Trendspotting: Adult Coloring Books
Okay, by now you have probably seen the adult coloring books. Can I start by saying I LOVE them? Now that that’s out of the way, let me tell you why.
First of all, coloring is awesome. As a kid coloring made the short-list of my favorite activities (along with Barbies and re-arranging my room of course). In case you were wondering—I did stay inside the lines. 🙂
Secondly, coloring is relaxing. Some scientists even equate coloring as effective as therapy! How’s that for a cheap therapy session? It really has helped me zone out a bit and allow my mind to just focus on colors and shapes rather than my to-do list.
Thirdly, coloring fuels my desire to create things in a very simple, easy, portable and inexpensive ways. As you all know, I love my arts and crafts. BUT—sometimes those projects can be messy and as someone who stops to take photos of each step, they aren’t always quick. With coloring you can spend 5 minutes or 5 hours filling in the shapes and designs on each page.
I have started quite the collection of coloring books. Here are my favorites (this post contains affiliate links):
Splendid Cities: Color Your Way to Calm
There are TONS more! You can check out hundreds right here.
As far as supplies go, there are a bunch of different options as to what you can actually color with. With any of these items I’d suggest you do a test on one of the back sheets to make sure there’s no bleed through to the other page (especially with sharpies and other pigmented markers).
Colored pencils (starter set / pro set)
Inktense pencils (my favorite!)
I use the Inktense pencils with mine. They are a colored pencil that is also water-soluble meaning I can add a tiny bit of water and make the colors even more vivid or give them a whole new effect. I can also blend. I use a water brush with mine to control the amount of water added. I add a very, very little—too much and the page wrinkles!
If you are thinking about giving adult coloring a try but don’t want to commit to an entire book, a bunch of talented people have put out free coloring pages. I found all of these on Pinterest, and all are linked to the original source. Please visit the source for the download! 🙂
So what are you waiting for! Pick up your crayons and let’s have some art therapy! 🙂
Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.
Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.
I have been meaning to pick up one of these coloring books while I have been out. I used to love coloring when I was younger and even just a few years ago I would still randomly grab a coloring book from the kids section hehe. No shame in my coloring game.
Yes! Cannot agree more on the meditative and calming aspect of coloring! my favorite part of any art project is exactly that – adding the colors, blending! It’s so incredibly relaxing!
My friends have been obsessing over these…they seem to be everywhere now! I love coloring, so this sounds right up my alley!
I’m so obsessed with coloring. I think I colored at least 75% of my long weekend.
I have been wanting to try the coloring pages since I need a LOT of theray! Lol. I am concerned about being able to color with my arthritis. Getting a few free pages will answer that question. I found my colored pencils, pens, markets, and crayons, so I’m ready for this creative venture.
I love the printable options! I usually knit which is relaxing because it’s repetitive but I feel like this requires a bit more concentration which is perfect for when your mind is racing!