SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 So, are you into them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndOfOrdinary Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I do one as quality time with Ds while we either talk or listen to an audiobook. It is not terribke, but I would much rather run on a treadmill to destress! Ds really likes it and that is really the whole point. If in 20 years he discloses that he only pertended to like it because I liked it, that might be rather frustrating. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 I like it, but I think I need to invest in better colored pencils. I tried tangle art for awhile prior, but I overthink things and would kinda freak out trying to come up with unique designs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EndOfOrdinary Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Tangle art causes me extreme anxiety! My perfectionism jumps right in - I have to do them in pencil since I know I am going to screw up. I try to outline in pen, but it looks forced and not flowy. Then I self loathe. It is really a complete meditation fail on my part! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 Tangle art causes me extreme anxiety! My perfectionism jumps right in - I have to do them in pencil since I know I am going to screw up. I try to outline in pen, but it looks forced and not flowy. Then I self loathe. It is really a complete meditation fail on my part! Yes, this is exactly it for me!!! I love the way it looks and the idea, but geesh it was not relaxing! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Nope. Mind numbingly boring for me. Some people can make them so pretty, but it would absolutely kill me to do a whole page. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I enjoy them. It helps me relax and requires very little thinking. I need better pencils, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have a friend who uses sharpie pens for her coloring books. I am thinking I'd like that better than pencils. And she has a friend who uses colorful gel pens. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawthorne44 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 During downtime at a convention there was a table setup with these and a good selection of writing things. The things made with gel pens, particularly the ones with sparkly in the ink all seemed particularly pretty. I have an adult coloring book story. They did a santa exchange at work. The kind where you didn't buy for a particular person. The HR lady received an adult coloring book, and thought it was a *ahem* adult coloring book. As in something you wouldn't do with your kid sitting nearby. So, she never looked at it. Of course, no one else was going to look at it. The giver had to come forward and explain. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAPeachie Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I love mine and have several. It was an anxiety release for me after the death of my mother figure and a cross country move. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 They're okay. They definitely can be very zen making. On the other hand, they don't stretch my creativity. They're a bit like playing Tetris for me. As in, repetitive, occupies part of my brain and cuts off emotions or boredom but doesn't push me to think or feel better overall. They're good for during school time when I can't do anything too distracting because the kids need me, but if I don't do something, I'll go insane or micromanage the kids' work. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) I love them - but only the pattern ones, not the pictures. I have at times gotten anxious over doing it perfectly, but I keep reminding myself, it's about the process - doesn't matter if it's beautiful at the end. Edited March 18, 2016 by 8circles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allearia Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have done some and like them, but the ones I like are very detailed and time consuming so I get a bit frustrated. I love the Staedtler Triplus pens, they are best for very fine detail, not for big areas. I recently got a coloring book I love, The Time Garden, but I haven't done as much coloring in it as I thought I would. Maybe I should get it out. I was doing that with pencils, but I really want a bigger set of pencils. Then I get to be a perfectionist, so instead of being relaxing it makes me anxious. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamiof5 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) Not my thing. Puzzles and scrapbooking is my outlet, coloring? Not that much Edited March 18, 2016 by mamiof5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 No, I don't expect to ever try them. For one thing, I don't see myself having time to do something "for myself" without feeling guilty about not doing something else. The fact of not doing something "productive" would be stressful for me. And if were going to just relax and play with colors, it would be free-form. Generally, I don't need any aids to de-stress or relax. If I'm very stressed out, nothing helps that better than getting some real work done. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 When I see those in stores, I get stressed out just thinking about them, and I honestly wonder if they are really more stress-producing than therapeutic for most people. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) dp Edited March 18, 2016 by SKL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftymama Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have several. I like them, though my actual hobbies would come first if asked what I would prefer to do. However, it makes coloring with the littles much better as I can only color Sophia or Mickey so many times. I also like to work on them during my teaching time that doesn't require much of me but does require my presence. And I like to have one to take places where I'm likely to feel bored waiting. My children all like them too - more interesting to color and they feel as though it's something special to color in one of Mommy's books. