Mess Free Stress Free Art

You know those times when you have all the time in the world to do whatever you wanted?

Yeah, me either...

I used to have time to myself, but after having two babies under 3 years old in a household locked away from social events (shout out to the global pandemic for that one), I’ve come to find that I can’t even make it through a shower without being disturbed.

Through this pandemic, I have learned the importance of mental health. I spend my entire day trading between running circles around a house and conversing with a two year old to making google eyes at a 3 month old. I have lost my sanity many times when those two are having not-so-happy days and I have limited adult interaction. I often find that the crafts and hobbies that once provided stress relief now add to the stress and chaos that comes with children. I’ve found that after pulling out supplies, stopping frequently to tend to the baby, watching the toddler waiting for a mess to happen, cleaning up the mess when it does, and entertaining the baby when she’s bored, I typically have added to the stress and exhaustion I was trying to relieve.

Now, I’m not saying I don’t enjoy spending time with my children. I LOVE MY BABIES and I am so grateful to get the time that I do with them, but just like anyone else, sometimes I just need “me time”, sometimes I just need an outlet to relieve the stresses of the day. And I finally found one.

Here comes the DISCOVERY OF A LIFETIME (at least for me!). I found a way to do art mess free, stress free, and sometimes with only one hand available! And BOY, it has been AMAZING! It’s free, I can paint WHATEVER, WHENEVER! AND YOU CAN DO IT TOO! No matter where you are on the spectrum, YOU CAN MAKE BEAUTIFUL ART AND SOOTHE YOUR SOUL AND IT WON’T COST YOU A PENNY!

- Touchscreen Device (android, apple, any product you can access an App Store)

-Stylus (or your fingers)

-Autodesk sketchbook App (it’s free!)

First thing you have to do is grab your device, go to the App Store and find the Autodesk Sketchbook App. Download the app and open it up!

*I’m told there is a desktop version for pcs as well, but I know nothing about the price or how to use it! But it’s definitely worth checking out!

After you have entered the program, you will be guided through a short and sweet user tutorial. Pay attention and get familiar with all of the bells and whistles.

You’ll need to create a “new sketch”. I typically think of the size of canvas I’d like to have in inches, then google the inches to pixels conversion. If you aren’t sure what size, I recommend going larger, with the free version of Autodesk you cannot change the size once you’ve started.

When I started, I just went through the quick tour and started playing with everything. BUT, thanks to the handy dandy YouTube there are 100’s of tutorials on things you can do with the app.

Here is a great starter one by one Mr. H if you’re interested:

Create layers, trace others art, make your own, add words, do anything your heart desires!

Try different brushes, colors, sizes and styles! Download and print your art if so desired, or just keep it on your device! It’s totally up to you!

I started by adding images and tracing until I could get a feel for the movement and style that I enjoyed.

Whether you’re a fan of straight lines or abstract designs, you’ll find something about this program that just draws you in. I have been amazed at how it has provided me a clean and easy to use medium to relieve stress and stay mentally hydrated.

It has fed my mind and soul in ways I never thought could happen at this stage of life. I know it can do the same for you! Give it a try! Let me know how you’ve enjoyed it and what you come up with in the comments!