When the world gets you down - relax in the calm this activity brings
Allow yourself a safe and non-judgmental space to explore this simple activity. Encourage yourself (and any other participants) to reflect on their art and connect it to what is causing the anxious thoughts. This can lead to valuable insights and personal growth.
Next time you find yourself feeling anxious over things out of your control, try this art activity.
Supplies: Scissors, glue, handful of scrap construction various colored paper, acrylic paint, white card stock paper, various paint brushes
Step 1: Grab an old cereal box or another type of flimsy cardboard from the recycling or trash bin.
Trim it into a piece that is at least 7in x 9in, then cut it into 6 to 9 pieces. 
Step 2: Paint your smaller cardboard pieces. Paint these pieces a solid color, or something simple like polka dots, stripes, be sure to cover the cardboard with paint. Set aside to dry.
Step 3: While the pieces are drying, get to work cutting up the colored paper. Cut the paper into tiny shapes. These shapes will become collage pieces onto the cardboard pieces.
Step 4: Time to glue! It's ok if the cardboard pieces aren't entirely dry. Start by laying out the pieces of paper into recognizable icons or simple abstract images. Assign each cardboard piece a different image / design. 
Step 5: Layout the finished cardboard pieces onto the clean white piece of cardstock paper. Nest them in the center of the paper so the cardboard pieces are overlapping / very close to each other. Glue them onto the white cardstock paper. Sign your name on the paper with a pencil in the lower righthand corner.
*NOTE if you are doing this with a team or family/friends, we suggest to trade one cardboard piece each so your finished piece is a collaboration of the group. This fosters connection and furthers emotion-focused conversation. 
Tah-dah! You're done artist. How do you feel?
Art by Encinitas House of Art Guests