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I like coloring and zentangling, especially while listening to a podcast or audiobook so I can scribble quick notes from my listening if need be. I only have a pattern coloring book - not actual detailed pictures - I'd probably not enjoy those, but I might try one one day, just to be sure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternalsummer Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I like the ones that are postcards (DD10 *really* likes them) but I never really have time to finish one. They're good for communal art activity that doesn't require any actual learning or thinking :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have an owl one 🤓 I use them to destress after school work though I think I need better pencils. My study area in the master bedroom is decorated with owls so these pictures, when finished, will add to my collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I sent a bunch to a high school friend when her son was diagnosed with leukemia. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 (edited) I bought one. I colored in it for a few minutes, then abandoned it. I chose badly. It was all kaleidoscope-type patterns, so it turned out to be very boring for me. Not that I thought coloring was terribly creative in the first place! I gave it to my daughter, who colored in it a bit during a youth group retreat - most of the kids had them - but I expect it'll end up in the recycling bin soon. Every now and then I'm tempted by one of the picture ones, like Johanna Basford's Secret Garden and the like, but I think it will just end up as wasted money for me. Edited March 18, 2016 by marbel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have one that is also my school planner. Every week has a new, small picture. I like it well enough, as others have said it's something to do during school when I have to be on hand but not involved. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF612 Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I enjoy them. It helps me relax and requires very little thinking. I need better pencils, tfoo. Ditto! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Ooooo, which one is that? I have one that is also my school planner. Every week has a new, small picture. I like it well enough, as others have said it's something to do during school when I have to be on hand but not involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Ooooo, which one is that? I got it at Barnes and Nobel. It's from Posh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I got it at Barnes and Nobel. It's from Posh. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I've had my own coloring books, crayons, coloring pencils and markers for over 20 years. I've always liked to color. I am not at all artistic and have trouble finding time (or space) to do the other creative things I like, like scrapbooking. I've done a few Zentangles and they work for me (I've always been a shapes and line doodler when in classes or meetings) but they aren't the kind of thing you'll ever see posted on Instagram. :p I have geometric shape and maze coloring books that I've had for years and years. Now I have some of the newer patterned ones. I like them but some are too complicated. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have the Enchanted Forest one and like it. I would not say I am "into" coloring books - but occasionally it is nice, soothing and almost meditation like to color a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in New York Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I've been coloring for a number of years. It's been a big de-stressor for me when I visit my MIL. She is paralyzed on the left side of her body (due to a stroke) and has resided in a nursing home for over 10 years. Unfortunately, dementia is setting in and she is losing the art of conversation. However, she does want people to sit with her. Neither one of us likes TV that much so that leaves me with not much to do as she gets upset if I do other things. I am not good at twiddling my thumbs! So quietly coloring next to her helps immensely. One tip I want to share about the "perfect" look: look up ColorCombos.com. When I first started, I didn't like how my pictures came out. I realized I didn't like my color scheme. Once I found the site listed above, it made a tremendous difference as to what colors look best together. I've been surprised at some of the combinations. Now I am learning techniques like outlining, blending and texture. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redsquirrel Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Not my thing. I didn't like colouring books when I was a kid, so it never occurred to me to try them out now. I can't imagine I would find it interesting. I love to knit, and so that is what I do to 'zen out'. And when I am done I have made something for someone I love. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEm Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 It is not a stress reliever for me at all but I enjoy coloring in them. I've always loved coloring books. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 When I see those in stores, I get stressed out just thinking about them, and I honestly wonder if they are really more stress-producing than therapeutic for most people. Oh see, for me they are way better than attempting to meditate. A therapist I had was big on meditation. I could never get into it. Just sitting there doing nothing and staring off into space. Boring. And sometimes I'd do that and just start coughing or fall asleep. LOL So with something like coloring or puzzles I can sort of achieve a meditative state, but there is just enough activity to keep me from being bored stiff. