• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hello Little Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Sauces + Condiments
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Kitchen Tips
  • Travel
  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty + Style
    • Blogging
    • Health + Fitness
    • Holidays
    • Party Ideas
  • Subscribe
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Travel
  • Decor
  • DIY
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » DIY » 10 Easy Ways to Use Coloring Pages

    10 Easy Ways to Use Coloring Pages

    Published Mar 17, 2017 · Updated Jan 28, 2020 by Ginnie · 7 Comments

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Email

    Love adult coloring books? I've got 10 easy ways to use coloring pages that you're going to love!

    10 Easy Ways to Use Coloring Pages! Love adult coloring books? Don't let your favorite coloring pages sit unused! Try these easy DIY ideas for using completed coloring book pages ... from art to bows and more! | Hello Little Home #coloring #coloringpages #coloringbooks #freecoloringpage #adultcoloring #crafts #papercrafts

    This post contains affiliate links.

    10 Ways to Use Coloring Pages

    Adult coloring books have become so popular! I have a few, and it's fun and relaxing to spend a few hours coloring the intricate designs. It's like being transported back to childhood ... in a good way!

    In the past, I've let my finished masterpieces (ahem) sit in the books, but then I started wondering how to use finished coloring pages. And I realized how fun it would be to actually use the pages for something.

    I hope you enjoy these 10 easy ways to use coloring pages, plus check out my favorite coloring books and pens, too (scroll to the end of the post for those)!

    By the way ... if you can't bear to cut up your favorite coloring books, simply make color copies of the pages and use the copies instead.

    1. Wrap a Package

    Using a finished coloring page as gift wrap.

    Most coloring pages are big enough to wrap a small package. For larger boxes, make multiple copies of the page and seam them together with double sided tape.

    Is your present way too big? Use a coloring page to make a gift tag instead.

    2. Make an Envelope

    A homemade envelope created from a coloring book page.

    Homemade envelopes are an easy way to add a special touch to any letter. You can either use an envelope template kit or pull apart a ready made envelope to use as a template.

    To make your own envelope, start by tracing around an old envelope (or template), fold in the points, then use double sided tape to hold everything together.

    Making a homemade envelope from a coloring page.

    Since most coloring book are printed on both sides, the inside and outside of your envelope will have a fun pattern.

    You could also use a page to create a liner for a regular envelope. Simply trim the page slightly smaller than the inside of your envelope, then hold it in place with double sided tape.

    A colorful envelope made from a finished coloring page.

    3. Create a Unique Postcard

    A postcard made from a coloring page and decorated with stickers.

     

    Creating beautiful postcards is one of my favorite ways to use coloring pages. For the postcard above, I simply mounted my page on a blank note card to make it extra sturdy. Then, I added "Hello" using gold glitter stickers. Cute, right?

    I recommend using Mod Podge (or a similar glue) to hold the layers together. Once you've glued it together, place the postcard under a heavy book. That way, it will dry flat.

    You can also create custom stationary with coloring pages. Purchase blank cards (Paper Source has a great selection of pretty colors), then glue on your coloring pages.

    4. Frame It

    A framed finished coloring page.

    If you’ve ever fallen in love with a finished coloring page, why not frame it? It’s a great way to show off a brightly colored piece! If you have multiple images from the same coloring book, you could even make a gallery wall.

    There’s no need for an expensive framing job. Simply buy a frame with a mat and pop in your beautiful art.

    This hand print coloring page is a favorite of mine, and I love how it looks framed. My husband didn't even realize it was from a coloring book until I told him!

    5. Mount It on Canvas or Wood

    Coloring pages mounted on wood.

    Another way to create art from your coloring pages is by mounting the images on wood or canvas.

    For the two pieces above, I cut two rectangles from the same coloring page. Since the paper was pretty thin, I glued it to a piece of card stock, then attached the images to scrap wood with mounting squares.

    You could also attach the pages to a blank canvas. Check out my Canvas Mounted Instagram Photos posts for details on how to do that. It's super easy!

    6. Create a Storage Container

    A storage container for pens wrapped in a finished coloring page.

     

    This is a fun way to upcycle an empty can or other container to create extra storage for cheap!

    I wrapped one of my fave pages around an empty coffee canister, using double sided tape to hold it all together. The page was a little too short to reach around the canister, so I covered to gap with a piece of coordinating card stock.

    Then, I went around the edge with my favorite striped washi tape. I like how it coordinates with the bees!

    7. Make a Bow

    A bow made from a coloring page.

    DIY paper bows are such a fun, easy way to use coloring pages!

    To start, cut a strip of paper from your page. Tape the ends with double sided tape to create a loop. Next, place a piece of tape in the center and press the two sides together so you have a loop on both ends.

    Making a bow from a coloring page.

    Trim a "v" out of each side. It should start to look like a bow.

    Making a bow from a finished coloring page.

    Wrap a skinnier strip of paper around the center of the bow.

    Hold in place with more double sided tape.

    A DIY bow created from a coloring page.

    Add tails with more strips of paper, if desired. Then, attach the bow to your package with more tape.

    Cute, right? I like how the pattern from the opposite side peeks through a bit.

    A DIY bow made from a coloring page.

    8. Create a Custom Bookmark

    Homemade bookmarks made using a finished coloring page, colored paper, and ribbon.

     

    One of my favorite crafts with finished coloring pages? Bookmarks ... you can get so creative with them!

    My Posh Coloring Book had a page with intricate feathers that I decided to turn them into these colorful bookmarks. I trimmed right around the feathers since the background was plain, but you could also out rectangles if your page is patterned all over.

    Once you've cut out your pages, attach them to a rectangle of card stock with Mod Podge (or a similar glue). I used a corner rounder on the edges of my bookmarks.

