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Top 11 Mindful Art Books for Creativity and Self-Care - 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

In a world that often feels overwhelming, we all need tools to help us pause, reflect, and connect with our inner selves.

For me, books have been a lifeline—a source of comfort and inspiration for my self-care. Here are some of the best mindfulness and creativity books I’ve read that have deeply shaped my journey. I hope they inspire your mindful art path too!

Top 11 Mindfulness and Art Books:

1. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, is a classic. It introduced me to the concept of “morning pages,” which has become a daily ritual for clearing my mind and unlocking creativity.

2. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin

Rubin’s book, The Creative Act, shares insights on creativity as a way of life are deeply empowering. His book reminds me to approach art with curiosity and trust in the process.

3. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

This creativity book helped me explore my inner critic and push through resistance in both my art and life.

4. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

Tharp’s Creative Habit book and practical tips for cultivating creativity through routine were a game-changer, helping me prioritize my creative practices even on busy days.

5. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

Writing Down the Bones reveals the power of freewriting to explore emotions and ideas without judgment.

6. SoulCollage® Evolving by Seena Frost

As a Certified SoulCollage® Facilitator, I’ve found Seena Frost’s intuitive collage process to be profoundly healing and insightful. Her book, SoulCollage®: Evolving, is the ultimate resource for understanding the big-picture creation and philosophy behind this transformative practice.

If you’re excited to start making your cards, check out the SoulCollage® for Self-Care Online Course HERE.

This Course includes step-by-step guidance, videos, journaling prompts, and more. It’s the perfect way to explore this deeply creative and personal journey!

Plus, here’s a SoulCollage® Art Supply Kit with art supplies you can use in the Course to get started:

7. Collage Imagery Books by Catherine Anderson

These stunning collage imagery books provide gorgeous images for intuitive collaging, a powerful tool for exploring the subconscious mind.

8. Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

The Art & Fear book is a comforting reminder that the challenges we face in creating are universal and that showing up for our art is what matters most.

9. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert’s, Big Magic book and empowering words remind us to embrace creativity with joy and curiosity rather than fear.

10. Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy by Sally Atkins & Melia Snyder

This nature and expressive arts book beautifully integrates nature and art, deepening my connection with the earth and my creativity.

11. On Becoming an Artist by Ellen J. Langer

This mindful creativity book is an inspiring look at creativity as an essential part of mindfulness and presence.

These books have shaped my life in profound ways, and I hope they inspire you too. Whether you’re looking for creative self-care, emotional processing, or new ways to explore mindfulness, there’s something here for everyone.

Plus, if you’re looking for the best books or holiday gifts for book lovers in 2024, this is a great list to get you started!

Free Mindful Art Workbook:

Looking for a simple way to explore mindfulness and art now at home? You can use this free Mindful Art for Self-Care Workbook - Download HERE! It includes 10 pages of easy-to-follow mindful art ideas and prompts to help you get started right away.

What are your favorite books about creativity, art, or mindfulness?

I’d love to hear what books have inspired you! Please share your recommendations in comments below—let’s keep the inspiration flowing!

Disclaimer: Some books and art supplies are affiliate links, which means any purchases made will partially go towards Mindful Creative Muse™ at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping us create and share free mindful art content and resources!

HEALING THROUGH COLORS AND LINES: THE MAGIC OF MINDFUL ART JOURNALING

Mindful art journaling is like keeping a diary, but instead of just writing down words, you also use art to express how you’re feeling. It's a bit like art and meditation mixed together. Learn more…

Intuitive Collage and the Art of Self Care | SoulCollage® Tips

SoulCollage® and the Art of Self-Care

Many people are feeling overwhelmed with all of the uncertainty in the world, and with uncertainty comes stress. One of my favorite practices to de-stress and tap into my creativity is SoulCollage®.

What is SoulCollage®? It is an intuitive collage process created by Seena Frost that is easy for anyone to do (you don’t need any previous experience or a lot of art supplies). In the video below, I share SoulCollage® Card examples, information about this fun and intuitive collage making exercise, and the benefits of making SoulCollage® cards. SoulCollage® is also an inexpensive and simple creative self-care practice you can do at home.

MINDFUL ART JOURNALING PROMPTS FOR SOULCOLLAGE®:

Begin by setting an intention for your Self-Care card-making session (see below). I like to collaborate with chance by choosing images I feel drawn to without questioning why (or having a set idea or finished collage in mind). I enjoy trusting the process and then speaking or writing from the cards once they're complete. 

My Self-Care vision or my self-care intentions for the New Year (or for X amount of time), etc

Self-Care Cards and SoulCollage® Journaling Prompts: 
"I am one who..." and/or "The message I have for you is..." 

Shadow questions may also include:
"Why am I not practicing self-care?" or "What's holding me back from putting my self-care needs first?"

mindful-soul-collage-for-anxiety

I love that you can play with intuitive collage and mindful art journaling any time (whether you’re at home in your art studio, or in your office, etc). In my next post, I’ll be sharing a simple Life Balance Wheel that will help you “check in” with how you’re feeling regarding your self-care.

Curious to explore SoulCollage with a guided Online Mindful Art Retreat or Course? Learn more here.