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEm Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 When I see those in stores, I get stressed out just thinking about them, and I honestly wonder if they are really more stress-producing than therapeutic for most people. It can certainly be stress inducing for me if I'm in a particularly OCD mood. Then I worry too much about the colors flowing well together and looking good. That is why I never do them when I'm feeling the that. But they still are not therapeutic. Just something to do while I watch TV or the kids are coloring. I punch and kick bags to get rid of my stress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I couldn't do it. I'd keep thinking of everything else I could be doing. Unlike being on the boards here. :lol: 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I tried it and found that it was relaxing in 15 minute chunks, and only if the design was not too intricate. I got some adult coloring postcards and that works for me, in part because they are USEFUL at the end. Always pragmatic, that's me. My sister, on the other hand, adores coloring. She lives with my 93yo mom and they color while they watch football or the news or whatever. My "coloring" is with needle and thread--embroidery or needlepoint. I have my own time-waster, I guess. :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 What do you do when the pages are all colored? Can you bear to toss it? Have a bonfire? What? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 What do you do when the pages are all colored? Can you bear to toss it? Have a bonfire? What? That has not happened yet. Knowing my usual pattern I'd save it for awhile. Then during one of my deep cleaning sprees I'd toss it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 That has not happened yet. Knowing my usual pattern I'd save it for awhile. Then during one of my deep cleaning sprees I'd toss it. I think that's what keeps me from diving into such a thing - the knowledge that one day it's just gonna end up round filed. I had enough trouble tossing coloring books my sweet little ones scribbled their way through. It would increase my stress to trash something I'd spent hours on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 18, 2016 Author Share Posted March 18, 2016 I think that's what keeps me from diving into such a thing - the knowledge that one day it's just gonna end up round filed. I had enough trouble tossing coloring books my sweet little ones scribbled their way through. It would increase my stress to trash something I'd spent hours on. Well, then again there is no rule that says you have to toss it. I hear you though. I just threw out my 14 year old's kindergarten work. I saved all of it. No clue why. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaKim Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 Nope. I am a perfectionist and they would drive me crazy. I didn't read the whole thread, so forgive me if someone already posted this. If you have a printer, here is a site where you can try them out. http://www.coloring-pages-adults.com 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2016 Share Posted March 18, 2016 I have to be in the right mood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 I have an owl one 🤓 I use them to destress after school work though I think I need better pencils. Would you happen to have a link for your owl coloring book? Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckymom Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 I've looked at them and, thought, wow, that would stress me out, not help me relax. I have friends who swear by them, but I've never been tempted to try one. I was never much into coloring as a kid, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 Nope. Mind numbingly boring for me. Some people can make them so pretty, but it would absolutely kill me to do a whole page. I thought I was the only one! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mschickie Posted March 19, 2016 Share Posted March 19, 2016 I just bought one today. I had previously printed some sheets off from the internet but they always get destroyed. This will be something to do at co-op or when I am stressed out. I did not think it would really reduce my stress until I tried it one day. I cannot do it for hours on end but for a little bit it is good. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SparklyUnicorn Posted March 19, 2016 Author Share Posted March 19, 2016 I've looked at them and, thought, wow, that would stress me out, not help me relax. I have friends who swear by them, but I've never been tempted to try one. I was never much into coloring as a kid, either. I wasn't into coloring as a kid either, but one thing I never liked about kid coloring books is that the spaces to color are large. The adult ones have small spaces. Although sometimes they are a bit too small. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purplejackmama Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 I have at times gotten anxious over doing it perfectly, but I keep reminding myself, it's about the process - doesn't matter if it's beautiful at the end. This is exactly what happens to me! I obsess over the stupid colors and shading. I wanted it to be more relaxing than it is, for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoCandJ Posted March 20, 2016 Share Posted March 20, 2016 Would you happen to have a link for your owl coloring book? Regards, Kareni This is the one I have, though I bought mine at Kmart http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Haven-Owls-Coloring-Adult/dp/0486796647/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458445702&sr=8-1&keywords=creative+haven+owls+coloring+book 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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