I loved coloring as a kid. I can remember opening a new box of crayons. The excitement they would elicit. All those crayons snug in their slots. Can you picture colorful rows pointy ends, with a hint of the matching wrapper? When I saw September 14th was National Coloring Day I had to know more about it.
This ‘new’ holiday is about an old activity. Created by a lady who knew a lot about holidays, she wrote about them for a living. As a journalist she has written thousands of articles about holidays. Jace Shoemaker-Galloway has also created a lot of holidays. She eventually decided to add a few of her own. She’s known as the “Queen of Holidays.” She added National Color Day in 2015.
I bet you liked coloring as a kid. How long since you picked up a crayon or marker? Did you know coloring is an activity that’s gaining popularity with adults? Not just artistic types, who paint or do other crafts. It’s gained many devotees that do it alone or in social groups. Pre-covid I attended an adult session at the local library. I joined them several times when my schedule allowed. A table with the tools necessary were available for anyone to join the group. People gathered to color as a relaxing hobby. It was after that experience I discovered a local organization of artists. That has opened a new world for me. If after dipping your toe in the water on National Coloring Day, there are groups you can join too, both live and online.
One place online is Facebook. I stopped counting when I reached 110. The size of the groups varied too. I saw one as small as 25, the largest had 134,000 people! The groups online allow people to share their work. They also offer opportunities to learn and improve coloring skills.
Why do so many of us like to color? As I was researching and thinking about it, I kept discovering more…
Color affects our mood. Certain colors can trigger memories that soothe us. It can be very relaxing to color. It can be done alone or in a social setting. The materials necessary can be inexpensive and the variety of options endless.
While coloring you’re focused on that activity. It’s both physically and mentally a break from daily concerns. Hard to have a doom and gloom mindset when creating a colorful drawling. Where we focus is so important. When I was learning to ride a motorcycle, I had to do a figure 8. I remember my instructor saying, “where you focus is where you’re going to go.” That applies to so much in life.
Coloring is both a physical and a creative activity. It involves both sides of our brain. Studies show that physical activity reduces stress. It also improves coordination. We all have a creative side; it gives all a chance to explore theirs.
It gets many people away from their screen and keyboard. We’re learning more about health risks linked to long term use of computers and phones. But there are many programs on electronic devices that allow coloring. Wonder if it is as effective there? We’ll have to wait for the scientist to study that question and get back to us. For me I’ll stick with my inks, markers, and watercolors.
While I adore creating cards my coloring skills are basic. As you can see by the few added cards, basic and all were fun to create. You can have fun too. The object of National Coloring Day is for everyone to pick up a colored pencil, marker or crayon and enjoy the experience of placing color on paper. This day is not only for the artist to experience color. It’s for everyone willing to put aside their electronic device, pick up the tool of their choice and color. If not on the date September 14th, I hope you will join in the coloring movement soon. Either alone or with others. Let me know in my comments if you do. Could be you’ll discover a new hobby.
I’ve turned my hobby into a business: Paper Crafted Bliss. Follow my Facebook page with the same name. Announcements of where I’ll be next appearing are posted there. Also previews of new items and sales on my Etsy shop. https://papercraftedbliss.etsy.com
Paper Crafted Bliss 