic with the emery board, just a little bit. This allows the paint to adhere better to the plastic.
  2. Tape the stencil in place so it doesn’t move around.
  3. Use very little nail polish to paint your design. Too much will leak underneath the stencil. Experiment! Different polishes will give you a different result.
  4. Remove the stencil immediately so that it doesn’t stick to the nail polish.
  5. Let it dry for a few minutes.
  6. Spray with the sealant. (outdoors)
    • Note: Don’t touch the sealant until it’s completely dry!

Dance

We had my sister to teach “Soda Pop” to the kids. If you don’t happen to have a trained dance teacher on hand, here’s a tutorial so that you can teach it. I might recommend “Golden” instead – it’s a little slower.

Food

We had popcorn from Papa Jack’s Surprise Box (like Zoey and Mira cry after seeing Abby’s abs) and juice boxes (generic) to snack on.

We made cupcakes, added blue food colouring to the icing, to look like the top of Derpy (the tiger)’s head. Then we printed out tiny images of Sussy the bird and taped them to toothpicks (you can search for these. I didn’t do anything special to them).

Free Play

Note that it is a good time to get everyone together for a picture before you release them to play.

We gave out gymnastic ribbon wands (Amazon) (to represent the honmoon) and played the soundtrack. They danced around waving the ribbons, and it looked super cool! Sorry I can’t share the picture – too many kids’ faces. Believe me when I say that it looked amazing.

Loot bags

We had to get creative with these as well, since there’s no merch yet!

Obviously, they got to bring home their painted mirrors and the ribbons. We taped up the popcorn bags if they didn’t eat it all, and put them in the bags too.

I forgot to add the popcorn bag to the picture

We considered adding mini microphones, but I didn’t like any of the ones I found.

We also considered doing facepaint as an activity, but decided against it.

I hope you enjoyed this post and found something useful to help you in your party planning! Feel free to reach out with any questions!

Contest and Winging It and The Copper Tarnish Release party TOMORROW!

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Hello Readers,

We have a Release Party tomorrow!

Enter our contest to win a copy of any book in our catalogue in the format of your choice!

Both Winging It and The Copper Tarnish are set in the same universe but they are twelve years apart. One is set in Westmeath in Eastern Ontario and the other in Ansonville in Northern Ontario.

Despite all that, what four characters appear in both books?

Contact us through this form or tell us on Saturday:

    This form uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your data is processed.

    Good Luck!

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Winging It
    by Jen Desmarais

    A wedding and a summer camp that Tommy and Carter are never going to forget.

    Tommy discovers magic exists, his boyfriend is a rock giant, and his sister is marrying one of the leaders of a supernatural community called Aetherborn.

    Carter learns to navigate an in-person relationship, introducing Tommy to the magical world, and being involved in his Ariki’s wedding.

    Both boys need to build their confidence in each other, themselves, and their relationship. The Door Tech summer camp seems to be the perfect way to do that, until they get magically transported to the not-so-fictional world of Everdome. In this realm of Domed continents floating in space, winged beasts, and new cultures, the boys will have to overcome challenges beyond anything they’ve seen before.

    The only way they, and their relationship, can survive is if they start Winging It!

    49th Shelf Crushing It
    Indigo Books Crushing It
    Archambault Crushing It
    Amazon Crushing It
    Rakuten Kobo Crushing It
    Apple Books Crushing It

    The Copper Tarnish
    by Éric Desmarais

    Until last summer, I was the most popular girl in school. Then I was accused of killing my boyfriend when he disappeared. Luckily, he didn’t die, but he wasn’t the same when he came back. Murder accusations are nothing compared to the rumours that I kissed said boyfriend’s sister. That rumour proved to be the real killer for my popularity.

    Now everyone hates me except the gorgeous new girl who seems determined to ruin any chances of being popular by hanging out with me. There’s also a cute soldier hanging around my mom’s diner and freaky sounds in the woods.

    Autumn definitely won’t be dull. All I need to do is graduate…and stay alive.

    eBook
    Paperback
    Hardcover

    2 Days Until Birthday and Book Release Party!

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    Hello Readers,

    Éric turns 42 today and Jen turned 40 this year, so we decided to celebrate our birthday with a book release party. There will be food, coffee, and cake; along with our whole catalogue of twelve (what?) books.

    When

    July 19th (1pm-3pm)

    Where

    9 Rossland Avenue Ottawa, ON

    Cost

    FREE (But you’re welcome to buy some books and get them signed)

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Join us for a FREE event celebrating the launch of Winging It and The Copper Tarnish!

