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.
Coloring Page Ideas for Adults
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! 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 pages out of the book and onto a project. You won’t regret it.
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 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.
In addition, if you are printing free 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. 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.
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.
Coloring Page Ideas
Are you looking for coloring ideas for adults! Get those pages out of the book with these coloring page projects that are easy to make.
Adult Coloring Pages on a Tray
Do you have a bunch of adult coloring pages laying around and aren't sure what to do with them? Decorate a tray! It's easy and makes a great gift idea.
Unique Coloring Book DIY Name Plaque
Use your adult coloring pages to make this personalized DIY name plaque! Relax and enjoy coloring, then turn the pages into wall art.
Butterfly 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).
Turn Coloring Pages into Gift Bows
Rachel turns her fabulous adult coloring pages into handmade bow for packages. What a fun way to jazz up craft paper!
Journal Set with Adult Coloring Page Cover
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!).
Shrinky Dink Keychains with Coloring Pages
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!
Feather Art Inspired by Coloring
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!
Turn Adult Coloring Book Pages Into Magnets
Take your masterpieces and turn them into DIY fridge magnets! This is a really easy idea and perfect for gifts or party favors.
DIY Tile Coasters
Every good decoupage crafter loves making coasters - learn how to make them with your adult coloring book pages and Mod Podge.
Adult 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.
Decorating Gift Bags
Use your coloring pages to decorate your gift bags and cards - send them off to a new home for someone else to enjoy!
Painted Side Table
Circles and dots look fabulous on this piece of furniture. Grab the free printable coloring pages that are included under the Instructions tab, and color to your heart's content. I love mandala coloring pages, so this is one of my favorite projects!!
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!
Adult 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!
Now that you’ve seen all the projects we found using free printable coloring pages for adults, check out this video of how to make the bird canvas (project #13). Simply press “PLAY” in the center of the video!
What is your favorite project to make with things you’ve colored? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Jennifer
Thursday 21st of April 2016
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
Ainslie Yuen
Sunday 17th of April 2016
What a great post Amy!! Those cat coasters are so cute!!
Connie D. Hall
Friday 8th of April 2016
Thank you so much for the awesome ideas, great personal gifts.
Briany Male
Sunday 20th of March 2016
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
http://uk.pinkelstar.com/
Thursday 10th of March 2016
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!