Don’t let your adult coloring pages stay in the book – use them to make something awesome! Here are unique 10 ideas you’ll have to try with your finished coloring sheets.
Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page to get a video of the bird wall decor project I feature in action.
Skills Required: Beginner to Intermediate. It really depends on what project you pick below. The furniture and t-shirt are more intermediate projects while the smaller items (jewelry, home decor) are best for beginners. I hope you’ll decide to tackle them all!

Adult coloring is all the rage these days, as I’m sure you know! I’ve done guides over on DIY Candy that show you how to color and what the best pencils are for coloring. I’ve also give you the ultimate guide to free coloring pages over there.
Crafting with Adult Coloring Pages
Are you wondering what to do with finished adult coloring pages? In this post today, I’m going to show you what to do with your coloring pages once you are done creating them! I’ve already done two projects on this blog with coloring sheets: a name plaque as well as a decorative tray.
I had SUCH fun making them. Yep, you need to get those finished adult coloring book pages out of the book and onto a project.
If you don’t want to cut up your coloring books for whatever reason, make a color copy to complete these projects. I don’t mind cutting mine up because guess what – that gives me a reason to color another!
Before I share the projects with you, I wanted to address a few commonly asked questions and issues you might run into based on what readers have already asked me. I hope these help you as you craft with your coloring sheets!
Will My Crayons or Markers Smear?
I’m so glad you asked! I actually wrote an article about using Mod Podge with markers and crayons (amongst other art mediums). Mod Podge works well on top of gel pens, crayons, and several markers.
Note that it smears Crayola marker, which might be an issue with kids coloring pages. If you use something I didn’t test, then do your own test on a piece of scrap paper.
Of course, this only applies if you use the actual pages versus making color copies. If you plan to make color copies of your adult coloring pages, read the section below.

Paper for Your Coloring Sheets
If you choose to scan and print your coloring sheets, you might be wondering which paper you should print them on. I highly recommend a matte paper that is thicker than regular printer paper – about 32 lb. or above. Regular printer paper is typically 2o lb. or below.
In addition, if you are printing the adult coloring pages, you’ll want to print them on a laserjet printer if at all possible.
Inkjet printed pages will smear when Mod Podged, although you can spray both sides with clear acrylic sealer and then the risk is less.
I will say that my HP printer has a very dry ink (the standard HP ink). If I print something and let it dry for several hours and then Mod Podge it, I don’t get any smearing unless I go over it several times.
If I didn’t have the HP printer, I’d just get laserjet copies of my coloring sheets because it’s easier.
Which Mod Podge Formula to Use
Each project lists the formula you should use in the tutorial if you click on the link. You’ll use Hard Coat for the furniture projects, and Gloss, Matte, or Satin will work for the home decor pieces depending on the finish you desire. You have some flexibility if it’s hanging on the wall.
Enjoy these 10 projects . . . most of them using decoupage . . . that will turn your coloring into useful crafts.
Ways to Use Adult Coloring Pages
1. Butterfly Side Table

Decoupage a funky little side table with your coloring pages – and Plaid even provides a freebie that you can print and color when you go to their post (click on the “Instructions” tab).
2. Gift Bows

Lines Across turns her fabulous adult coloring pages into handmade bow for packages. What a fun way to jazz up craft paper!
3. Journal Set

This journal makes the perfect gift, and uses Matte Mod Podge to seal. Give to a best friend or mom for Mother’s Day (and don’t forget the pencils!).
4. Coloring Page Keychains

I’m loving these keychains at DIY Candy, which are actually made with Shrinky Dinks. And you get the added benefit of Dimensional Magic to seal!
5. Coloring Book Canvas

Adult coloring pages are perfect in mixed media. This tutorial shows you how to create custom wall decor from your finished coloring pages!
6. Feather Art

Create a whimsical home decor accent with this feather art at Plaid Crafts. When it comes to adult coloring projects, this one of my favorites!
7. Coloring Book T-Shirt

I LOVE Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium and you will too. Turn your coloring pages into wearable art with this tutorial.
8. Painted Side Table

Circles and dots look fabulous on this piece of furniture. Print the free coloring sheets that are included under the Instructions tab, and color to your heart’s content.
9. Tile Coasters

Every good decoupage crafter loves making coasters – learn how to make them with your adult coloring book pages and Mod Podge.
10. Mixed Media Bird Plaque

I love that you get to use a variety of materials in this project including a stencil, paper, embroidery floss, trim, and gems. It all comes together for the cutest bird canvas ever!
Now that you’ve seen all the projects we found with adult coloring book pages, check out this video of how to make the bird canvas (project #10). Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video!
What is your favorite project to make with adult coloring book pages? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Sangeetha says
I had my kiddo use her pages as a birthday card, but we also just hand them as art on the wall
Michelle L says
Awesome roundup post, Amy! it simply never occurred to me you could DO something with the coloring pages. Duh!!!
Creative Khadija says
Wow Amy, These all are so cute & unique ideas, Thanks for sharing these with us 🙂
crafty.grandma says
When the grand-kids come over for a week-end stay, they always end up coloring or crafting. I take a picture of their work which goes into their album (to be given to them when they are 20), some drawings decorate my wall in Grandma’s workshop or my craft room, or I surprise them by using their drawings to wrap their birthday gift.
Cindy deRosier says
Fabulous projects! I turn my coloring pages into faux stained glass.
http://www.cindyderosier.com/2016/02/faux-stained-glass-from-coloring-book.html
Paige says
I think that dresser is so fun! It would be so cute in a little girl’s bedroom!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Monica Brown says
Wonderful! I have been coloring since 2002. I have been framing my art. Now, you have given me ideas that are fabulous!! I love that the crafting world has finally recognized this wonderful and relaxing craft. For all of those who scoff at it, I say: Don’t knock ’til you try it!!
Happy Coloring!
Yamini says
awesome tips! TIme to take a new weekend project 🙂
LadyD says
I’ve never given thought to doing anything with my coloring pages…. but this post and some of the comments bring me some awesome idea that I might just have to try.
Bailey Hardman says
Can the pages be Mod Podged if they’ve been colored with markers? I’m afraid the ink will smear or run. Love these projects.
Amy says
Hi Bailey! I actually did an article on that!
https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-using-with-ink-pads-pens-pencils-markers-and-more
Most markers should be okay if you let the marker dry for quite awhile. But do a small test first 😀
http://uk.pinkelstar.com/ says
Wow! This is really exciting and interesting idea to use coloring pages! It is great idea for fresh spring project for a good mood. Thank you so much!
Briany Male says
Great minds think alike! When I bought my first colouring in book Enchanted Forest this was my thought – colour in, cut out and use in my scrap booking. But I like your idea much better. Thanks for sharing
Connie D. Hall says
Thank you so much for the awesome ideas, great personal gifts.
Ainslie Yuen says
What a great post Amy!! Those cat coasters are so cute!!
Jennifer says
I have some of those clear plastic drawers by my bed, holding coloring materials, journals (bullet and specific- subject logs for reading notes), devotional a, crossword books and several dictionaries, yarn for 2 projects and several other things I do when stuck in bed. I had been thinking faux stained glass paint, but this gives me some more ideas. Use pages in front for opaqueness and branch the faux leading off in the style of the page’s design, or do Zentangle coloring designs if the pages give me trouble in adhering. Or enlarge 1, trace it with the leading, and get to color it twice