    Presented by Renaissance Press and River City Siren Press.

    We’re thrilled to invite you to our launch event happening at 9 Rossland Ave on July 19th from 1:00-3:00pm (EST). Come enjoy an author discussion moderated by FADHILI SAMBA. Readings, refreshments, and a giveaway to follow.

    Enter the giveaway!

    Enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, courtesy of Dylan Black. Valid for a table for 10.

    • Each book purchased at the event grants two entries into the draw.
    • Each book signed at the event grants one entry into the draw.
    • Only books authored by Jen and/or Éric are valid for entry.

    We hope to see you there!

    Jen and Éric

    Birthday and Book Release Party!

    by

    Hello Readers,

    Éric is turning 42 next week and Jen turned 40 so we decided to celebrate our birthday with a book release party. There will be food, coffee, and cake; along with our whole catalogue of twelve (what?) books.

    When

    July 19th (1pm-3pm)

    Where

    9 Rossland Avenue Ottawa, ON

    Cost

    FREE (But you’re welcome to buy some books and get them signed)

    Sign up on Eventbrite or Facebook.

    Join us for a FREE event celebrating the launch of Winging It and The Copper Tarnish!

    Presented by Renaissance Press and River City Siren Press.

    We’re thrilled to invite you to our launch event happening at 9 Rossland Ave on July 19th from 1:00-3:00pm (EST). Come enjoy an author discussion moderated by FADHILI SAMBA. Readings, refreshments, and a giveaway to follow.

    Enter the giveaway!

    Enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, courtesy of Dylan Black. Valid for a table for 10.

    • Each book purchased at the event grants two entries into the draw.
    • Each book signed at the event grants one entry into the draw.
    • Only books authored by Jen and/or Éric are valid for entry.

    We hope to see you there!

    Jen and Éric

    Spring 2025 Books Cover Reveal Party

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    Come see my new book cover with us!

    Renaissance Press is revealing two of its newest book covers: Mrs. Victoria buys a Brothel and Winging It on January 11 – TOMORROW.

    There are tons of things happening, including readings, giveaways, and more.

    You don’t want to miss out, so go to the YouTube link and select “notify me” because you do not want to miss this!

    Saturday, January 11 at 1pm EST at youtube.com/live/he3Zpkgu07Q

    Dear Dragon – Welcome to Level 7

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    Dear Dragon,

    What a big year. It started out a little rocky when the digital school switched their teachers around and you went from Mme Natalie’s class to Mme Francine’s class. It was a 1-2 split and you were inconsolable for almost a month. In the end, Mme Francine won you over and proved to be an excellent teacher.

    This year you learned and did a lot:

    • Lots of math and arts (Art was your favourite subject)
    • French (You’ve improved so much it’s amazing)
    • Reading (You’ve gone from struggling to read a small book to devouring novels) Seeing you go to the library and how excited you got was the highlight of my summer.
    • You had your first crush and it’s freaking cute
    • You learned to swim in Grannie and Granddad’s pool
    • and so much more

    This weekend you had your first birthday party with friends. It was super stressful for Mum and I, but you seemed to enjoy yourself, mostly. You had a small meltdown when you struggled to keep up with the 4th and 5th graders that were at the party. You loved your presents, although you said, “My friends over-estimated how much I like unicorns.”

    You had definite Ideas of what you wanted at your party.

    I’m extremely proud of how welcoming and inclusive you were. You made sure everyone was having fun and felt included, which isn’t easy with a group of shy kids. You’re showing signs of a good leader.

    Another big step was going to in-person school. I think that was much harder on me then it was on you. Not seeing what you’re doing makes me feel like I’m missing out and simultaneously like an overbearing parent. Sigh. You seem to be loving it and have made friends. One of which you actually remembered their name. Lol. I wonder how long we’ll refer to the one as, “the girl with the same shoes”, another as “the cute girl”, or the “cousin of the girl with the same shoes”. You seem happy and that’s what matters. I hope you’ll be able to learn and experience as much as you did the previous year.

    You are clever, sassy, strong willed, and fast to help others. I worry about your penchant for being distracted, anxious, and having meltdowns when you don’t understand something.

    You are still highly competitive and precocious, two things that can be great assets as you grow up. They can also be negatives if you’re not careful. As long as I’m around, I’ll support you and help guide you as best I can.

    Happy Birthday and I hope you have a great year.

    I love you so much my Dragon girl,

    Your Papa

    PARTY! Digital and Festive!!!

