What to Look For When Picking An Adult Coloring Book
When I was a child I loved to color and would get quite creative in my approach. My Mom would sit beside me, we would open the book, and each color one of the pages. I must say I was quite delighted when Adult Coloring Books became the IN thing.
I was quite impressed with the artists selections that are on the market. I still love to color as an adult and wasn’t fortunate to have a child that liked to color so I missed out on that whole experience. But now, the patterns and style are extraordinary and definitely made for adults. They are works of art for sure.
I’ve been looking for quite some time for the perfect book and finally found it “Whimsical Gardens”. It fit my style and had several pages that appealed to me. I already had my favorite colored pencils at home so I couldn’t wait to get there and start coloring.
First I had to pour over the pages and find which print I would start on first, that was quite a decision in itself. I had to pick a page that matched my mood at the time to get the creativity flowing. I’m not one to start at the beginning and work my way to the back, I pick what strikes my fancy at that time and go from there.
You can use anything you like to color with, pencils, watercolor, markers, or crayons. I like to use a good quality colored pencil, they are blendable and buildable making my work look like a true print not a coloring book page. I feel like pencils have a sharper point to get into tight spaces too.
Here’s a few tips that will come in handy when looking for a coloring book:
- Make sure you look through all the pages before purchasing to ensure you like most every page. These range in price from $5 to $25 so be picky before purchasing.
- Make sure the print is one sided, you don’t want designs on both sides of the page.
- If you’re coloring the pages to use as frameable art make sure the page is a standard size for framing.
- Make sure the pages are perforated for clean removal.
- Consider the person you are purchasing for and pick what they will like not what’s your favorite.
I would also consider purchasing a clipboard, it makes for an inexpensive easel for coloring your page. Now get coloring and send me pic of what you’re working on.
Just a quick note to say…I’m addicted to these coloring books they relieve stress and I so enjoy spending the time alone doing something I love. It may seem juvenile but I’m getting a kick out of how much fun coloring is. Also my friend Linda clued me in on this free link to get coloring pages sent to your email inbox, it’s a great way to give a new hobby a try.
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Good morning from chilly Virginia! Such a lovely post about coloring books, xox I recently purchased a couple of the coloring books by Johanna Basford, and she mentions some pencils in this article. LOVE her books, and the paper used on them does not bleed through to the other side. Guess the quality of paper is something else to look for when purchasing a coloring book. Don’t you just love that someone started doing these wonderful books for we adults? xox
http://www.inquisitr.com/2415953/best-coloring-pencils-for-adults-coloring-books-uncover-the-best-coloring-pencils-for-adult-coloring-books/
Diane, I do love that this is such a new thing that some incredible people thought up. I will give your link a look-see thanks for sharing:)
That’s the same book I picked Dawn, and posted about it a little while ago. Did you know you can go to the Dover page and sign up for a weekly email that gives you free samples of all their colouring books. My friend Luci told me about on my colouring post. Give it a try.
Linda great minds think alike. Thank you for the Dover tip, I will head on over and sign up.
Linda Im adding the link you suggested to this post so others can find the free pages 🙂
That’s a good idea Dawn. I have the link on my post as well, http://www.craftygardener.ca/love-colouring/
Linda I signed up so can’t wait to get some for free.
I really need to check these out. I too loved to color for hours and have colored with Leila when I have her.
Kim if you love to color you will have a great time with these books. You better put one on your list to Santa.
Never knew these books existed. What a great idea and a great idea for framing them. Always a learning curve at your blog!!!
Debbie you will need to get one you will fall in love with coloring all over again.
I saw these quite awhile ago but haven’t bought one yet. I was thinking it would be a fun snow day activity. Thanks for the info.
Becky that would be a great snow day thing to do. You will get hooked for sure.
Hi Dawn,
I love these adults coloring books. I asked Santa for one this year. I am not sure what it is about coloring but it is so relaxing for me. I guess it is the inner child in me!!!! Have a great Friday and wonderful week end.
Kris
Kris, it is relaxing and addictive. I just got a new book tonight. I didn’t need it but I love the scenes so I had to have it.
Just got a coloring book today for my birthday ! Can’t wait to start coloringG
Anita Happy Birthday and you will love the coloring book, Im sure.
There are so many fun coloring books out there these days. We leave for our family Christmas vacation in less than 2 weeks and the only crafts I am taking are my doodling supplies. I am looking forward to nights of doodling and coloring.
Carol that sounds like such fun, just coloring and creating beautiful artwork. Enjoy your vacation.
Dawn, as a teacher, I have colored numerous things for bulletin boards and for learning centers! I actually found great pleasure in working on those things and wondered if it was a bit strange for an adult to find it so calming and relaxing. Now I’m glad to know that lots of other adults are enjoying it as well.
Jane yes we are it’s such a fun hobby. I just purchased another book yesterday!
Hi Dawndie! Oh, this looks like fun! I’ve been seeing some of these around. Of course it helps if you can color and stay inside the lines! 🙂 Yours looks wonderful! Thanks for popping in to see me and I hope you’re doing well.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
Shelia I still can stay in the lines, lol.
These are such a great idea. I love to color. xo Laura
Laura I think many of us love to color so it’s a good thing these books were made.
I love that particular book!…..Great coloring Dawn!
Shirley you must have it too?