topic Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time? in Among Friends

Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 14:29:24 GMT

I've just watched a CBS morning show about adults who color. The program talks about the 'craze' of adults coloring.

I've seen this phenomenon going on for several years now. I often take my grandchildren to Barnes & Knoble book store. Some of the coloring books are on the best seller list! Yes, you saw right.

What we used to do when we were children, has been adopted (and adapted) by adults who find it relaxing and maybe even rewarding. I use the word adapted because some are so intricate that many people pick one up and ...well...put it back down because just one page coloring could take months (it's so intricate).

If done carefully and in a mindful way, they can be as (OK maybe, more) beautiful than some of Peter Max (the great artist of the 60's (and still relevant)). Some find it addictive and interfering with their everyday life...the need to complete something.

I've done some pictures, but because I have the attention span of a fruit fly (don't know why I use that because they have a good attention span, they'll stay with that ****** banana forever, flying around). Where was I? Oh! Attention span....yes! I have very little, hence, I have pages and pages left partially 'colored'.

So, tell me. Are there any out here in QVC forum land who have started or still do use coloring as a way of relaxing? Come on confess up...this is anonymous anyway?

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

cherry — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 14:38:44 GMT

NO ,I don't. I did hear a story once, from a lady whose husband worked with handicapped adults. I can't recall what was wrong with this fellow, but he was constantly given thngs to color. When he finally was able to speak, he said no more coloring

So, I guess like everything else it's not for everyone

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

pegomyheart — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 14:40:17 GMT

I asked for and received coloring design books, pencils and markers last year for Christmas. My intention was to do just that. Color and relax. Unfortunately, I live with my son's family, and my 4 year old twin granddaughters want to always join in, so this idea went up in smoke. After they are in bed, Grandma collapses in front of the TV with her crochet. ( Wow, that last sentence makes me sound like an old geezer - guess I am)

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

cotton4me — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:46:43 GMT

I got my first coloring book this year for my birthday. I used it a lot during the winter months when it was too cold to be outside. I enjoyed using all the colors for the birds, flowers and trees when there was no color outside.

I also found it helpful while waiting for appointments. My husband had a lot of health issues this year and it was the perfect thing to take to the hospital/waiting rooms. It kept my mind occupied. It became a bit of a meditative experience. I would become lost in the forest on the page.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Wackers3 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:07:50 GMT

I don't presently but am very interested in trying it. HSN had a adult coloring set TSV sometime last spring that I really planned on picking up but it sold out before I got round to it. I do find coloring very relaxing. I vividly remember when I was 8 months pregnant with my 3rd child and my almost 6 year old had a friend over. I was trying to keep them lowkey so as not to wake my 2 year old who was napping so I sat down and spent an hour and a half coloring with them. I think the reasons I recall it so vividly is because it was so peacefully relaxing and I ended up going into premature labor by 5 weeks later that night.

They say it is a very positive and enjoyable hobby for adults and there is now so much to choose from that is geared to adults. You have just reminded me to start looking for a good basic starter kit. I really do think it will be good for me and an enjoyable way to destress. Think I will start looking today as I need anything destressing I can find until 8 November has come and gone (and hopefully not after)

Thanks for posting about it!

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:10:17 GMT

@pegomyheart You sound old? No way! I'm old! Ha! But I will say (sorry) that I crochet (just long scarfs, no thought into it) because I have bad arthritis in my hands. I was supposed to have had my thumbs operated on several years ago, but I'm trying to (as a friend said) "Run out the clock". Unfortunately, no one told my knees, they are tired of waiting so I'm having them replaced...this so I can walk...

I know how grandchildren love to 'help'. I'm sure the rewards of living there are way beyond negatives but it does get a teeny tiny bit (hold on I'm thinking here for the right word)....OK, got it! Challenging..it's a good word. They are wonderful (mine are and I KNOW your's are), but it still takes patience. I say that as I wish I could get on that trampoline my 4 year old grandson jumps and jumps on...(maybe my new knees will make it possible). Aren't we lucky we live in a time when something wears out, we can just replace it? Now who's going to invent 'body lipo'....pick me...pick me...