    For the finishing touch, use a hole punch to add a hole at the top of the bookmarks, then thread it with a piece of coordinating ribbon.

    9. Make a Handmade Journal

    A handmade journal made from a coloring page.

    Have you ever made your own folding journals? It is so simple, and would make a wonderful gift for pretty much anyone.

    I didn't color my page for this project. The black and white looks super sharp, and the recipient can color it in if they wish.

    To create these mini journals, you'll need:

    • a coloring page for the cover
    • paper for the inside of your book (I used printer paper.)
    • waxed thread
    • an awl
    • a large hole needle

    Cut your cover slightly larger than the interior pages. Fold everything in half neatly, then nestle the interior pages inside the cover. You'll punch three holes with the awl, then use the thread and needle to create a pamphlet stitch that will hold the pages together.

    Here's an easy tutorial for creating the pamphlet stitch. It's super easy, and once you learn it, you'll want to create tons of these cute journals.

    A DIY journal with a cover made from finished coloring pages.

    10. Line a Tray

    A tray lined with a gorgeous peacock coloring page.

    This lined tray just might be my favorite easy way to use coloring pages!

    My husband gave me this tray a few weeks ago, and I've been trying to decide what to do with it. I finally decided to add a liner using a page from one of my favorite books, Secret Garden.

    All I did was cut the page to fit inside the tray. Then, I added a coating of Mod Podge to bottom of the tray and pressed in the coloring page. After letting it dry, I added another coat of Mod Podge to protect the paper.

    Doesn't it look gorgeous? This wood tray is very similar to the one I used, and it comes in multiple sizes.

    Bonus: Make Colorful Coasters!

    Coasters made from coloring pages.

    Okay, I counted wrong (ha), so here's a bonus project! I absolutely LOVE this page from my Posh Coloring Book, so I turned it into these cute coasters.

    To make your own, cut 3.5-inch squares out of bookboard or a heavy solid-core cardboard (mat board would work, too, as would ceramic tiles). Then, paint the squares whatever color you'd like and let dry. I used FolkArt Acrylic Paint in Light Blue.

    Cut your coloring pages into 3-inch squares. Flip over and apply Mod Podge to the back. Apply the pages to the painted squares and let dry. Finish by a couple coats of Mod Podge over the whole coaster (letting dry in between coats).

    Best Coloring Books, Pens, and Markers for Adult Coloring.

    Favorite Coloring Books, Pencils, and Markers

    If you’re looking for a fun adult coloring books, I have and love the following books. The books are all really different from each other, so I like to pick a specific book based on my mood.

    • Secret Garden – from the artist that kicked off the adult coloring book trend, this book is a classic, and I love it!
    • Posh Coloring Book – this book has a wide variety of interesting designs, making it fun to browse through and color.
    • Vive Le Color India – this is my newest book. I really like the small, square pages, which make the designs faster to color. This book would be great to use for a coloring party, too, because the pages are so easy to remove from the book.
    • Fantastic Cities and Secret Paris are on my wish list (plus, a million others … ha).

    For coloring the pages, I like to use the following:

    • Prismacolor Colored Pencils  – the BEST colored pencils in my opinion, these pencils have a saturated, waxy finish that makes blending multiple colors together really easy.
    • Sakura GellyRoll Moonlight Pen Set– the shades in this set are simply gorgeous! I love the other pens this company makes, too.
    • Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens – these gel pens are so fun to work with. They have a colorful, glittery finish that’s so pretty.
    • You can also get beautiful effects with watercolors! I recommend using the Art Alternatives Pocket Watercolor Set with an Aquash Water Brush.

    What is your favorite easy way to use finished coloring pages?

    P.S. Download my free Ain't No Mountain High Enough or Happy Fall Y'all coloring pages!


    10 Easy Ways to Use Coloring Pages
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Email
    « Mason Jar Easter Baskets
    Dijon-Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots »

    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    Subscribe
    Notify of
    Recipe Rating




    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    7 Comments
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Lara
    3 years ago

    Great article Ginnie! I shared it to a private Facebook group I am in. We used to get together and do coloring parties, and I bet this post of yours will spark renewed interest in that type of event. Have you thought of any more ways? Maybe a part 2 is on the horizon?

    1
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    3 years ago
    Reply to  Lara

    Thank you so much for sharing, Lara! That sounds like such a fun group. My favorite way to use coloring pages is framing them, but I should definitely work on a part two. 🙂

    1
    Reply
    Rhiannon
    3 years ago

    Thank you for posting this!!! I have lots of finished colouring books and didn't have clue what to do with them!!! Many thanks again

    0
    Reply
    Author
    Ginnie
    3 years ago
    Reply to  Rhiannon

    I'm so glad you found some inspiration, Rhiannon! Let me know if you try something ... I'd love to see how it turns out 🙂

    0
    Reply
    Meredith
    5 years ago

    I love these amazing ideas! I've just shared it in my latest post about books for crafters. Thanks so much for sharing!

    0
    Reply
    Amy
    5 years ago

    These are great ideas, Ginnie!

    0
    Reply
    Stephanie
    5 years ago

    Fantastic ideas! Adding to my Pinterest queue.

    0
    Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Ginnie Headshot

    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

    FOLLOW ALONG

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Newsletter

    Keep up with all things Hello Little Home ... sign up below to receive my weekly newsletter!

    You'll get all my posts delivered straight to your inbox, plus exclusive content just for subscribers.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Featured By

    A graphic with logos from media outlets Hello Little Home has been featured by, including Martha Stewart, Home Depot, Good Housekeeping, House Beautiful, Parade, HGTV, BuzzFeed, and more..

    Information

    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    Never miss a post ... Sign Up for our weekly newsletter

    Connect

    Copyright © 2022 Hello Little Home

    wpDiscuz