A common misconception about Art Therapy is that you have to be good at art!
To help de-bunk this myth, we’ve helped by listing 14 Art Therapy Activities easy enough to do at home!
So invite your creative side out to dance with these art therapy ideas…
1. Design a postcard
Have something to say? Give your words extra dimension by literally decorating them yourself. Writing to a person who caused you pain? Consider burning or otherwise destroying the postcard when you’re finished, as a symbol of your decision to move forward.
2. Give thanks with cards of your own
Focus on words and thoughts of gratitude, of your own design. Consider offering thanks to those helping you through current troubles, or those who have helped you in the past. Already said “thanks” in person? A card is nice way to let folks know that they made a lasting impact.
3. Cut and paste a collage
Not sure what to do with those advertisements and circulars scattered around the house? Take a pair of scissors to them, and let your imagination run wild. If you are seeking encouragement in a particular area – love, finances, body image, and so on – zero in on images that cause you to feel uplifted and positive, or ones that embody your goals.
4. Draw in response to music
Music is a form of art that is often said to move souls. Energise, relax, and otherwise give attention to yours by simply putting a pen or pencil to paper and moving it as the rhythm dictates.
5. Bring motivational quotes to life
Do you have a phrase or saying that makes you feel uplifted? Cut the words out of magazines and arrange an encouraging display. Take the words of wisdom from someone else and turn them into something visually inspiring.
6. Move those magnetic words around.
There is art in manipulating the written word, too. Tap into your inner poet and give yourself something nice to read every time you open the refrigerator door, with fridge art.
7. Colour it real
Select colored pencils in accordance with what draws you the most. Don’t overanalyse or think too much about what your choices might “mean.” By taking a second look at your art after it is created, you may gain valuable insight into your underlying feelings.
8. Put together a journal.
Journals don’t have to just be based around words. You can make an art journal as well, that lets you visually express your emotions.
9. Paint a mountain and a valley.
The mountain can represent a time where you were happy, the valley, when you were sad. Add elements that reflect specific events as well.
10. Attach a drawing or message to a balloon.
Send away negative emotions or spread positive ones by attaching a note or drawing to a balloon and setting it free.
11. Finger paint.
Finger painting isn’t just fun for kids– adults can enjoy it as well. Get your hands messy and really have fun spreading paint around.
12. Draw yourself as a warrior.
Start thinking about yourself as a strong, capable person by drawing yourself as a warrior in this activity.
13. Color in a design.
Sometimes, the simple act of coloring can be a great way to relax. Find a coloring book or download a mandala for coloring.
14. Draw your vision of a perfect day.
Think about what constitutes a perfect day to you and draw or paint it. What about this drawing can you make happen today?
Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” It’s no surprise, then, that many people around the world use art as a means to deal with stress, trauma and unhappiness – or to just find greater peace and meaning in their lives. If you’re curious about what art therapy has to offer, you can try out some of these great solo exercises at home.
Remember – Don’t allow yourself to judge your work. After all, there’s no way to fail and no right way to make art. Just draw, paint or sculpt until your heart’s content.
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