Coloring Book Creations

Learn and share ways to use coloring pages outside the book.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Choose a coloring book that appeals to you. Pay attention to the type of paper used and be sure it is compatible with your preferred coloring medium.

   

2. Please note and honor the book’s copyright policy if you plan to scan or copy pages, especially if you intend to sell a project featuring the book’s artwork.

   

3. Step 2

   For ease of coloring and scanning, you may wish to remove the pages from the book. Store unused pages in sheet protectors.

   

4. With certain binding types, it may be helpful to remove the book’s cover first.

   

5. Step 3

   Scan and print a page onto the paper that’s best for your project and coloring medium. Downloadable coloring sheets or digital images can also be used for a variety of projects.

   

6. If printing onto tracing paper, stabilize the paper by adhering it to a carrier sheet with a thin line of glue across the edge of the paper that will enter the printer first.

   

7. Step 4

   Scanning an image also allows you to remove portions for a particular project.

   

8. This image was edited to fit a wood frame.

   

9. Step 5

   You can also resize images to fit a project. In the sample here, images were printed onto tracing paper and applied to a book page with Mod Podge.

   

10. In this project, the same method was used to apply tracing paper to a decorative disposable plastic plate.

    

11. Step 6

    Pages can be cut into panels to use in the same way you would use decorative paper on a card.

    

12. Step 7

    Or use a page for a 3D project, such as this paper bow.

    

13. View the tutorial HERE.

    

14. Step 8

    Use a colored page to cover a decorative wood or chipboard piece. View the tutorial HERE.

    

15. Step 9

    To create a decor item, print multiple copies of an image onto heavy cardstock. Color one image completely on one of the pages, and only the parts you want to pop up on the additional copies.

    

16. Cut out the accent elements from the second sheet. Apply foam tape to these pieces and adhere them to the colored image for more dimension.

    

17. Step 10

    Complete the project, which is suitable for framing or mounting for display.

    

Video!

Variations

1. Coloring pages can be used like decorative paper for wrapping small gifts, folding into boxes, or layers on handmade cards, especially pages with repeating patterns. If the area around the design is open, you could die cut tags with a portion of the design, leaving open space to stamp or write a greeting. If you want to keep your book together, an art journal might be a fun idea - try out techniques or add layers of paint or other mediums to enhance the designs, and add quotes or thoughts in the open spaces.
   
   Share your ideas below!

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Coloring Book Creations. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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