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    Hello Readers and lovers of books,

    Come join me tomorrow from 4-6 for some awesome books and great people. Renaissance Press is hosting a Holiday PARTY!!!

    Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for a celebration of the holidays and our latest releases!

    There will be readings, heartwarming tales, and multiple treats and prizes to win!

    You can register, for free of course, here!

    I’ll be reading from the Holiday portion of my newest book Coffee Shop Between the ‘Verses.

    Coffee Shop Between The ‘Verses by Éric Desmarais (YA)

    Jackie sometimes likes to have conversations with the characters, and as he reads five novellas in the small Ontario town of Baker…

    In The Ridiculous Adventures of Felix Felicitous, the grumpy Felix is thrown into an adventure through time, despite his protestations.

    In Only Human, Rachel has accidentally signed up for the University of Monsters.

    In Wargrave Island, Inspector Riko Dulac has to find out who’s killing all her former high school classmates before there’s no one left.

    In Database of the Ageless Kings, Sophia rebuilds an alien ship, only to find the galactic prince still inside.

    In Devices of Desire, follow Artemis, Diana, and Ezekiel as they navigate secret identities, demons, and love in the kingdom of Cillian.

    Are the characters Jackie is talking with real? Is he just talking to himself? Or is something else going on?

    There will be plenty of other awesome authors and generally great people.

    Hope to see you there!

    Éric

    Deck the Halls with Books!

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    Join me and some other fantastic authors for a few hours of awesomeness.

    Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and join us for a celebration of the holidays and our latest releases!

    There will be readings, heartwarming tales, and multiple treats and prizes to win!

    ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

    Automatically generated live closed captioning will be available for this event. All visual material will be described.

    For any additional accessibility inquiries, please contact Renaissance at pressesrenaissancepress@gmail.com

    Register now!

    About the books

    Samantha’s Sandwich Stand by Sonia Saikaley and illustrated by Nathan Caro Frechette (children’s picture book)

    Samantha is bored. It is summer and her friends are on vacation. When she sees a lemonade stand, she wants to open one but her father convinces her to sell something different: her mother’s homemade Lebanese cream cheese and cucumber pita sandwiches. But can she convince others that her sandwich treat is just as refreshing and delicious as lemonade? When her friends return from their holidays and offer to help her, along with a very hungry eagle, will customers finally come and buy her sandwiches? Samantha’s Sandwich Stand is an inspiring story about believing in yourself, accepting help from others when something doesn’t succeed at first, and celebrating each other’s differences.

    Coffee Shop Between The ‘Verses by Éric Desmarais (YA)

    Jackie sometimes likes to have conversations with the characters, and as he reads five novellas in the small Ontario town of Baker…

    In The Ridiculous Adventures of Felix Felicitous, the grumpy Felix is thrown into an adventure through time, despite his protestations.

    In Only Human, Rachel has accidentally signed up for the University of Monsters.

    In Wargrave Island, Inspector Riko Dulac has to find out who’s killing all her former high school classmates before there’s no one left.

    In Database of the Ageless Kings, Sophia rebuilds an alien ship, only to find the galactic prince still inside.

    In Devices of Desire, follow Artemis, Diana, and Ezekiel as they navigate secret identities, demons, and love in the kingdom of Cillian.

    Are the characters Jackie is talking with real? Is he just talking to himself? Or is something else going on?

    Beyond the Stone by Jamieson Wolf (queer paranormal romance)

    After a schism renders the world unrecognizable, Magic comes out into the open.

    Bane is a Supernatural who works for the Clocktower, the organization that is supposed to protect mortals from themselves. Jackson is able to teleport long distances and is also a clairvoyant, something that no mortal should be able to do. That’s the least of their troubles, however. Sparks fly when they meet, even if relationships between mortals and Supernaturals are frowned upon.

    When they learn that the Clocktower is keeping mortals and Supernaturals prisoner, Bane knows that they will have to go against the Clocktower in order to break them free… but will they break themselves in the process?

    Dissatisfied Me: A Love Story by Bruce D. Gordon (humour)

    Rick “Dickie” Duncan is turning fifty. Meh.

    On the eve of this mid-century milestone, he finds himself alone in his mother’s Ottawa basement, surrounded by gaudy decor and a carpet that hasn’t been raked in years. Grabbing some brews and frozen hotdogs, Rick rummages through the clutter that’s made up his dissatisfied life.

    From the death of Santa to the last days of Scottish Rot, Rick meanders through the decades, mapping his existence amid the pop culture of the ’70s to the present day.

