Coloring has become an increasingly popular hobby for adults in recent years. Many find it to be a relaxing, meditative activity that helps reduce stress and anxiety. As coloring has grown more popular, coloring book clubs have emerged as a way for coloring enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for this creative outlet.
The Basics of Coloring Book Clubs
A coloring book club is a group of people who meet up regularly to color and socialize. Some clubs meet in person, while others are online communities that connect via social media, forums, and video chat. Just like a traditional book club, coloring clubs provide a space for members to gather and enjoy a common interest – in this case, coloring books!
In a typical coloring book club, members will get together and color pages from a book that the club has selected for that meeting. The club may vote on a book to color, have a theme for each meeting, or allow members to work on pages from any book they choose. Some clubs focus on completing an entire book over a period of several meetings.
As members color, they chat, share tips and techniques, and enjoy each other’s company. The social and creative aspects are what make coloring clubs appealing to many adults. Coloring solo at home can get lonely, so coloring with like-minded friends adds a rewarding social element.
Benefits of Joining a Coloring Book Club
There are many great reasons to join a coloring book club!
- Motivation & accountability. Having plans to color with others will help you stay motivated. Knowing others are making progress can inspire you to color more often.
- Learning. Club members share tips, tricks, and techniques for various coloring methods. You can get exposure to new styles you might never have tried on your own.
- Creativity. Seeing how others color a page may spark new ideas for you. The group dynamic and energy breeds creativity.
- Camaraderie. Coloring solo is nice, but chatting and laughing with like-minded friends makes it so much better. The social connections are invaluable.
- Feedback. While it’s not an art competition, you can get constructive feedback on your work if you wish. Admiring finished pages also gives a sense of accomplishment.
For many members, coloring clubs become an important part of their self-care routine. The relaxing, social creative time helps reduce stress and brings more joy and connection to their lives.
How to Start a Coloring Book Club
If there’s not a coloring book club in your community already, consider starting one! Here are some tips to get your own coloring club up and running:
Choose a Location
Consider public places like libraries, bookstores, craft stores, or community centers to host your club. You may be able to reserve a meeting room for free. Or you could take turns hosting at members’ homes. You can also have a virtual club that meets online.
Pick a Schedule
Decide how often your club will meet – weekly, monthly, etc. Set a regular date, time, and place. Consistency makes it easier for members to plan for. Two hours is usually a good length to allow time for chatting and meaningful progress coloring.
Promote the Club
Get the word out on social media, community bulletin boards, local papers, and anywhere else coloring fans might see it. Make some flyers to post in libraries, bookstores, and other public places.
Establish Guidelines
Create some basic rules for your club, including whether refreshments will be served, expectations around behavior, communication practices, etc. Outline the vision and purpose of the group.
Gather Supplies
Stock up on coloring books and supplies like colored pencils, gel pens, and markers. Ask members to contribute by bringing their own books and tools to share.
Optional: Have a sign-up sheet so members can take turns bringing snacks or beverages.
Typical Coloring Book Club Activities
Coloring is the main event, but clubs usually participate in other activities too:
- Socializing & sharing about their lives
- Showing finished pages and works-in-progress
- Discussing the current book’s pages and story
- Recommending new books and tools to try
- Watching coloring technique demos
- Displaying finished pages on a gallery wall
- Have members vote on favorites from the gallery
- Coloring contests or monthly themes
- Occasional crafts using colored pieces (collages, cards, etc)
The options are endless for ways to engage with coloring and connect with other club members! Activities will likely evolve based on the interests of members.
Online vs. In-Person Coloring Clubs
| Online Coloring Club | In-Person Coloring Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Platform | Video chat platform like Zoom or Google Hangouts | Member’s home, library, community center, etc. |
| Communication | Chat, video, social media groups | In-person conversations |
| Membership Area | No geographic limits – open to anyone | Local members from the same city or region |
| Logistics | No commute, more convenient | Members must commute to location |
| imacy | Less personal intimacy and interactions | More intimate in-person social dynamics |
| Supplies | Members use their own books and tools at home | Club buys and shares communal supplies |
While there are benefits to both formats, in-person clubs allow for deeper connections and the ability to admire finished pages in real life. But online clubs have the advantage of no geographic restrictions so you can join even if there’s no club near you physically.
