Art Therapy Supplies for Moms: The Complete Starter Kit (What to Buy & Where)
As an expressive art therapist working with moms online and in-person, I get asked this question constantly: "What supplies do I need?"
Before our first session, here's what to grab. Keep it simple - you don't need much and you definitely don't need to spend a fortune.
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?
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! ⬇
Work with Me: Art as Therapy for Moms
I'm currently accepting new clients for art as therapy (Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan - covered by benefits for RSW services) and creative coaching (rest of Canada).
📞 Book a free 20-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit
📥 Download my free Creative Check-In - A 5-minute daily practice for moms
💚 Join The Motherload Membership - Community + monthly creative practices
