Grown-up birthday party ideas

Making memories with celebrations

I’ve long been a fan of the artist Suzi Warren’s work (and social media content*).

Suzi describes herself as a Polite protester. Hag enthusiastic. Artist. Founder of Twisted Twee and The Clothes Hospital.

And Starter of the Street Stitching movement – she’s the OG craftivist…

Suzi’s work pictured here one of two Hopscotch Dress pieces, can be seen at the @thestitchfestival in the Design Centre, Islington in March.

The dress is part of a series of playground game dresses Suzi is making for an upcoming exhibition called Persephone Rising. The Joy of Spring. It will be held between the 11th and 16th March in Mayfair.

There are Meet The Artist evenings every day between 6-9pm. 20 female artists are involved. See link at the foot of this article for full details.

Suzi Warren on instagram as @twistedtwee

Anyway, back to Suzi’s social media posts* as mentioned, are entertaining and inspiring, and last week shared this wonderful story about her grown-up birthday party idea – of sharing one minute life hacks and hobby demonstrations.

I loved this idea so much, I asked her if I could feature this brilliant celebration concept here on incredibusy.

Over to Suzi: one minute life hacks and hobby demonstrations

“Last weekend I celebrated my birthday by inviting some friends over and asking anyone who wanted to, to share a life hack or demonstrate something they did at work or for a hobby that the rest of us might not know about.

Deborah performs an ancient Japanese fan dance

Despite an initially roaringly tepid response, a dozen strong-hearted souls unglued their minds from the gook of stage-fright, and took the room.

Here was the running list:
Isabelle @isabee.co.uk will show and tell her scissor collection (Ali writes: this is my favourite!)
Magnus @magnusthorne will demonstrate a card trick and then reveal how it is done.
Ian @studiobilbey will test us with an unlikely and strangely upsetting pub quiz question
Andrew @andrewjoslin65 will show us how to lift someone safely out of a chair.
Debi will show us a good (and attractive) hack for teaching children how to peel oranges.
Phil will reveal a great tool to eat yogurt with when out on a bike with no spoon.
Deborah will perform an ancient Japanese fan dance.
Gill @gillian.stokes will read us an original poem.
Tilly will teach us a simple line dance.
Imke @imkehim will show us how to tie the perfect shoelace.
Toshi @fashionnatascha will demonstrate the most satisfying way to fold a fitted sheet.
Lesley @l.k.seager will shield our body’s electrical circuits from harmful mobile phone interference.
Gigi and Tamsin will dance Balboa.
Georg @georgt will do something to cause offense.

Magnus demonstrates a card trick and then reveal how it is done

What a bloody hoot!

Like a micro version of The Boring Lectures. I’d highly recommend it as a way to reveal things about your guests and inspire bonkers heckling. Those who didn’t feel comfy ‘performing’ made a boisterously enthusiastic and generous audience.

Not a gathering I’ll forget and – fair warning friends – may feel compelled to repeat and expand on as the years roll by.

What would your one minute hack be? xxx