Collage Cauldrons
collageAges 1-5Ages 5-7
A playful mix of texture and sparkle
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 playful mix of texture and sparkle
Charlotte would be so proud!
Keep it friendly (not frightful) with bright colour, soft textures, simple tools.
Build, paint, and play inside a recycled Halloween installation
Colour and air collide in a swirl of surprise.
The leg bone's connected to the...
Such a classic!
Real or not, pumpkins are the perfect canvas!
A simple process that turns paint into pattern and whole new species.