Studio Files .18
creativity and motherhood. + a gift guide.
Creativity Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
Creativity has almost always been part of who I am. Not something I do, but something I need. It’s in my bones, in my brain, it keeps my hands moving and my eyes scanning. After becoming a mom, that creative calling became even stronger.
A calling to come back home to myself. To connect inwardly, to make things - just for me - with no expected outcome, or small human depending on my art.
This version of me that shows up when I’m creating is the most authentic me. The grounded, joyful, calm me. The me who laughs more easily, listens more closely, feels a bit more alive. And here’s the thing: that creative energy doesn’t just stay in the studio. It spills into every part of my life. I parent differently. I love differently. I live differently.
So consider this your permission slip. Your gentle nudge. Your case study. Your loud, loving reminder that creativity deserves a place in your life—most especially in motherhood.
Creativity is invaluable for motherhood as it carves out precious time for you to be your most authentic self.
Motherhood is beautiful, yes. And it’s also ALL consuming in the driving, form filling out, appointment booking, short-order cooking, helping-with-homework-ing... it’s easy to forget there’s a whole person inside you with her own passions, ideas, and dreams that aren’t scheduled on the family calendar.
When you carve out time to create—whether it's writing, dancing, painting, gardening, making jewelry or playlists or messes—you reconnect with the part of you that belongs to you. It's not selfish. It’s necessary. These sacred pockets of time are a gift to your mental health, your spirit, and honestly, to everyone around you. Because when you’re lit up, everything changes.
Embracing creativity models a powerful example for your children.
When your children see you making time for your creative life, they learn something powerful: creativity matters. Expression matters. They matter.
It doesn’t have to be formal or perfect. You’re showing them that curiosity is something to be celebrated. That trying, failing, exploring, and expressing are normal and good and human. That joy and imagination don’t have to stop just because we grow up.
This kind of modeling plants seeds. It teaches them to trust their voice, to value their ideas, to find courage in uncertainty.
Creativity builds connection—and makes room for play.
As adults, we tend to underestimate play. But our kids? It’s how they learn, grow, and understand the world.
When we step into creativity with them—building forts, painting rocks, making up stories or songs—we step into their world. And in doing that, we deepen the connection between us. These shared moments become memories. They become trust. They become the kind of closeness we all long for.
Plus, you get to see the world through their eyes again. And it’s beautiful (and more creative) there.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start painting again, or to take that dance class, or to dust off the journal, here it is.
You don’t have to wait for a free weekend or the perfect moment. Start small. Start messy. Start now.
Create something—just for you. Or with your kids. Or with your friends. But please, make something.
Your joy is reason enough.
one for her, one for you. a gift guide for moms and besties alike.
I love nothing more than giving personal, practical, timeless gifts. Items that can be used, again and again, that make a day brighter, cozier or more beautiful. I’ve put together a small sampling - perfect for Mother’s Day, or any girls gifting in the days ahead. Add your own hand painted card, and voila, gifting made easy!
"Embracing creativity models a powerful example for your children." Needed this pep talk today!! Can't wait to add all these goodies to my own wish list (and gift a few, of course ;)
My kids are in their early 20s now and both have creative hobbies. It’s so good to see that they have healthy outlets for stress, etc and I feel like we got at least that part of parenting right.