Don’t leave those pages in your adult coloring books – try one of these 10+ coloring page ideas! These coloring projects made with finished sheets are easy for beginners.
Don’t forget to watch the video in this post to see the bird wall decor project (#13) in action.
Skills Required: Beginner to Intermediate. It really depends on what project you pick from the list 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 (hello, stress relief)! I’ve done several guides over on DIY Candy that show you how to color and what the best colored pencils. I’ve also give you the ultimate guide to free coloring pages over there.
Are you wondering what to do with finished adult coloring pages? In this post, I’m going to show you what to do with finished coloring pages once you are done creating them!
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!
Tips for Using Coloring Pages in Crafts
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 Projects
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 (like scrapbook paper). Regular printer paper is typically 20 lb. or below.
Laserjet printing is ideal. Inkjet printed pages will smear when Mod Podged, although you can spray both sides with clear acrylic sealer and then the risk is less. Let them dry overnight too.
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.
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.
What is your favorite project to make with things you’ve colored? I’d love to hear in the comments!
I had my kiddo use her pages as a birthday card, but we also just hand them as art on the wall
Awesome roundup post, Amy! it simply never occurred to me you could DO something with the coloring pages. Duh!!!
Wow Amy, These all are so cute & unique ideas, Thanks for sharing these with us 🙂
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.
I think that dresser is so fun! It would be so cute in a little girl’s bedroom!
Paige
https://www.thehappyflammily.com/
Fabulous projects! I turn my coloring pages into faux stained glass.
https://www.cindyderosier.com/2016/02/faux-stained-glass-from-coloring-book.html
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!
awesome tips! TIme to take a new weekend project 🙂
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.
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.
Hi Bailey! I actually did an article on that!
https://modpodgerocksblog.com/using-mod-podge-with-ink-markers-pencils/
Most markers should be okay if you let the marker dry for quite awhile. But do a small test first 😀
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!
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
Thank you so much for the awesome ideas, great personal gifts.
What a great post Amy!! Those cat coasters are so cute!!
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