A to Z Challenge: “C”oloring books for adults
I first learned about adult coloring books at the gift shop, Linden Leaf Gifts, where I work. I like to doodle but I don’t have any particular artistic talent in painting or drawing. I liked the idea but to be honest, I thought it would be a waste of time. After all, I’d only be doing it for me, not to sell or even benefit anyone else. The reviews I read about them recommended them for relaxation, getting your mind off of worries and people even use them for/during prayer, to help focus your mind.
I need something to do in the evenings while my husband, Joe, and I watch TV, that doesn’t require a lot of brain power. This is so I don’t snack incessantly. In the winter months I quilted and knit but I needed a change. I then ran across the coloring books again and bought a few along with colored pencils. What did I have to lose? If it keeps me from snacking, maybe a few pounds?
The next dilemma was which picture to color first. Many of them are quite detailed and really pretty. What if I used colors that looked awful? Then I’d just waste some really neat designs.
I began to see this was a much bigger issue than just coloring books. All of a sudden I wanted to be the best adult coloring book artist EVER (okay, not really). But, I suddenly felt pressure to do a good job, pick the right design, use the right colors, etc. I had 50 colored pencils but suddenly I didn’t have enough to do the intricate designs and shading that were in my head.
This was the exact opposite of how these books were intended. I half wondered if they had coloring books for type “A” personalities, that gave detailed instructions on what colors to use, what techniques were best to create shadow and highlight. Was there a website that you’d submit the finished product to, to receive your grade? Were there master’s degrees in such things?
This became a good exercise for me to do something just to relax. I wasn’t going to use it in a presentation, or to submit to a juried gallery opening or even necessarily show anyone. I wanted to do it for me, for fun. What a novel concept! I’m not especially good (or bad) at it and that’s okay! It is very enjoyable and I highly recommend it. I think I’ve even lost a few pounds!
P.S. Here are a few of the coloring books that I have: Cats & Quilts by Jason Hamilton, Country Scenes by Creative Haven and the one that includes the two designs here, Beauty in the Bible by Paige Tate.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
10 Comments
Keith, s/v Sionna
Oh that type “A” quandary! Is it worth doing if I’m not producing something of value? But relaxation HAS value! To our health, humility, our relationships… Good for you for giving it a go!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Yes, relaxation is so important. Congratulations on the challenge. I appreciate your visit to my blog.
Karen
I actually gave some adult coloring books as a retirement gift to someone recently. I love the concept and they are supposed to be great for relaxation. I’m fascinated by the concept. They’re really taking off too.
dmweiden@gmail.com
What a great idea for a retirement gift. How thoughtful of you! I’m amazed that there is a booming market for these but I see how they can become a bit addictive.
Ineke Kruger
Coloring books are very relaxing! I scrap 2
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting my blog. I look forward to visiting yours again, too.
Sarina
It’s great that you are doing something just for fun. Just for fun is needed. 🙂
dmweiden@gmail.com
I agree! Thanks for the visit to my blog!
Jennifer Amerkhanov
This post made me laugh out loud – the pressure! It’s true, I’m the same way. It’s a bit stressful to figure out what colors to use where to get exactly the look you want, especially with very intricate patterns. You make some great points – coloring prevents you from snacking and it’s a good alternative for people like me who don’t knit to have something to do while we listen to audio books. Great post!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks again for the visit! Audio books – that’s a great idea too. For some reason I can’t listen to them and drive (well).