We've found ourselves at a bit of a loss these last couple of days... Everything has gone to print (aaarrrgggg!), designs for the next collection of sewing patterns have been finalised, and so our crazy whirlwind of work has come to a brief lull. Fortunately, Halloween is just around the corner, providing a welcome distraction and keeping our fingers busy whilst waiting out the calm before the storm.

During these grey days of autumnal London, we have been dreaming of the tropics, our minds wandering to the ever inspiring imagery of Latin America, specifically Mexico's Dia de los Muertos celebration. So with margarita in hand we bring you our three part Halloween DIY series, kicking off with the face paint synonymous with the Day of the Dead...

You will need...

• Red, black and white face paint (we also used blue and gold for added detail)
• Make up brushes (we found a lipliner and a foundation brush the most useful)
• Water (for rinsing the brushes)

Step 1

Using the thicker brush, apply an even white base.

Step 2

Paint the eye sockets and the tip of the nose black (at this point you may be looking a bit panda-esque, but not to worry, more is yet to come).

Step 3

Create skull like shading around the outline and cheekbones, blending with your fingers.

Step 4

Using the thin brush, paint the centre of the lips and extend the lip line towards the cheekbones, adding lines for teeth.

Step 5

Switch to your red, and paint petals around the blackened eye sockets.

Step 6

Now fill the rest of the face using various patterns - we went for a mixture of swirls, dots and floral outlines.

Ta-Da!

Espooki....come back tomorrow where we will be completing the look with floral and lace veil.