The Mini Style Post x Smudge Artspace
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
There is something so special about a craft that feels more like art than an “activity.” When we connected with Emma Dunlop of Smudge Artspace, we were instantly drawn to her philosophy of process over perfection and creativity led by children.
Smudge Artspace is a vibrant, process based studio where families are invited to explore, experiment, and make without pressure. You can explore more of their beautiful work here and discover their online creative membership, The Smudge Hub, here.
Emma shared that Smudge was born from her love of watching children create freely, without being told what something is supposed to look like. The name “Smudge” is a reminder that art does not need to be neat to be meaningful. We love that.
But today, we are especially excited to spotlight one of their sweetest seasonal projects.
Smudge Love Bugs
A Valentine’s craft built from cardboard, colour, and layered details
The Smudge Love Bugs are not your typical Valentine’s Day craft. They feel like tiny sculptures. Each one begins with a simple cardboard shape and slowly transforms through paint, collage, and layered details into something entirely unique.
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
There is no template. No right or wrong outcome. Just exploration. Every love bug ends up completely different, shaped by the child’s choices along the way. That is what makes them so magical.
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
Why We Love This Project
• It encourages slowing down
• It focuses on process, not product
• It invites colour mixing and experimentation
• It turns recycled materials into something beautiful
For families who love thoughtful, open ended creativity, this is such a beautiful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without it feeling overly themed or overly structured.
How To Make Smudge Love Bugs
The Set Up :
Start with recycled cardboard and cut simple bug body shapes. They can be round, oval, tall, wide, or wonderfully wonky. Cut extra shapes for wings, spots, or layered details.
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
Set out paint sticks or tempera paint with palettes and brushes. Include plenty of white paint so children can soften tones, mix pastels, and explore how colours change when layered.
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
The Making
Paint the cardboard bug bodies. Encourage colour mixing and experimentation. Notice how colours shift when white is added or when layers overlap.
Once dry, begin layering. Glue on extra cardboard shapes for wings or spots.
Add collage elements like paper scraps, tissue paper, foil, sequins, beads, or paper circles.
Twist pipe cleaners or florist wire into legs and antennae.
Finish with small details like dots, eyes, or tiny hearts.
The beauty of this project is that each love bug develops its own personality.
Materials List
• Recycled cardboard
• Scissors
• Paint sticks or tempera paint
• White paint for color mixing
• Paper scraps, tissue paper, foil
• Pipe cleaners or florist wire
• Sequins, beads, paper circles
A Note From Smudge
Smudge Love Bugs are about taking time, making choices, and enjoying the layers that build along the way. They can be bold or gentle, detailed or simple, sweet or wonderfully strange. When displayed together, they become a joyful little Valentine’s collection.
This project was inspired by the painterly work of artist Suzie Leahy and reflects everything Smudge stands for. Exploration. Play. Confidence through creativity.
If you try this at home, we would love to see your love bugs. Tag @theministylepost and @smudgeartspace so we can share your creations.
For more beautifully designed, process led art experiences, visit
https://www.smudgeartspace.com
and explore The Smudge Hub at
https://www.smudgeartspace.com/smudgehub
Here is to messy tables, layered color, and love in every smudge.
Photo Courtesy of Smudge Artspace
