The Art Supplies Moms Need for Art Journal Therapy At Home
As a virtual expressive art therapist for moms, I get asked all the time: "What supplies do I need to get started with art therapy at home?"
I could just give you a shopping list (don’t worry, that’s coming), but before we talk supplies, let’s talk about why this even matters.
Because if you’re here, you’re probably not just looking for art supplies.
You’re looking for a way back to yourself.
What Is Expressive Art Therapy?
If you’re new here, you might be wondering: "What exactly is expressive art therapy?"
Expressive art therapy (sometimes called art as therapy or therapeutic art) is an evidence-based, non-clinical approach that uses creativity to help process emotions and experiences.
Think drawing, painting, collaging, writing, or just doodling—it’s not about making “good” art. It’s about making space for yourself and getting emotions out of your head and onto a page.
For my clients, I facilitate expressive art therapy mainly through art journaling—a space where you can scribble, layer, explore, and express without rules or expectations.
How Mindful Art Journaling Changed Everything for Me
Expressive art therapy helped me…
✔ Name and command my needs
✔ Go deeper than words
✔ Make time for real self-care
I’ve experienced the transformation of therapy at many different points in my life, but none was more significant than developing my mindful art journal practice as a mother.
Because motherhood has a way of pulling you away from yourself.
Mindful art journaling? It brought me back.
It gave me a space to express, unravel, process, and reclaim. A space that was mine.
And if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or like you don’t recognize yourself anymore—this practice is for you, too.
How I Found Myself Again (With an Art Journal In One Hand and a Toddler in the Other)
When my youngest was six months old, I hit a wall. I was fine. (And also one curveball away from not being fine.)
I was so desperate to be a good mother, I took it so seriously, that I almost lost myself in the expectations and the intrusive thoughts.
Motherhood had consumed me. My needs? They were there. I just wasn’t listening.
And yet, I wanted everyone else to see me. To notice I was struggling. To step in, to help, to tell me, Hey, you matter too. But the truth? I wasn’t even listening to myself. And that realization? It changed everything. Because if I wanted to be seen, to be cared for, to be whole—I had to start by seeing myself.
And for me, that started with creativity.
It had always been there, waiting. It had carried me through hard things before. Maybe it could carry me now.
So, I registered for a local art journaling class—made all the arrangements (married to a shift worker, so this was no small feat)—and then… The class was canceled. I was devastated.
This was supposed to be my hope. My outlet. My way back to myself. And now? Gone.
I wasn’t sure how to be a mom and create. So, for the next 12 months, I did nothing. I just looked at other people’s art—watched from the sidelines, wishing I knew how to make space for my own creativity. Until one day, at work, I thought:
"There has to be more than this."
I started reading about art therapy—article after article, deep-diving into something that felt strangely familiar.
And then, I found the Prairie Expressive Art Therapy Institute. I registered for the fall program. That decision changed everything.
What You Need to Get Started with Art Therapy at Home
You do not need a fancy studio or expensive supplies. Some of us are creating at the kitchen counter. Some of us are drawing in bed. Some of us are literally in the bathroom, scribbling in a journal while our little ones take a bath.
Creativity doesn’t need perfect conditions. It just needs you.
Here’s where to start:
Five Essential Art Supplies for Moms Who Want to Create (Without the Pressure)
📌 An Art Journal – Your safe space to dump emotions, scribble, explore, and experiment.
📌 Pastels (Chalk or Oil) – Soft, expressive, and perfect for letting go of perfectionism.
📌 Water-Soluble Wax Pastels – A dreamy blend between crayon and watercolor—messy, intuitive, and wildly satisfying.
📌 Paints (Watercolors and/or Acrylics) + Brushes – Because sometimes, color says what words can’t.
📌 Collage Materials – Magazines, old books, scissors, glue, washi tape, scraps—a reminder that broken things can become beautiful.
💡 No need to buy new! Borrow, thrift, or start with what you have. Your art stash should be yours—if you love colored pencils, add them in! If you’re obsessed with markers, use them!
The Art of Choosing Supplies Without Overthinking (or Overspending)
I haven’t listed specific brand names because finding what works for you is part of the process.
But here’s my rule: Start with materials that feel approachable, cheap, and easy to use. Why? Because if you buy “pretty” or expensive supplies, you might feel pressure to create something “good” to justify the cost. And that? That kills creativity.
Your art supplies do not owe you anything.
Your art does not owe you anything.
They are meant to be used.
For messy art. For “bad” art.
For throwing color on a page and seeing what happens.
The more you use your materials, the more you’ll get to know them—like a relationship that deepens over time.
So start where you are. Use what you have.
What If You Don’t Have Time for Art Therapy?
I get it. You’re a mom. You’re busy.
That’s why I created something just for you:
📌 The Creative Check-In: A 5-Min Daily-ish Practice for Moms Who Are Fine (and Also One Curveball Away from Not Being Fine)
Inside, You’ll Get:
✅ The exact 3-step process to clear your mind and regulate emotions in 5 minutes
✅ A no-rules, no-pressure approach—because this isn’t about being “creative”
✅ A habit you can actually stick with—even when things feel loud and out of your control
Ready to stop carrying every thought, emotion, and stressor in your head all day?
👉 Download it here! (Insert link)
Watch Me Create: A Peek Inside My Art Journal
If you’re curious about how I use these materials in real life, watch the video below for a flip-through of one of my art journals. You’ll get a feel for the variety of supplies I love using and how they come together on the page.
Your Turn: What’s Your Go-To Art Medium?
I’d love to hear from you—if you could only use ONE art medium for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mine would be collage materials! ✂️✨
Drop your answer in the comments! ⬇
Why I Do This Work
This work isn’t just about art. It’s about mothers.
🌿 Mothers who feel guilty about putting their needs first.
🌿 Mothers who stay quiet.
🌿 Mothers who can’t say no.
🌿 Mothers who do not honor their mental health.
🌿 Mothers who are struggling with self-care.
🌿 Mothers who are burned out.
🌿 Mothers who cannot make one more decision.
🌿 Mothers who are exhausted but can’t sleep at night.
🌿 Mothers who do not feel worthy.
I do this work for you. 💛
Want to Work with Me?
I am currently accepting new art-as-therapy clients in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
✅ If you live in these provinces, you can claim my services on your benefits because I am a registered social worker.
✅ If you live elsewhere in Canada, you can still work with me through Creative Coaching (same tools, just not covered by benefits).
Want to try it out? Here’s how to get started:
Book a free consult – Let’s chat about whether this is right for you.
Choose your path – Art Therapy (if you’re in ON, AB, or SK) or Creative Coaching (if you’re elsewhere in Canada).
Begin your journey – We’ll start uncovering you through art, expression, and deep self-care.
✨ The Motherload Membership ✨
Oh, and if you’re craving a community of moms who are doing this work together—make sure to check out The Motherload Membership. It’s where we go deeper into creative expression, self-reclamation, and making space for ourselves in the real, messy chaos of motherhood.