    Marking key moments of his unsated misadventures and real-life dating disasters, Rick reminds himself that his journey is a love story. Sort of.

    Artificial Divide, edited by Robert Kingett and Randy Lacey

    Step into a world of rogue screen readers, Braille in fantasy worlds, a friend meeting an acquaintance after several years, and more.

    This #OwnVoices anthology features fiction by Blind and visually impaired authors showing readers how they thrive, hurt, get revenge, outsmart bullies, or go on epic adventures. Artificial Divide is an own-voices story collection that captures the many layers of Blindness and, for once, puts visually impaired protagonists in the driver’s seat, letting us glimpse their lives.

    When we think about it, we’re not really divided.

    With stories by: Eunice Cooper-Matchett – Anita Haas – Rebecca Blaevoet – Tessa Soderberg – Laurie Alice Eakes – Melissa Yuan-Innes – Jamieson Wolf – Ben Fulton – Felix Imonti – Niki White – M. Leona Godin – Ann Chiappetta – Lawrence Gunther – Heather Meares – Fabiyas M V – Jameyanne Fuller

    Shifting Trust by Madona Skaff-Koren

    Tyler Demir left the RCMP after an undercover operation he was in charge of turned deadly. Refusing to make life and death decisions anymore, he now works as assistant head of security for a military funded Canadian nano-tech company. But when one of their scientists is kidnapped, the military send Tyler to England to retrieve him.

    Not sure who to trust, Tyler uses contacts from his undercover days to get the scientist to safety. At every step, he sees the rescue crumble around him and again he has blood on his hands.

    How the hell did he manage to go from a stress-free job, where lives didn’t depend on his split-second decisions, to this?

    Coffee Shop Between the ‘Verses

    by

    Hello My Imaginary Friends and Book lovers,

    My new book will be released September 15th! Yay!

    Get it here:

    Jackie sometimes likes to have conversations with the characters, and as he reads five novellas in the small Ontario town of Baker…

    In The Ridiculous Adventures of Felix Felicitous, the grumpy Felix is thrown into an adventure through time, despite his protestations.

    In Only Human, Rachel has accidentally signed up for the University of Monsters.

    In Wargrave Island, Inspector Riko Dulac has to find out who’s killing all her former high school classmates before there’s no one left.

    In Database of the Ageless Kings, Sophia rebuilds an alien ship, only to find the galactic prince still inside.

    In Devices of Desire, follow Artemis, Diana, and Ezekiel as they navigate secret identities, demons, and love in the kingdom of Cillian.

    Are the characters Jackie is talking with real? Is he just talking to himself? Or is something else going on?

    Here’s the awesome book trailer:

    Recently I read the first chapter for the Cover Reveal Party:

    I’m very proud of this book and can’t wait for you to read it.

    Thank you!

    Éric

    Cover Reveal Party – TOMORROW!

    by

    Hello Book and Coffee Lovers!

    There’s a cover reveal party for my new book and 6 other fantastic authors coming up on the 29th.

    There will be Prizes! Coffee and many other things!

    Sign up free here at eventbrite

    Here’s what the event says:

    Join us for an evening of literature as we announce our next releases! We will reveal the covers to our upcoming releases, show you our brand-new book trailers, and you will hear some exclusive readings.

    On top of all that, we have some FABULOUS prizes to give out to the attendees: coffee, signed books, art, and so much more! Make sure to come so you have a chance to win something!

    The event will happen over Zoom. You will receive the link via email after registering.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-fall-2021-titles-pre-launch-and-cover-reveal-tickets-155217928001
    Let us know you’re going on Facebook!

    My book is called Coffee Shop between the ‘Verses:

    Jackie sometimes likes to have conversations with the characters, and as he reads five novellas in the small Ontario town of Baker…

    In The Ridiculous Adventures of Felix Felicitous, the grumpy Felix is thrown into an adventure through time, despite his protestations.

    In Only Human, Rachel has accidentally signed up for the University of Monsters.

    In Wargrave Island, Inspector Riko Dulac has to find out who’s killing all her former high school classmates before there’s no one left.

    In Database of the Ageless Kings, Sophia rebuilds an alien ship, only to find the galactic prince still inside.

    In Devices of Desire, follow Artemis, Diana, and Ezekiel as they navigate secret identities, demons, and love in the kingdom of Cillian.

    Are the characters Jackie is talking with real? Is he just talking to himself? Or is something else going on?

    There will be prizes, readings, and a lot of awesome people.

    See you there!

    Éric