Enjoy the colours of the sea and all the ways it inspires texture and play!
Introduction
The beach has always been where I feel most creative. I walk, I think, I collect. My favourite time is right after a storm when the sand is full of tiny treasures: shells, sea glass, driftwood, things the tide has carried in and left behind. I have always loved making little worlds from those finds, knowing they will wash away again!
This theme is built on that same idea of creating, transforming and letting go. The ocean brings colour, texture and movement into everything we do, from painting and printmaking to sculpture and sensory play. It is about freedom, flow and the joy of discovery.
From Smudge to You
Below you'll find the collection of creative activities we've used to bring this theme to life at Smudge. Each one is an invitation to play, experiment, and see where the materials take you. Pick and choose what excites you and adapt them to your own space.
A taste of what's inside
sculptureAges 5–12
Press the sea’s treasures into clay.
Gather these before you start.
8 more inside this theme
Experience 2
installations
Dive in! (the ocean won’t paint itself)
Experience 3
painting-drawing
Big colour, bold marks, and a reef that glows like Ken Done.
Experience 4
collage
Ocean giants and glittering fins
Experience 5
print-making
This idea was born from a beachcombing day with our daughter Olive. We came home with gorgeous frosted sea glass, and she sculpted a vase to hold it all, like a little treasure keeper for our Summer! It was too beautiful not to share with the kids at Smudge, and as always, they took it further than I could have imagined.
We use air-dry clay from Northcote Pottery (our favourite in Melbourne: smooth, strong, no cracking clay). Set up a “treasure bar” of sea glass, shells, and small beach finds so children can choose their own collection. Rolling pins, clay tools, plastic knives, and trays lined with baking paper all make it easier. A small bowl of water for smoothing is essential.
Before you head out collecting, check what’s allowed on your local beaches. Some spots (especially National Parks) have strict rules about removing natural materials. And always make sure every shell is empty and every creature stays safely at home in the sea!
Begin by kneading or “throwing” the clay against the table to warm it up. This makes it easier to shape. Then build! We’ve seen coral reef trays, clam shells, bowls, and abstract ocean forms. The magic comes when kids press their chosen treasures into the clay, embedding them as permanent memories.
Clay definitely has its challenges, and it’s worth talking them through beforehand:
Cracking: if the clay is too thin, it can dry unevenly. Keep walls and bases around 1cm thick.
Pieces falling off: when adding handles, spikes, or extra layers, score both surfaces (cross-hatch with a tool) and dab with water before joining.
Flaking: a fingertip dipped in water smooths rough patches and stops edges from crumbling.
Once shaped, leave the work to dry slowly. Outdoors in the shade works well. I recommend avoiding harsh sun, which can cause warping. (Obviously freezing or wet weather won't work either!). When dry, seal with Mod Podge or a clear varnish to add shine and secure the treasures.
Add a splash of colour once dry! You could paint the clay with tempera or watercolours before sealing.
Press textures into the clay before sculpting (netting, shells, fabric) so the surface feels ocean-worn.
Build collaborative “reef bowls” where everyone adds their treasures to one large piece.
Print the sea again and again!
Experience 6
collage
Sandcastle building without the sand in your toes
Experience 7
sensory-play
Dig and scoop and discover
Experience 8
installations
Ahoy! This ship runs on colour and chaos.
Experience 9
creative-exploration
Turn everyday shells into shimmering treasures.