~
With colored pencils,
and uncolored scenes,
an experience begins.
Let the kid in you surface,
with a still mind,
escape to a magical place.
Without intrusion or restriction,
your free to explore,
a creation becomes yours.
~
You might have heard about the new pastime – Adult Coloring Books. I recently learned about this hobby from two friends. Thanks to them, my interest was piqued. I found myself looking at some coloring books and decided to give it a try. I am glad I did.
I remember, when I was young, sitting down at the kitchen table with a coloring book and the biggest box of Crayola crayons I could get my hands on. It was a favorite inside activity and one enjoyed alone. I haven’t colored since and to be honest, didn’t even give it a thought. Until now.
Sitting here thinking about this post, I did a search on Adult Coloring Books and you wouldn’t believe how many web-sites there are dedicated to this hobby.
Sites speaking about the health benefits, about whats the big deal, how long has it been popular, where did it originate (Europe), why are these books becoming best selling items in places such as Barnes and Noble, or why 8 of the 20 best selling books on Amazon are Adult Coloring Books, and the list going on.
Interesting isn’t it, in an environment where we can’t seem to escape the technology that surrounds us, this simple activity becomes so popular. And peaceful.
Here’s one story published 12/30/2015 explaining its appeal…
The Coloring Book I chose; Birds go figure!
Since purchasing my first Adult Coloring Book last month, I have completed six pages. I show these pages, so you can see the intricate designs that most of these books offer and maybe to pique your interest. Its not how or what I remember coloring when I was a kid! Its more fun!
You’re free to choose real or magical.
Wolf Song Blog 
Wow, when I went to Ohio this Thanksgiving, my youngest daughter presented me with an Adult coloring book like hers, so we could color together! I am having a ball doing it. I’m glad these came into being. I still have a 64 box of crayons, which I have used in my quilting.
Who knew?!!!
Anne Marie, I feel so disconnected from your life since you moved! I am so glad to hear you traveled to Ohio to visit with your kids; I hope they are all doing well along with the grandkids! Glad to hear you are enjoying coloring, but it fits right in with your amazing talent!
Who knew is right!!
Love and hugs sent to you from many miles away!!
I miss you too, and am trying to stay connected as much as possible. Each day you post, I swoon over the clarity and beauty of your photographs of your beloved birds. I hope to get to CO some time this year on a visit. I will let you know if I do. In the meantime, happy motoring, and sending love back to you…
Those are beautiful Shelia! I do enjoy coloring . It definitely relaxes my mind. I have three coloring books and just started coloring in them last month.
It’s wonderful!
Thanks Annie! I would have bet you enjoyed this hobby as well. With your art and quilting! Can’t wait to see what you have done and maybe we can have a “color” day. Lisa is one that got me started.
I heard y’all had a blast today playing Pickleball! You guys are So dedicated, playing in such cold weather. Wish I was there!! Don’t know however if I could have played in those temps! 💜
Yes pickle ball was fun!! It really wasn’t that cold since we were so active. The snow banks actually kept the balls from going too far if we hit them goofy!
Wished you could have been there.
Ok, you’ve piqued my interest. I like the idea of birds and yours are really pretty.
Hi Ingrid! Knowing what beautiful photos you take, I bet your natural talent and eye in taking photos would come through putting colors together with coloring. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I do know that you can print single pages off the internet.
Always nice to hear from you. Beautiful family photo on your blog!!!
Well, how cool is this. Anne Marie meet Annie. Annie meet Anne Marie. Yawl have something else in common – quilting!! Artist at heart!
Glad to meet you Anne Marie!! How funny-that is my name too!!!! Anne Marie Therese actually 😀(Although I’ve always been called Annie)
I saw one of your quilts at Shelia’s-stunning!!!
Thank you so much. I do enjoy the challenge with fabric. And I am happy to meet you and know that there is a fellow quilter coloring books with me. It has inspired me to be more cavalier in my color composition these days!
Beautiful Sheila! Here I thought I was the only one into this! There were some awesome books at Bath Landscape/Nursery. The pictures were on a paper that one colors and hangs in the window, much like stained glass. Bought them for the kids and when I babysat Emery Kiana, we had a ‘coloring’ time. It’s addicting, though she didn’t stay in the lines, so cute.
Good Morning Gale! Thanks for your sweet comment. I bet it was fun to color with Emery!
We will have to visit Bath during the spring to see what they have, sounds interesting!
Glad to hear you have taken up this hobby!
TTMB
I always enjoy coloring with my grand kids so when I first read about it I knew it was for me. I studied all the books at Barnes and Noble and brought home one I thought I’d like. I really enjoy the coloring but I’m not crazy about the book I got. It’s ok but I love your bird book!
Hi Beth, I think it would be hard to pick a really good book. I was lucky, because this book was featured at B&N and I love birds. I think you would enjoy this book!
Post a photo of one of your pages!
I’ll check out b&n this week. I already found it on amazon. Not sure if my coloring pages are post worthy lol
I’ve been back in forth about getting a coloring book. We even went into a Michael’s a couple months ago for me to get one. What I really want is a box of 64 crayons:) I LOVE all those colors! But a friend who colors said the crayons wouldn’t work because the spaces are too small. But I like the box colored pencils you have. Looks like the same wide color selection. Our daughter suggested I print off a couple pages and get a smaller box of pencils to give it a try. I think this will be my process to start. So glad you decided to share this idea in a post. I understand Adult Coloring has become quite the rage, as you said. You are off to a beautiful start with your coloring:)
Your opening poem is lovely!
Hi Pam! Thanks for your sweet words! I would definently recommend the colored pencils. I tried a pack of crayons and I didn’t like using them at all. Of course they were not quality ones. The pencils allow for fine detail coloring.
Go for it girl! Pick a book of something you truly love and some good quality pencils and you will be hooked!!
Thanks, Sheila! I am going to give it a try:)
Let me know when you do; I hope you like coloring!
What Pam said is so funny! I have always ( well, since Joe and I have been married) gotten a box of 64 crayons and books in my Christmas stocking. I LOVE to color! I have read about the Adult Coloring books, but never took it seriously…until now. Next trip out just might have to be to the hobby store! Birds would definitely be at the top of my list for choices as well.
Gay, wonderful to hear from you! Wishing you and Joe the very best of this new year!
I would try a BN if you have one near! Take a look at the Bird book by Georgie Woolridge!!