Adult Coloring Books

Have you tried the adult coloring books? They are gaining in popularity. They claim to help you color your way to calm, focus, and relax. I was very interested, so I put "Adult Coloring Book" on my Christmas List. Now, I'm a believer!

When I first heard about adult coloring books, I did a double-take. Exactly what are they, and what is the difference between adult coloring books and traditional kids' coloring books?

First introduced in 2012, adult coloring books contain stress relieving patterns, and they are printed on heavier paper than traditional coloring books. Mine is printed on only 1 side of the page, making it easy to use markers as well as crayons, and/or colored pencils. The images also contain bolder, wider black lines. Mine contains perforated pages which are easily removed, making the finished page easy to display. 

Here's some claims that I have read related to the benefits of adult coloring books:

• Soothes Stress
• Enhances well-being
• May reduce blood pressure
• Contains stress-relieving patterns
• Lifts your mood and reduces anxiety
• Can be used as a type of meditation
• Triggers relaxation response
• Helps you become more calm
• Helps you focus and relax your mind

I have seen them at an outlet store, craft store, Walmart, and even a grocery store. Here's some of the ways they are displayed in stores:

My adult coloring book was a Christmas present from my husband, along with a set of washable markers, CraZArt SuperTip Markers.

I especially like the variety of pages in my book. Besides the pattern pages, mine includes animals, gardens, paisleys, and more.

I did feel very relaxed as I starting coloring my first page, and I was very pleased with how smoothly the markers went on the page. 

After I colored my first page, I filled in the background with Cray-Pas and used a piece of napkin to blend. I also darkened some of the swirls in the design with a darker blue for a 3-D effect. 

Note: Cray-Pas is a combination crayon and pastel. Unlike chalk, the colors "set" without a fixative. Cray-Pas can be found at craft shops.

Here's my first finished page. I haven't decided how I will display it, but I am pleased with how it turned out.

I bought a similar coloring book that is designated for kids on Amazon for granddaughter Mia for Christmas. Hers is printed on both sides, and she is using colored pencils on her pictures. 

I definitely recommend the adult coloring books. Besides all the claims listed above, I will add my own recommendations:

• It made me feel artistic!
• It would be beneficial for someone recovering from an illness or accident, or for someone who may be limiting activities and needs something easy and fun to do.
• Unlike many crafts, it's easy to "pick up" and "put down". When you return, it's easy to start again.
• It requires few materials, making it great to take to appointments, on trips, etc.
• The bold, wide lines are also beneficial for someone who may vision issues.
• The books are relatively inexpensive, usually ranging in price from $5.00 to $10.00.

My first "Masterpiece"!