Tips for Coloring Book Club Members
To get the most out of your coloring club experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Introduce yourself to new members.
- Contribute thoughtfully to discussions.
- Refrain from criticizing – keep feedback constructive.
- Respect various skill levels and styles.
- Avoid distracting others when they are focused on coloring.
- Help clean up and put supplies away after meetings.
- Promote the club and invite friends to join.
- Store finished pages carefully so they don’t smudge.
- Participate in club challenges, themes, and activities.
- Share your knowledge and help beginners improve their skills.
Being an engaged, considerate member will make the club more rewarding for you and everyone involved.
Coloring Book Club Activity Ideas
Here are some fun ideas for activities to try at your coloring club meetings:
Technique Demo
Have each member demonstrate a coloring technique like blending, shading, or highlighting. Watching demos is a great way to pick up new tips.
Color Palette Challenge
Assign or have members randomly choose a specific color palette, then complete a page using only those colors.
Collaborative Page
Work on a page as a group, taking turns coloring sections. See how cohesively you can blend styles.
visit from an Author or Artist
Many coloring book authors and artists sell their works online. See if one would be willing to video chat with your club.
“Color My Character”
Have each member draw or describe one of their characters. Exchange with partners and color their character based on its story.
Altered Book Contest
Repurpose a finished coloring book into something new – a journal, collage, sculpture, etc. Vote on the most creative alterations.
Coloring Garage Sale
Sell books and supplies members no longer need so others can buy them at discounted prices.
Rotate demonstrations, challenges, and special events to keep meetings fresh and interesting for members.
Choosing Books for a Coloring Club
Selecting appealing books is an important part of running a successful coloring club. Here are some factors to consider when picking books:
- Various difficulty levels – Include simpler designs for beginners as well as detailed pages for advanced colorists.
- Range of styles – Florals, animals, mandalas, landscapes, abstracts – mix up the imagery.
- Book format – Coloring books come as paperbacks, post-bound, hardcover, posters, etc. Consider durability.
- Quality paper – Must withstand erasers and markers without bleeding. Smooth, thicker paper works best.
- Cost – Balance affordable books along with higher-end options.
- Appealing artwork – Avoid books with uninspiring designs, as these get abandoned.
- Variety – Bounce between genres, artists, and publishers at each meeting.
- Member input – Have members vote on books or submit suggestions.
Trying out an eclectic mix of high-quality coloring books will keep your club fresh, interesting, and engaged! Your selections can make or break the club experience.
Creative Uses for Finished Coloring Book Pages
After putting so much time into coloring a page, you need to preserve it properly! Here are creative ways to use your finished pieces:
Framing
Frame single pages or collections in standard frames. Or buy specially sized frames to display whole coloring books.
Art Prints
Some online services can scan pages and print them as fine art prints on canvas, metal, acrylic, and more.
Cards
Cut out small sections to make unique greeting cards or thank you notes.
Jewelry
Decoupage pieces onto jewelry pendants, or frame sections in lockets and necklaces.
Magnets
Adhere magnet strips to the back to display pages on your fridge or magnetic board.
Gift Wrap
Use parts of a page to decorate brown parcel paper, gift bags, and presents.
Craft Embellishments
Cut out images or shapes to use when scrapbooking, making collages, decoratingjournals, etc.
Collect in a Book
Compile and bind your best pages into a custom portfolio book.
Displaying your completed art promotes happiness and pride in your work for years to come!
Conclusion
Coloring book clubs offer a rewarding way to relax, get creative, and connect with other coloring enthusiasts in your community. The social aspect combined with the meditative benefits of coloring makes for an appealing hobby. With some organization and promotion, anyone can start a club. Establish guidelines, activities, and choose high-quality books to ensure your club is engaging and welcoming to all skill levels. Members will look forward to coloring sessions, new books, social time, and a chance to show off their completed pages. For those who love coloring, joining a like-minded group takes the experience to a whole new level of enjoyment!