Do kids still color in coloring books? I know I loved them. If I had to be home from school because I was sick, my mom always picked up one at the drug store when she collected my prescription. And even in healthy times, I could often be found coloring away. Maybe they do curb artistic expression in some, but I credit them with giving me a chance to experiment with color. Anyway, I went on to do my own thing eventually.
Dover Publications puts out some of the nicest coloring books these days and they are a fairly inexpensive way to introduce kids to art. This designer likes and uses Dover Publications often for inspiration. If you sign up for the Dover Sampler, they’ll even E-mail you free designs to download each week such as this floral sample.
Looking at the sample almost makes me want to round up the Crayolas. Speaking of which, check out this link to Crayola.com for online coloring fun. You can choose from colored pencils, markers and of course, Crayolas.
Do you remember how exciting it was when school started and you got that huge box of crayons? There seemed to be infinite possibilities then. I charge you to explore your creativity. And don’t tell me you aren’t creative, because I will just think you aren’t trying.
Note: the sample is from Color Your Own Great Flower Prints
18 comments:
When I was a kid I was fascinated by the books for colored pencils, where there were intricate geometric designs. Who am I kidding, I'd still color them if I had some of those books... Before I started back to school I had my own beaded jewelry business. That was tons of fun. (but expensive)
Beautiful. Lucky kids.
Lorelei,
I know what you mean about expensive. I have spent quite a bit on craft supplies and always thought the beads were beautiful. Can you continue your business if time allows?
Diane,
I wonder if kids are still exploring their creativity these days. Certainly it is done in different ways and there is so much more competition and structure in the lives of many children. I hope parents allow for enough down time to daydream and ponder and create. Of course, creativity takes many forms too. And what's wrong with adults jumping in to paint, draw, compose, or create in whatever fashion?
Great thing about having a four year old is I get to color everyday. It is also a great way to help the little ones work on fine motor skills. Coloring, painting, play dough help those little fingers develop and enable future cursive writing skills.
I like the Dover series of cut and assemble books. I have two copies of every one of them. One to actually cut out and assemble, and one to just look at. I haven't gotten around to actually cutting and assembling any one of them yet.
Marsha,
I wonder what the state of teaching handwriting is these days. When older son was little, it seemed to be emphasized much more than when younger son entered school 11 years after big brother. Lily is lucky to have her mom do these kinds of activities with her.
Jim,
I first became acquainted with Dover when my designer husband started buying the books years ago. We have quite a collection of clipart, copyright-free images and I often manipulate them in my projects. I haven't tried the cut and assemble books yet. Dover also has inexpensive paperback books of the classics that can be had for way less than the fancier versions at the bookstore. Hard to find the Adventures of Huck Finn for $2 anywhere. I think Dover should send me a freebie for all of this promotion. Ha.
Like Lego bricks colouring books have been around for many years here in England Sheila. I loved experimenting with different colours and colouring in the pictures when I was a child. Colouring books are as popular with today's children as they have always been and are always a mainstay in most homes here to amuse children on rainy school holidays.
Coloring books and jigsaw puzzles were the "gifts" I received whenever I was sick. What memories that brings back. Here I am some 40 years later, still doing jigsaw puzzles, and various forms of art that I probably never would have dreamed of if I hadn't experimented with that waxy box of crayons and all those coloring books...
Naomi,
I remember your post about Legos, which I consider to be one of those classic toys/activities I hope never gets old fashioned. Glad to hear colouring books are alive and well in England.
PD,
There must have been a lot of kids like us. My mom also got me paper dolls and comic books during these times of confinement.
Hi Sheila, we had a great time, just bouncing around, will be back to visit later.
Sheila- YES! My neices love to color. A box of crayons and a coloring book still rank up there with the disney DVDs thankfully!
Glad you are home safely Sarge and Miss B.
PSS, you are lucky to have nieces to keep you among the very young at heart. I'm astonished this activity ranks with Disney DVDs.
Yes, they do. The one you show would be great for someone who is a bit older and has fine motor skills! Kids use markers these days, not as many colors as those box of crayolas!
Hope you are well. I have posted in a very long time.
I still colour. I found a box of downloaded pictures the other day, and took time out to colour one or two, lol! Graydon will be old enough soon to colour, and even at 13, Bree still loves it, as well.
The site is awesome!
Polly,
The markers are wonderful too. Glad you popped by again.
Marion,
I am not surprised. I hope you'll have a chance to introduce the little guy to this fun.
I am sure we will colour until our fingers cramp, it's the one thing that we all loved to do...and it's restful.
Seems like all systems are go here, Sheila, I'm not going to write about it until all conditions are met next week, but our house sold last night! Feb. 29 is the completion date.
So now, to find a house!
Marion,
That is the best news. I know what you mean about writing much about it though. We worry most often so needlessly but I've never had a problem that wasn't worked out in the sale of several houses. Good luck finding a new house and after you get settled you can think more about fun things.
Nothing is prettier than a brand new box of Crayolas!
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