Start an Art Journal as a Mom: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Hey, mama. It's that time of year. The holidays have left the building, you've finally finished washing the glitter out of the carpet (maybe…), and the new year is staring you down like an unfinished to-do list. Feeling like your brain is still running on holiday overload?
Before you get sucked back into scrolling your phone for "just five minutes" (we all know it's never just five minutes), let's talk about feeding your creative soul. Most moms know there are "better" ways to spend those precious five minutes, but finding better alternatives isn't the real challenge here - the mental load is.
Imagine this: a slice of time carved out just for you. No kids, no chaos—just you, your thoughts, and a blank page. That’s what art journaling is all about. It’s like giving your brain a spa day while your hands get to play. And here’s the best part—it’s for anyone, no art degree or Pinterest-level skills required.
Today, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to start an art journal as a mom, even if you’ve got zero free time. So grab a coffee (or that half-drunk tea from this morning), and let’s dive in.
What is Art Journaling?
Art journaling is basically a visual diary, where you combine art and words to express yourself. It’s not about making something pretty or perfect; it’s about letting whatever’s in your head or heart spill onto the page. Think of it as a judgment-free zone for your thoughts—a space where you can be messy, moody, colorful, or quiet.
For moms, it's a lifeline. When the endless giving and doing start to make you feel invisible, this is a safe space to vent your feelings and express yourself without draining your mental energy.
Why Art Journaling Beats Scrolling
We all know the pull of mindless scrolling - that numbing escape that feels good in the moment but leaves us feeling empty and disconnected afterward. Art journaling offers that same blissful mental break, but instead of draining your energy, it's active, engaging, and scientifically proven to boost your mood and lower stress.
And here's where the magic happens: when you make space for creativity, you're giving yourself something we all desperately need—what Eve Rodsky calls "unicorn space." That's time just for you, where you're not a mom, partner, or employee. You're just you, doing something that lights you up and leaves you feeling refreshed rather than drained.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
The great thing about art journaling is that it’s super low-maintenance. You don’t need fancy supplies or hours of free time. Start with what you have, but here’s a basic list to spark ideas for today’s exercise.
Your journal, notebook or printer paper
Start with ONE art supply that speaks to you! Think back to what you loved creating with as a child - that's your perfect starting point.
Something to doodle with: Pens, markers, or colored pencils
Something to paint with: Paints (watercolor or acrylic), brushes, sponges, or even your fingers!
Something to collage with: Old magazines, newspapers, or scrap paper, plus scissors and glue stick
Most importantly: your imagination
For today's creative exploration, I'll be working with HUHU markers, which have become one of my absolute favorite art mediums alongside collaging. I love how they allow you to layer colors seamlessly and create both bold and subtle effects. They're incredibly forgiving and perfect for beginners who want to experiment with color and lines.
If you're interested in building your own art supply collection, I've carefully curated my favorite materials, including the specific chalk pastels I use, in my Amazon Store.
In my conversations with countless moms, I've noticed that art supplies often become an unexpected source of anxiety. Some feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options available in craft stores, while others worry they're not "real artists" unless they invest in professional-grade materials. Let me assure you: there's absolutely no right or wrong when it comes to choosing your creative tools.
How to Create Your First Art Journal Page
Ready to jump in? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started, even if you only have 10 minutes before someone yells, “Mom!”
1. Set the Scene
Find a spot where you won’t be interrupted for five minutes. I know this sounds impossible, but even locking yourself in the bathroom counts. Light a candle or play some music if it helps.
2. Grab Your Art Stuff
Pick up whatever materials feel right today. Maybe bold markers match your mood, or soft watercolors feel soothing.
3. Take A Breath
Take a deep breath and check in with yourself. What are you feeling right now? Stressed? Joyful? Overwhelmed? Whatever it is, let it be your starting point.
4. Start Creating
Put pen, brush, or crayon to paper and just...start. Scribble, swirl, splash—whatever feels good. Maybe you start with a color that speaks to your mood or doodle a shape that’s been stuck in your head.
5. Layer and Experiment
Here’s where the fun begins. Add layers—glue down magazine clippings, paint over them, scribble across the page. There are no rules. This is your space to explore.
6. Reflect
When you’re done (or interrupted), step back and look at your page. What stands out? How do you feel now compared to when you started? If you want, jot down a word or two about the experience.
Five Easy Prompts to Get You Started
Need a little inspiration? Here are five simple ideas to try:
Redacted Poetry: Take a page from an old book or magazine. Black out words until you’re left with a poem.
Quote it Up: Write down a favorite quote. Decorate the page with colors, doodles, or images that resonate with its meaning.
Mood Page: Choose a color palette that reflects your mood and let it take over the page.
Spontaneous Collage: Cut out images or words that catch your eye and arrange them into a collage.
Doodle It Out: Draw whatever comes to mind—stick figures, random shapes, or that weird squiggle your toddler’s obsessed with.
The Big Takeaway: art journaling isn’t about creating masterpieces
It’s about creating space for yourself—mentally, emotionally, and creatively.
So, here’s what I want you to remember: this isn’t one more thing on your to-do list. It’s a tiny act of self-care, a quiet rebellion against the chaos of motherhood. And the best part? It’s yours.
Listen, I know life is full, and the idea of starting something new can feel overwhelming. But this doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t have to take hours. Art journaling can be as simple as grabbing a pen and scribbling your heart out.
So as you step into this new year, remember: you’re not just a mom. You’re a creator, a dreamer, and someone who deserves a little magic in her day. My hope is that you’ll embrace and cherish your journey of discovering the joy, creativity, and self-care that comes with starting an art journal as a mom.
Go grab that journal, mama. Your blank page is waiting.
Ready to make a change? Join our supportive community.
Introducing the Motherload Membership, designed to help you reconnect with yourself beyond motherhood.
This isn't just another mom group - it's a space to drop the mental load, get creative, and rediscover yourself without guilt or perfectionism.
Inside The Motherload Membership, we create a community where moms can be authentic and supported.
This is about our growth, creativity, and voices—embracing motherhood without the pressure of perfection.
Why The Motherload?
With all the invisible work and emotional labor of modern motherhood, our needs often come last. That's why we created this space.
Here, we help us:
Release perfectionism
Rediscover ourselves beyond mothering
Share the real journey of motherhood together
This space is about us—our growth, our creativity, our voices.
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