Ochre Dough is an Aboriginal-owned creative business based on Bangerang Country in Shepparton, Victoria. We design and create resources for sensory play, art and craft, enjoyed by children and people of all ages.
It began as an idea to connect children and families to Country and culture through sensory play. We wanted to bring more cultural representation into the early years space, not just during NAIDOC Week, but all year round. Since then, our range has grown to include creative tools for all ages.
The name Ochre Dough came from those early days, when we used some ochre we had at home to colour playdough. It was just beautiful. Using ochre to make playdough on a larger scale isn't sustainable, so we no longer offer it, but the name still represents culture and creativity.
Our resources invite people to play and create, whether it’s children discovering bush tucker and native Australian ingredients through sensory play, the excitement of revealing a beautiful imprint in playdough, or an adult painting a handmade ornament. It’s about the joy of exploring and seeing a design come to life, whatever form that takes.
We share our designs and the stories behind them. You bring your own colours, extra materials and creative ideas. It’s a shared creative experience, from our hands to yours.
Sometimes a design or the experience of making Aunty’s playdough sparks a conversation. Sometimes it encourages someone to notice something on Country, share their knowledge or explore something new. Sometimes it’s simply play for the joy of it.
It's about connecting to and learning about culture and Country in a modern creative way – through the magic of art & play 🤎 ✨
Our goal is to create beautiful and meaningful experiences for you and your boorais (children) to explore, create and connect through play, art and craft.
For Educators and Organisations
We help educators and organisations bring Aboriginal perspectives into play, art and craft through resources designed by Aboriginal artists, with stories and meanings to explore alongside them.
Our resources are used in early childhood settings, schools, art classes, playgroups and community programs. They provide a practical starting point for creative activities, whether you’re exploring designs in playdough, working with clay or making a batch of salt dough ornaments for a group to paint and decorate.
Alongside our products, we share activity ideas, tutorials and downloadable resources to help you get started and see what’s possible.
If you’re planning an activity, putting together resource kits or sourcing products for a program, we welcome enquiries about bulk orders. Get in touch to tell us what you have in mind.
Meet Mikaela, artist and founder
Hi, I’m Mikaela Egan, the artist and founder behind Ochre Dough. I’m a Muthi Muthi and Gunditjmara woman, living and creating on Bangerang Country. The little people in my life call me Aunty Maki, my favourite role yet.
I grew up on Latje Latje Country, spent 15 years living and working in Aboriginal health on Wurundjeri Country, and now live and create on beautiful Bangerang Country. I have so many special memories of growing up on the Murray River. Country inspires everything I create.
I come from a family of artists. I remember being gifted painted bags, woven baskets, jewellery and painted pottery, each showing culture expressed in its own unique way. My Nan was a brilliant, resourceful woman who always found creative ways to make and share through art. Her creativity and pride in her culture inspired me growing up and continue to inspire me today.
When I think about what we’re creating with Ochre Dough, it feels like a creative expression of Country and culture in a modern way.
My designs are shaped by my connections to Country, culture and family, as well as the things I notice and enjoy in everyday life.
I love seeing what happens when my artwork becomes a tool for someone else’s creativity—the excitement when a child lifts a stamp, the colours someone chooses for an ornament, or a conversation that begins with the story behind a design.
Through Ochre Dough, I get to share something meaningful to me and leave room for you to make something meaningful to you.
I’m glad you’re here, and I look forward to seeing what you create.
Let’s walk together, learn together, play & create together!
Join Families & Educators Across Australia and Bring Culture & Creativity Into Your Play!
