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Winter has a way of shrinking our days. The sun sets earlier. Evenings feel longer. Everything slows down. And instead of fighting that darkness, what if we leaned into it?
At Orange Easel, we love the idea of dark play—intentionally dimming the lights and inviting children to explore creativity in a new way. There’s something magical about it. Familiar materials suddenly feel brand new. Ordinary play turns into an experience. And kids lean in—curious, focused, and wide-eyed. Dark play isn’t about screens or overstimulation. It’s about novelty, atmosphere, and letting the environment do some of the work for you. Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely use and love in our studio or would happily recommend to our own families. Thanks for supporting Orange Easel! Here are a few easy, art-centered ways to bring dark play into your home this winter. Blacklight MagicA simple blacklight can completely transform everyday art materials. Try this:
Flashlight Play & Shadow ArtFlashlights invite experimentation and problem-solving without any setup stress. Easy ideas:
Quiet Glow Play (Perfect for Evenings)Not all dark play has to be high-energy.
Why Dark Play WorksDark play taps into something powerful:
It’s playful without being overwhelming—and perfect for winter evenings when everyone needs a little spark. A Gentle Reminder
Dark play doesn’t need to be elaborate or Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes all it takes is turning off the lights, handing your child a flashlight, and saying, “Let’s see what happens.” Winter may bring darkness earlier—but it also brings the perfect excuse to let creativity glow.
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Affiliate Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support our small business and allow us to keep creating art (and content!) for our community. Rest assured, we only recommend products we already use and love in our studios and homes. Orange Easel's TOP 10 for 2025#1 Liquid Watercolors
#2 Alcohol Ink Markers
#3 Artsy Apparel
#4 Shape Punches
#5 Colored Pencils
#6 Washi Tape
#7 Drawing Set
#8 Art Club Membership
#9 Polymer Clay
#10 Low Temp Hot Glue Gun
Looking for even more creative inspiration? Our Holiday Gift Guide is a 20-page digital booklet packed with gift ideas for every type of artist—from preschool doodlers to digital illustrators. You can grab your copy right from our website or sign up below to have it emailed to you.
Because the world needs more artists—and we’re here to help you shop for them!  When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time for an art project that celebrates the beauty of autumn! This simple leaf printing activity is easy enough for preschoolers but creative enough to keep older kids (and parents!) engaged too. You don’t need fancy supplies—just a few leaves from your yard and a bit of paint. What You’ll Need
How to Do It
Why We Love This ProjectLeaf printing is a beautiful blend of nature and art. It encourages kids to observe the world around them, notice textures and shapes, and experiment with composition and layering. Plus—it’s a great excuse to go outside and collect materials! At Orange Easel, we believe the best art projects are simple, hands-on, and full of possibilities. This one checks every box. Next time you’re outside, grab a few leaves and give this a try. You’ll end up with something beautiful—and maybe a few painty fingerprints along the way. That’s part of the fun.
When your child proudly holds up their artwork, the first words out of your mouth might be: “What is it?” It’s an easy reflex—we want to show interest and understand what we’re looking at! But for a lot of kids, that question can cause hesitation or self-doubt. If they weren’t trying to draw something “realistic,” they might feel like they did it wrong. At Orange Easel, we see this moment all the time in the studio. And it’s a powerful one. Because with just a few different words, parents and teachers can help kids feel proud, confident, and creative.  Why “What Is It?” Can Be TrickyWhen we ask “What is it?”, we’re often focusing on recognition—trying to name what we see. But kids’ art isn’t always about making something recognizable. Sometimes it’s about experimenting with color, exploring texture, or expressing emotion. By shifting the conversation away from naming and toward noticing, we help children see that their creative choices matter. What to Say Instead
Why These Words MatterThese simple changes spark richer conversations about art—and confidence. When kids know their ideas are valued, they take more creative risks, stay curious longer, and start to think like artists. That’s the goal here at Orange Easel: building a generation of confident, expressive creators who aren’t afraid to share their vision. Try It at HomeNext time your child creates something, pause before asking questions. Look closely. Notice the effort, the choices, the joy. Then start your sentence with: 👉 “I notice…” or “Tell me about…” Those two little phrases change everything. Whether you’re at the kitchen table or in our studio, every time you talk about art with your child, you’re helping shape how they see themselves as a creator. Let’s make sure they see what we see--an artist. Want to keep these conversation ideas handy?
👉 Download our free one-page printable » Family dinners are about more than food—they’re a chance to connect, laugh, and make memories. And what better way to do that than with a little creativity? Here are five quick art games you can play at the table with nothing more than paper and pencils (or crayons, markers, whatever you have handy). These games take just a few minutes each and work with kids of all ages. They’re silly, light-hearted, and guaranteed to bring out giggles.  1. The 3-Minute Monster
2. Dinner Doodle Swap
3. The Snack Superhero
4. Silly Scribble Portraits
5. What’s Missing?
Why Play Art Games?These little bursts of creativity help kids:
Next time dinner gets a little quiet (or chaotic), pull out a pencil and try one of these games. Creativity doesn’t need a lot of supplies—just a spark of imagination.
What’s your family’s favorite dinner table game? Drop a comment and share! |
Allison May Jensen, ownerOrange Easel began in 2012—just me, teaching art to kids in my basement studio. Archives
January 2026
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249 W Mill St Ste 107 Liberty MO 64068 816-407-9266 |
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