Hands up who else loves colouring in books? It is such a relaxing way to wind down and has become really popular pastime for adults too. There are so many great books made especially for adults now and I have even seen Facebook groups popping up. And it’s not just a passing fad, there have been studies that prove that people who take part in creative activities deal better with stress. I have curated my favourite five colouring in books for you, so go on, pick up your pencils and start colouring in – it’s good for you!
One: Breathing to a new Beat Technicolour Dream Book compiled by Curly Pops
A group of artists/designers/creatives have all volunteered their talents to contribute to the project. The book is A4 in size, and spiral bound to sit flat – perfect for colouring in with a friend! The book features a cute hot air balloon illustration from me, but more importantly, it is a collaborative fundraising colouring book to support the Heart and Lung Transplant Trust Vic (HLTTV). 100% of the profits from this project will be directly donated to the second chance accommodation project, which helps to fund the costs of accommodation for Interstate and Country Victorian Heart and Lung Transplant patients during their compulsory three month post transplant rehabilitation program at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. Colouring in + helping those in need = perfect.
Two: Tula Pink Colouring Book by Tula Pink
Pretty much every quilter I know loves Tula fabric and now you can help design your own Tula fabric line! There are 75+ illustrations by Tula Pink – intricate paisley, whimsical nature scenes, lush animal prints and more. Get lost in patterns or make a hummingbird fly off the page with an unexpected combination of reds and pinks. There are no wrong answers here. The perforated pages are ideal for framing and gifting, though you may want to hold on to your favorites!
Three: Keep Calm And Colour In: A 1940s Colouring Book by Ana Vjezasncevic
With more than 100 beautiful illustrations to color and complete, this is a chance to recreate some of the glamour and class of the 1940s with your own hand. Revisit a golden age of art and design, and add your own style and look to these timeless illustrations. My favourite page might be the vintage poster of the government reminding the sailors to keep national secrets safe, yes, even from that gorgeous girl in your bed!
Four: Big Book of Drawing, Doodling and Colouring by several illustrators
A super big book with plenty of activities which will provides heaps of entertainment! Pictures and patterns to complete, scenes to fill with colour, inspiration for drawings, details to doodle and endless ideas to unleash creativity. Modern, stylish and thoughtfully designed.
Five: Cotton + Steel Coloring Book: 75+ Whimsical Designs to Color and Love by several illustrators
Welcome to Cotton + Steel’s innovative world of art, whimsy and wonder! In the Cotton & Steel Coloring Book, the design team from the vintage-meets-mod fabric line brings its one-of-a-kind style to the coloring page. Explore intricate Japanese-inspired motifs and quirky antique telephones and typewriters. Add a pop of color to primitive wildlife art and rustic feedsack prints–all original, authentic and ready for you to create your own collection!
I’ve been doing a bit of colouring in lately, I’ve found that markers are easier to colour in with but I haven’t found any markers that don’t bleed through to the back although that could be the paper quality. I’ve also used pencils which can also be painted over with a damp brush, I think I like them better and from a cost point the pencils will last a lot longer than markers will.
I’m really particular – I always make sure the paper stock is nice and thick when using markers. but I love the idea of using water colour pencils, I’m going to try them next!