Coloring as TherapyI first got into coloring as an adult about five years ago, when I was working at CaptionCall. The job consisted of transcribing live phone calls, using a voice recognition service. So I would hear one side of a conversation, echoing it back in a monotone voice so the software could show it back to the hard of hearing person on the other side of the line. As far as phone jobs go, it was a good one - I didn't talk directly to people, didn't have to answer questions, and felt good about the service helping those in need. But it really wasn't a job I enjoyed. It was stressful trying to keep up with the conversation, could get very mindless, and I wasn't used to talking so much. What got me through my shift ended up being coloring. Sometimes reading between calls was hard because you didn't have enough time to get into a book, but I could easily grab a pencil and fill in a section. I found it helped me with the stress, and helped the day go faster. And I really enjoyed my new hobby. I even bought a new bag for work that had room for a colored pencil organizer. When I got my job at a library, my coloring did slow down. But my passion didn't. I still collect books from my favorite artists. And situations like these are great reminders to step back and find time for myself. I even pulled out my new clipfolio and colored during a webinar video I watched for work. Supplies
When to ColorI like to multitask while I color. Listen to an audio book or podcast, watch tv, or even during work when appropriate (webinars, conference calls). It's not using the language part of your brain so you can be creative and still pay attention to something else. ArtistsHere are links to my favorite artists. They all have sample pages you can print out for free. You can see some of my own completed pages of theirs below. Many coloring book artists also have groups on Facebook where you can share your finished work and connect to other coloring peeps. One place I don't recommend finding coloring pages is Pinterest. Often, those are not authorized freebies. Support the artists! Selina Fenech - link to free sampler Johanna Basford - link to free pages Hannah Lynn - link to sample book Some of my Finished PagesBelow: First three are from ColorIt. Second group is Hannah Lynn. Third group is Johanna Basford. Final group is Selina Fenech.
5 Comments
Elizabeth Wilcox
4/16/2020 01:56:49 pm
I should really consider getting back into this while my foot heals! I can have something to do while listening to podcasts. (I used to clean or exercise, but the foot injury temporarily ruined those options.)
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Julie V. Wilcox
4/18/2020 09:53:23 am
Thank you for sharing. Nice to see the colored pages - why do I like the frog so much? The links are great too..
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Pamela Smith
4/24/2020 10:59:44 am
Thanks for sharing. I am impressed. I think I need to look at coloring as a stress reliever!
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Sheral Berrie
4/24/2020 12:00:29 pm
I love your pictures. I love to color also.
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Esteban Godoy
4/25/2020 10:12:57 pm
Awesome 🔥 ! Great reading how you got into coloring. I think I'll be getting some coloring books because they look amazing and fun todo on weekends.
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AuthorMary W. Jensen. Author, poet, gamer, library shelver. Archives
March 2021
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