012 | How to be Creative as a Mom
Hobbies You Can Do with a Toddler Around
Listen to the Podcast:
It seems like every time I have a baby, I feel this strong desire to create and do something with my hands. Maybe it’s all the extra time sitting around and healing postpartum, or maybe it’s just that need to reconnect with myself and feel like a person again.
With each pregnancy and new baby, I seem to start something new or get a fresh burst of creative energy. But as moms, especially with little ones running around, we have to be strategic with our creative habits. We need hobbies that require minimal supplies, are easy to pack away, and can fit into the little pockets of time we get.
If you’re feeling that creative urge but don’t know where to start, here are five of my favorite creative hobbies that work well for moms.
A Few Ground Rules Before We Start
Before I jump into the list, I want to lay out a few important things to remember about creative hobbies:
You don’t have to be good at it for it to have value. The goal isn’t to create something spectacular—it’s about using your hands, enjoying yourself, and feeling like a person. It’s okay to be bad at it at first. Just have fun!
You don’t have to monetize your hobby. If you want to turn it into a side hustle, that’s great! But there’s also value in creating just for the joy of it, even if no one else ever sees it.
You’re not limited to this list. There are so many ways to be creative in motherhood—whether it’s decorating your home, making beautiful meals, arranging flowers, or dressing your kids in adorable outfits. If something fills your cup, do it!
Now, let’s get into the list.
1. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a great hobby for moms because it only requires a few supplies—a calligraphy pen (this one is my favourite) and paper. You can do it anywhere, whether you're sitting on the couch with a hard surface or at the table while your kids are coloring.
There are tons of free resources online to help you get started. One of my favorites is The Happy Ever Crafter. She offers a free program to get started. Once you get the hang of it, calligraphy is a practical skill you can use to create beautiful Bible verse art, handmade cards, or even simple lettering projects.
2. Watercolor Painting
I’ve always considered myself creative but not necessarily artistic. That’s why I love watercolor—it doesn’t have to be perfect! I just paint flower-like shapes, doodle little designs, and sometimes pair it with calligraphy to write out verses.
Watercolor is also one of the best painting options for moms because it dries quickly, so you can start and stop whenever needed. Ruth Chou Simons, the author of GraceLaced, started watercoloring when her kids were little because she needed something she could easily set down and pick back up. If you want to try painting, this is a great option! I got started with this watercolour set.
3. Blogging
Blogging is such a good creative outlet because you can do it in little snippets of time, even from your phone. When I first started, I would write blog posts using voice-to-text or record my thoughts and transcribe them later.
Writing is such a great way to process your thoughts and share encouragement with others. Even if you never publish a single post, there is value in writing for yourself. But if you’re interested in blogging and don’t know where to start, I have a list of 100 blog post ideas for Christian moms—sign up below!
And if you prefer talking over writing, podcasting is another great option. I started podcasting because I was already recording my blog posts, and I love how personal it feels to speak directly to you with my voice.
4. Crocheting
I come from a family of knitters, but I personally love crocheting. Unlike knitting, you only have one stitch on your hook at a time, so you don’t have to worry about dropping a bunch of stitches and ruining your project (even if you get distracted)! The supplies are also super simple. All you need is a hook and a ball of yarn.
Crochet projects are also small and portable, making them easy to work on whenever you have a few spare moments. I started with simple granny squares and learned through YouTube tutorials. If you’re looking for a relaxing and satisfying hobby, crocheting is a great option.
5. Embroidery
Embroidery is another easy-to-start, low-cost hobby. I got my first kit on Amazon for around $15, and it came with everything I needed. It’s a slow-paced, relaxing activity that you can easily set down and pick back up later.
Of course, be careful with needles around little ones! But if you want a creative hobby that’s easy to do in short bursts of time, embroidery is a great choice.
What’s Your Favorite Creative Hobby?
I’d love to hear from you! Are you excited to try one of these hobbies, or do you have another creative outlet that works well as a mom?
If you’re thinking about blogging or podcasting, I especially love chatting with other women who are starting their online journey. It took me so long to get started because of all the doubts and fears, but I’m so passionate about seeing other moms thrive in this space. Email me at hello@micaela.ca. I would love to connect!
If this post (or episode) blessed you, subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and please share it with a friend who needs it. Thanks for being here!
