Hello to all the busy moms out there juggling kids, work, and life! Ever feel like you’re always on the go, with no time left for yourself? You’re far from alone. But what if I told you that reclaiming a piece of ‘me-time’ is easier than you think and it doesn’t require expensive art supplies or an uninterrupted afternoon?
This blog introduces you to the simple but transformative practice of eraser drawing. Using just charcoal and an eraser, this quick exercise lets you not only create but also find a moment’s peace, no matter how busy your day is.
Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
The Mental Health Benefits of this exercise:
- Reframing Your Mind:
Sometimes, stress makes our minds a blank slate, but other times it fills us with darkness. This exercise, much like life, is about finding light within that darkness. - Mindfulness:
Focusing on your eraser strokes brings you into the present, taking your mind off stress and allowing it to relax. - Release of Perfectionism:
With this exercise, there’s no right or wrong. You are erasing away, literally subtracting rather than adding. It teaches you that taking away can be just as creative and liberating as adding, easing the pressure to be perfect. - Fostering Creativity:
Creativity isn’t always about adding elements; it’s about understanding the value of absence as well. This can be incredibly freeing and spark new ways of thinking.
Supplies used:
Bristol paper (BeCreativeShop), charcoal pencil (Winsor & Newton), standard eraser, kneaded eraser (Faber-Castell), eraser pencil (Pentel), and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
Don’t have charcoal? You can also use a pencil, preferably as soft as possible (something with a number and a B, the higher the number, the softer the pencil). You also don’t need different kinds of erasers. If you have them, it’s fun to experiment, but a standard eraser is good enough.
Step 1: Create your black canvas
Before you start, take a deep breath. Let go of any thoughts that have been troubling you.
Grab your charcoal or soft pencil and fill the entire page with black. Don’t worry about it being perfectly even. The idea is to cover the paper as best you can.
You don’t have to be precise; it can even be a perfect moment to let out some frustration.
Step 2: Erase to create
Now, here comes the fun part! Take your eraser and begin drawing on the black canvas. You can draw simple shapes, doodles, or even a scene—whatever your heart desires.
Step 3: Have fun
Feel free to experiment with different eraser strokes. You can try dabbing, rubbing, or even twisting the eraser to get different effects.
Don’t rush through this process. Take a few deep breaths and enjoy each stroke as you erase the black to reveal your design.
Once you’re done, take a moment to look at your work. Reflect on how this reversal of creating—erasing instead of drawing—felt for you.
So moms, the next time you find yourself with a quiet moment (even if it’s just a short one), why not try this exercise? It’s a simple but effective way to destress and flip your perspective.
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my Hair-like pattern exercise.
