Mom’s Guide to Watercolor Patterns

Let’s explore watercolor patterns to help you relax and find calm as a mom.

As busy moms, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with endless tasks and responsibilities. Taking time for creative self-care can be a wonderful way to unwind and recharge.

Today, I’m excited to share a fun and relaxing art exercise that combines the soothing qualities of watercolor with the mindful practice of drawing patterns. Let’s dive in!

Why this exercise is helpful

Stress Relief: The fluidity of watercolors can be incredibly relaxing. Watching the colors blend and flow together helps to release tension and stress.

Mindfulness: Focusing on the movement of the water and colors brings your attention to the present moment, encouraging a state of mindfulness.

Meditative Effect: Repetitive motions like drawing patterns can induce a meditative state, helping to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.

Creativity Boost: Engaging in creative activities stimulates different areas of the brain, boosting your mood and enhancing cognitive function

Balanced Activity: This exercise combines the fluid, freeing nature of watercolors with the structured, repetitive act of drawing patterns. It offers a balanced activity that’s both relaxing and creatively stimulating.

Have fun with these watercolor patterns, mom! Please let me know if you’ve tried it; I would love to see it.

You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown

Supplies used:

300grs Watercolor paper (Fabriano), black fineliner (Tombow mono twin permanent marker), watercolor mineral marvels (Daniel Smith), paint brush (da Vinci), washi tape (MT) (not pictured).

Alternative supply suggestions:

Don’t have any watercolor? Maybe you can use some of your kids’ paint? If that’s not possible, use any supplies you have: colored pencils, crayons, markers, etc.

Instructions for creating watercolor patterns:

Step 1 – Prepare your page

Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, bring yourself to the present, away from all the day-to-day stress.

Start by taping the edges of your watercolor paper with washi tape to create a clean border.

Use additional strips of washi tape to create random shapes and sections in the middle of the page. Don’t worry about making them straight; the organic look adds to the charm.

Step 2 – Add watercolor

Wet your entire page with a clean brush and water. This will help the colors blend smoothly.

Choose your favorite watercolors. Think about colors that calm you or make you happy. Apply the colors in different sections, letting them blend together naturally. Enjoy watching the colors merge and create beautiful effects.

Fill the entire page with color and let it dry completely.

Step 3 – Remove the washi tape

Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the washi tape to reveal the white spaces left behind. These blank areas are now ready to be filled with patterns.

Step 4 – Draw patterns

Using fine-tip pens or markers, start filling the white sections with patterns. You can try dots, stripes, spirals, waves, or any design that feels right to you. There’s no need for perfection; just let your creativity flow.

Take a moment to appreciate your creation. This exercise isn’t about producing a perfect piece of art but about enjoying the process and finding a moment of peace.

Creative self-care is a powerful tool for managing stress and maintaining mental health. By taking just a few minutes to engage in this watercolor and pattern drawing exercise, you’re giving yourself a gift of calm and creativity.

Remember, it’s not about the final product but about enjoying the process and finding joy in the little things. So, grab your supplies, and let’s get started!