The Art of Make-Believe: Costumes, Creativity, and Cookies

October 29, 2025

Every October, imagination takes center stage. Costumes spill from closets, pumpkins glow in unexpected places, and even the air feels a little more playful. Halloween is, at its heart, the art of make-believe—a season that invites us to create, decorate, and delight in the unexpected.

We may not have chilly nights or rustling leaves on the Island, but we find our own way to celebrate with sea breezes, painted pumpkins, and an extra dash of whimsy.

The Art of Dressing Up

(First Place never looked so sweet—our family’s Halloween costume contest trophies, complete with chocolates, cash prize, and a touch of spooky charm.)

In my family, Halloween isn’t just a night—it is an event that begins October 1. We pull on our comfiest clothes, snuggle in with something warm to sip, and kick things off with our annual Hocus Pocus watch party. Our costume contests are fierce, creativity is non-negotiable, and no one ever takes the easy route. There are trophies to win, pride on the line, and a whole lot of laughter along the way.

At my Prancing Paws business in Northeast Texas, the dogs aren’t left out of the fun—and they know how to party! Our furry friends show up ready to strut their stuff in our annual Howloween Costume Contest—they never disappoint. From tiny tiaras to pirate hats and everything in between, these pups bring their A-game (and plenty of smiles).

Here are a few of our favorites! 🎃🐾

Every costume is an opportunity to become someone—or something—new. My favorites are always the ones with imagination behind them: the handmade, slightly lopsided, sometimes sparkly creations that make everyone smile. It's not about store-bought perfection—it is about keeping the magic of childhood alive, one wild costume at a time.

And for my children, Halloween was never just about costumes and candy—it was a full experience. We played games that stretched the fun beyond the front porch. The “Find the Spiders” hunt was always a hit—hundreds of tiny plastic creepy crawlies hidden throughout the house, waiting to be discovered. It was simple, silly, and absolutely perfect for little hands and big imaginations.

Now, those same traditions have found new life with my grandchildren. The costume contests may have evolved into themed dinners, and the spider hunts turned into playful scavenger games—but the laughter sounds just the same.

Tablescaping with a Touch of Theater

I channel this same creative spirit into decorating. Tablescaping has always been one of my favorite art forms, especially this time of year. There’s something wonderfully theatrical about building a scene—a witch perched beside a flickering lantern, skulls tucked among fall leaves, and plates that practically wink at you with their spooky charm.

A good table tells a story before anyone even sits down. It sets the stage for conversation, laughter, and maybe a few goosebumps too. Halloween décor doesn’t have to be gory or garish—it can be elegant, moody, even beautiful. I think of it as painting with texture instead of color—using glass, candles, and unexpected little details to make the magic tangible.

A Little Kitchen Magic

Speaking of tangible details, I want to share a two of my favorite Halloween kitchen creations. These recipes are playful, a little spooky, and full of imagination—the perfect way to celebrate the art of make-believe. Whether you’re baking for kids, grandkids, or just for fun, I hope they bring a little magic (and maybe a little mischief) to your kitchen this season.

No Halloween celebration would be complete without special treats. My kitchen turns into a mini art studio every October, full of sugar, chocolate, and imagination. Two of my favorite recipes—Witch’s Fingers and Mummy Treats—are as fun to make as they are to eat.

✨The witch’s fingers are buttery vanilla sugar cookies tinted green and shaped by hand, each topped with an almond “nail.” A quick torching adds just the right amount of spooky charm, and a dip in raspberry jam gives them a ghoulish finish.

Melissa's Witch’s Fingers

These buttery vanilla cookies are sweet, spooky—soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges—and just the right mix of creepy and fun for Halloween treat tables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (I use just a little less for balance)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (Nielsen-Massey Madagascar is my favorite)

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• Green food coloring

• Slivered raw almonds (for nails)

• Raspberry jam (for “blood”)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs and vanilla paste; mix until fully incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture.

5. Stir in green food coloring until the desired shade is reached. Dough will be thick and soft.

6. Shape dough into “fingers,” pressing a slivered almond into one end for the nail.

7. Use the back of a spoon to gently indent knuckle lines.

8. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden.

9. Once cooled slightly, use a kitchen torch to gently scorch the top of each finger and almond for an aged look.

10. Dip the opposite end into raspberry jam and serve.

    
    

These cookies are equal parts eerie and irresistibly delicious—proof that Halloween baking can be both spooky and sweet.

✨The mummies, on the other hand, are sweet and simple—Rice Krispies treats molded by hand, drizzled with melted white chocolate “bandages,” and dotted with tiny chocolate chip eyes peeking through. They’re playful, easy, and guaranteed to make guests grin.

They’re the perfect way to add a little art (and a lot of fun) to your Halloween traditions.

Melissa’s Mummy Treats—spooky-sweet Rice Krispies mummies wrapped in white chocolate and ready to haunt your Halloween dessert table.

Melissa's Mummy Treats

A quick, crowd-pleasing Halloween favorite—gooey Rice Krispies treats wrapped in sweet white chocolate “bandages” with chocolate chip eyes.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 1 stick unsalted butter

• 10-ounce bag regular marshmallows

• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

• Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)

• Melted white chocolate (for drizzling)

  
  

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and vanilla bean paste; stir constantly until smooth.

2. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies until fully coated.

3. Butter your hands lightly and shape the mixture into small mummy forms while warm.

4. Place on parchment paper to cool and set.

5. Once firm, drizzle with melted white chocolate to create “bandages.”

6. Press two mini chocolate chips (point side down) into each treat for eyes.

   
   

These mummies are cute, quick, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say "boo!".

The Heart of Halloween

What I love most about this season is how it invites our inner child to come out and play. Somewhere between the paint-splattered pumpkins, the candlelit tables, and the trays of edible monsters, we remember what it feels like to create simply for the joy of it.

Because creativity doesn’t need an excuse. Sometimes, it just needs a season that reminds us how much fun it is to be a kid again. (Yes, that’s me—channeling my inner genie with a few extra pounds of fluff. Proof that imagination doesn’t have an expiration date.)

We recycled this costume for a "who wore it best" version... — my son in a dark wig for a more dramatic effect. ✨😁 The Halloween magic (and sense of humor) runs in the family.

This costume is a throwback to our family Halloween contests—a nod to classic make-believe (I Dream of Jeannie). Just one of those silly traditions that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Halloween gives us permission to imagine again—to laugh at the silly, delight in the details, and lose ourselves in a little make-believe. It’s not just about ghosts and goblins—it’s about wonder, playfulness, and that spark of curiosity we should never grow out of.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at contact@melissamitchellart.com

Pssst... Change is never just about what’s new—it’s about what feels right and even a bit magical. This next chapter is rooted in creativity, connection, and the beauty of shared moments.

✨ “Little hints. Big changes. Can you guess what’s coming next?”💫 It’s almost time. —Melissa, Padre Island Art Gallery