From the Blog
Deeper reads and reflections from Emma on art, creativity, and building a studio.
24 February 2026
(And Why We Pay It Anyway)
One of the things people often say when they walk into Smudge for the first time is that it feels calm. Open and light and uncomplicated.
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13 October 2025
Because kids deserve more than paper and tidy tables!
Why installation art? Because children deserve more than paper and tidy tables. They need walls and corners and floor space.
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18 September 2025
Why process over product matters
What if the best part of art isn't the thing you hang on the fridge, but the bit before it?
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6 September 2025
How I Make Our Coloured Rice Sensory Bins
Coloured rice is just the best sensory base — it's bright, satisfying to scoop and pour, and holds up beautifully across weeks of play.
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9 June 2025
Simple ways to respond to kids' art that build confidence
When kids share their artwork, it's so tempting to ask "What is it?" But even with the best intentions, that question can feel like a test.
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1 June 2025
Playful, Joyful, and Wonder-Filled Creativity for Kids (and You)
Hello! I'm Emma, founder of Smudge Artspace, artist, teacher, and mum to two wonderfully imaginative kids.
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30 May 2025
Every theme is built around a few key ingredients
One question I'm asked all the time is how I come up with our Smudge themes. And honestly, it's my absolute favourite part of the job!
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23 May 2025
(and Why You Might Too)
Liquid watercolours are hands-down my favourite art material in the whole world.
Read more →The Smudge Hub · Full guides, materials lists and the whole library from $12/month.