Art Journaling
January 9, 2025
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Art can help reduce stress, even if you’re not an artist. Studies show just 45 minutes of creating art lowers stress in 75% of people. Here’s how therapeutic art projects help:
Art isn’t about masterpieces – it’s about feeling calmer and more focused. Start small and see how it helps.
Art projects help you unwind by pulling you into a focused, hands-on creative process that engages both your mind and body. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) puts it this way: “Art therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a therapeutic and healing process.”
“Art therapy is recognized as a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making to explore feelings, handle conflicts, and improve self-esteem.”
When you pick up a paintbrush or pencil, something interesting happens: your brain naturally shifts into the present moment. Unlike mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or binge-watching Netflix, making art demands your active participation. You can’t help but focus on the task at hand – whether you’re picking the perfect color for your journal or positioning stickers just right in your planner. This natural focus pulls you away from worrying about yesterday or tomorrow.
Want to jump into creative journaling? Here’s what works best:
| Tool Type | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hobonichi Planner | Daily creative journaling | Structured art practice |
| Bullet Journal | Flexible planning & art | Combining organization with creativity |
| Washi Tape | Decorative elements | Adding instant artistic flair |
You don’t need to be Picasso to benefit from art. Start with basic techniques like tracing or free-form doodling – they’re perfect for quieting your mind and building your confidence. Whether you’re sketching during your lunch break or putting together a collage, each stroke of your pen can help melt away stress.
Ready to pick up those art supplies? Let’s look at some specific activities you can try today.
Want to make your planner more than just a schedule keeper? Add some flair to your daily planning with stickers. Mix practical items like checklists and trackers with pretty designs from sets like Dark Moon Paper‘s ‘Lilac Dusk’ and ‘Cottage Succulents’. Play around with layering stickers – it’s a fun way to show how you’re feeling through colors and patterns while keeping your days organized.
“The process of creating art can significantly lower stress levels, regardless of an individual’s skill or experience in the arts.” – Christine Chae, LCSW
Looking for a way to quiet your mind? Try creating mandalas. Here’s how to get started:
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Start Small | Make a circle in the middle | Gets you focused |
| Build Out | Draw lines and shapes that repeat | Helps you concentrate |
| Add Color | Pick soft, relaxing shades | Makes it soothing |
Ever thought about turning everyday stuff into art? That’s what junk journaling is all about. Take those old ticket stubs, magazine pages, and pretty papers you’ve been saving and turn them into something new. It’s like giving your memories a second life – plus, it’s a great way to work through your feelings while making something beautiful.
Before you grab your art supplies, take a moment to sit outside. Feel the fresh air, then let nature guide your creativity. Try sketching the plants around you, pressing flowers between pages, or making prints with leaves. It’s simple, relaxing, and something you can do whenever you need a break from the daily grind.
Set aside specific time for your therapeutic art projects, just like you would for a doctor’s appointment or work meeting. Studies from the Art Therapy Credentials Board show that people get the most benefits when they make art regularly. Start with 15-30 minutes each day – maybe while sipping your morning coffee or during lunch.
“Art therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a therapeutic and healing process.” – Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. (ATCB)
Pick a time that works best for you and focus on simple activities that make you feel good, not stressed.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to create masterpieces. All you need is a sketchbook and a pen to get going. Here are some easy ways to begin:
| Activity | Time Needed | Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Doodles | 5-10 mins | One pen, paper |
| Color Swatches | 15 mins | Markers, journal |
| Simple Patterns | 10-20 mins | Pencil, paper |
Instead of seeing art as another task on your to-do list, weave it into what you already do. Draw a flower while your coffee brews. Add little sketches to your shopping lists. Doodle during your morning tea. Make it easy on yourself – keep your art supplies where you can see them, like on your desk or kitchen counter.
Want to feel more relaxed? Grab some art supplies. You don’t need to be Picasso to benefit from making art.
Simple activities like jotting down your thoughts or sketching leaves can help you unwind. The key? Keep your supplies where you can see them – maybe that’s a sketchbook on your coffee table or some markers by your desk.
Here’s what makes art so good at melting stress away:
| Activity | What It Does | How Long It Takes |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker Journaling | Helps you slow down and organize thoughts | 15-20 mins |
| Mandala Drawing | Gets you in the zone | 15-45 mins |
Remember: making therapeutic art projects isn’t about creating masterpieces. It’s about expressing yourself and finding peace. Start small – maybe doodle during your morning coffee or jot down your thoughts before bed.
As you play with different colors and patterns, pay attention to what makes you feel good. Some people might love bold reds and yellows, while others find peace in soft blues and greens. That’s the beauty of it – your art practice is as personal as your fingerprint.
Just pick up that pen or brush and see what happens. The more you do it, the more natural it’ll feel – and the calmer you’ll become.
Stickers Made for Planning
Our custom stickers are a fuss-free way to brighten up your planner pages with perfectly-sized designs that add a spark of personality to every layout.
Why use planner stickers?
Planner stickers make organizing easy, fun, and personal! Add color, creativity, and structure to every page, transforming your planner into a tool that reflects you. Perfect for tracking, decorating, and staying inspired daily!
Hello and welcome!
I’m Rachael Snow, a lifelong artist and entrepreneur, and I started Dark Moon Paper to blend my love of art, technology, and the mysterious beauty of the world around us. My sticker kits are meant to set the mood, tell a story, and give you a little escape from the ordinary.
I work from my cozy studio tucked away in the beautiful woods of Oregon, surrounded by nature and a dark night sky full of stars.
