A celebration of imagination, magic, and creative play
Introduction
Halloween used to slip quietly past me each year. The costumes, the cobwebs, the sugar rushes, I never really saw the appeal until I had kids of my own. Watching them throw themselves into the make-believe of it all changed everything. The joy, the transformation, the freedom to play and pretend, it’s irresistible. So gather your cardboard, paint, and a sense of humour. Things might get a little messy, but that’s exactly where the magic happens.
This theme is about process, texture, surprise and the kind of artmaking that invites kids to explore materials in new ways. You’ll find painting, printmaking, construction, collage and sensory play. Each one is designed to spark curiosity and imagination without ever aiming for sameness.
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
collageAges 1–7
A playful mix of texture and sparkle
Gather these before you start.
8 more inside this theme
Experience 2
print-making
Charlotte would be so proud!
Experience 3
sensory-play
Keep it friendly (not frightful) with bright colour, soft textures, simple tools.
Experience 4
installations
Build, paint, and play inside a recycled Halloween installation
Experience 5
Thick recycled cardboard is perfect for this project. Cut large cauldron shapes before the session or let kids draw and cut their own. The bigger the surface, the better. Punch two small holes at the top and thread wire for handles if you want to hang them later.
If you have more time or want a 3D version, cut two matching cauldrons (more on this later).
Set up paint sticks and oil pastels for base coats. Add trays of mixed materials: foil, tissue paper, fabric scraps, ribbons, sequins, washi tape, stickers and glue sticks. Keep it open and full of choice!
Kids don’t need instructions for this one. Once materials are out, they’ll dive straight into building, layering, sticking, and storytelling. The process is rich on its own (resist the urge to direct!).
Spend your time noticing what’s happening. Comment on textures, colour choices, and shapes. Ask gentle questions: “What’s bubbling inside your cauldron?” or “Where did that idea come from?” These small acts of noticing invite conversation and connection, and kids begin to learn from one another without needing formal steps.
That’s the real work of process art.
3D Extension: Trick or Treat Baskets
Once both sides are decorated and dry, bring the pieces together to create a basket. Use a strip of cardboard about 8 to 10 cm wide (and however long your shapes are). Run the Makedo Fold Roller tool along the strip horizontally to score it evenly, which helps it bend without cracking.
Curve the strip into a semi-circle between the two cauldrons and line up the bottom edges. Secure it using Makedo scrus or a glue gun (adult use), or strong tape along the inside. Add a wire or string handle through the top holes and twist the ends to secure.
Each basket will be different in shape and character, which is exactly the point!
print-making
Colour and air collide in a swirl of surprise.
Experience 6
creative-exploration
The leg bone's connected to the...
Experience 7
sensory-play
Such a classic!
Experience 8
creative-exploration
Real or not, pumpkins are the perfect canvas!
Experience 9
painting-drawing
A simple process that turns paint into pattern and whole new species.