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

chrystaltree — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:43:56 GMT

No, I'm not into adult coloring books. I did try. I bought a book and my colored pencils....and then...nothing..lol It really was not fun or at all. I laughed at myself, it felt like I was trying to be 7 again...lol It might be something that would appeal to people in nursing homes or something.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

151949 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:44:35 GMT

I belong to a crafting club but I find when I am there I make too many mistakes because we are all chatting and it's hard to concentrate so now I take my coloring books and colored pencils and color instead. Coloring doesn't require much in the way of concentration. I enjoy coloring.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Mary Bailey — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 15:52:43 GMT

Yes. I love it. I must have 15 books.

I should do more. I need to get my hands off this keyboard. LOL That's why I started, to be off the internet more.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

azgal — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 16:39:21 GMT

My 10 year old granddaughter was visiting this past summer. We went to a museum and the only thing she wanted from the gift shop was a coloring book. It looked complicated to me but she loved it.

One evening we sat together and colored. It was fun so I bought a book for me and another one for her to take back home with her.

I color while I watch tv. It keeps me from eating !

Our library has a coloring get together once a month. I don't go to that, though.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Pandalady — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:42:02 GMT

@Annabellethecat66I have had a journaling Bible for four months now. It has illustrations with many verses inside that can be colored in. I have found that it enhances my study and brings it to life when I color them.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

RedTop — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:10:15 GMT

Crayons and coloring books are the one thing I have never let go of from my childhood.

As a young newlywed, my husband and I often worked different shifts, and at night when I was home alone, I colored. When my girls were babies, I often colored during their nap time. I taught them to color by coloring with them. When I worked switchboard on 11-7 shift, I colored to help me stay awake on those nights I was exhausted.

I have 2 beautiful adult coloring books, that have never been touched. For me the joy of coloring comes in a child's Christmas coloring book and my box of 64 Crayola crayons. I love to color Christmas pictures.

Coloring helps me stay calm and focused; I don't overthink, or let things get to me. Just the smell of a Crayola crayon calms and soothes me.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:14:51 GMT

@Pandalady WOW! Thanks for sharing! Love that idea. I can see how when you are coloring you are thinking about the lessons and what is being conveyed. I just love the whole idea of it.

You know if you think about it that same premise could be used by teachers trying to teach a kid who just can't get lessons like other kids. I've always been a visual learner vs a verbal learner.

When I used to make clothes, I'd follow the basic steps to follow but I'd put the pieces together like a puzzle and ignore the directions. I can see how coloring something like maybe in US Government would help one understand what one is supposed to learn and remember.

Thanks for sharing that. I will remember you and your post for a long time to come and when I speak to others about coloring and when they go, "That's for kids", I'll repeat your post (somewhat) I saw here. Thank you, thank you. Fondly, Annabelle. I love it when I learn something new.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Krimpette — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 17:53:55 GMT

I love coloring and find it very relaxing and an opportunity to be creative. I even framed a few of my efforts. My preference is markers/gel pens, etc. I didn't enjoy the results I got with colored pencils. I always loved coloring as a child. Guess I never really outgrew it. Glad it's more acceptable for adults now!!!

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Katcat1 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 18:19:04 GMT

I have colored in the past but have not in quite a few years. I did not buy fancy coloring books just the books that kids use. It is relaxing and as a kid, I loved coloring.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

CJC — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 18:21:25 GMT

I have neither the time nor the patience to sit and color some intricate design. I feel the same about doing those 1000 piece jigsaw puzzles. I find them frustrating and time-wasting rather than relaxing. I'd rather not play board games or card games either. Instead, I enjoy reading, going for a walk, or working in my yard when time permits. Just me.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

reiki604 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 19:03:02 GMT

When I retired I bought many books, pencils, markers and pens with every intention of coloring. Here it is a year and a half later and I've done half a picture. Maybe this winter..............? I just can't seem to find the time.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

ECBG — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:03:47 GMT

I used to have my students use colored pencils on rooms I had created to illustrate the color harmonies. They had to design patterns for upholstery pieces and accessories like pillows.

They loved it and some were incredible!

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

Winkk — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:10:08 GMT

I tried it but it wasn't for me. I found it boring. The whole time I was doing it I kept thinking of something else I rather be doing.

Re: Do You Color (Yes! Color) In Your 'Spare' Time?

lulu2 — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 21:00:24 GMT

It took me awhile to get to the point I enjoyed it. I was given a few books and pencils and didn't care for any of the books or the pencils. I picked out a few books, went to gel pens and now really enjoy adult coloring.