Coloring Paper Ideas
Charise Farag
Something fun that I have been exploring has been to use AI art generators to create complex, beautiful, and fun coloring pages. I've used different prompts that include the words "children's coloring book page illustration" and "black and white, white background." I also sometimes have added the term "zentangles" to the description. Prompts like "intricate, fantasy, whimsical, and detailed" are also good to test out. Here are some city coloring pages made in Adobe Firefly:
I've found that different AI art generators produce results of differing quality and styles. Sometimes the lines can be rough and random. Things like tails and feet can appear in unexpected places! These castle pages below were generated using the Bing Image Creator. You can see the stars have some unusual shapes!
To integrate creating coloring pages as a learning activity, why not generate a page that illustrates a vocabulary word, a science concept, or a historical event? Students would then need to explain what the illustration is trying to show.
It also would be a fun end of the year activity to make pages that could be printed and colored by the students. Most of the AI art sites are designated for older ages, but a teacher could put the site up on the screen and have students give ideas for what to put into the coloring illustration that the teacher could type in. Students would be using descriptive writing using nouns and adjectives and would need to think creatively to revise to get a result that makes the class happy! Best designs could be printed!
Coloring these pages digitally on an iPad is a little more difficult because it is hard to stay inside such complex lines. I used this website to erase the white in the illustration to create a transparent png. I then put that transparent black lined Png on a layer in Procreate, then put a layer underneath where you could color under the black lines.
If you wanted to do this using Pages or Keynote, you could color over the top of the transparent black lined image. It would look a bit messy because you would cover up some of the black lines. Then, when you are done, just move the black lined layer to the top! Bingo, you will have a neatly colored picture!
Thanks for exploring and sharing more AI in education possibilities. I like your idea of having the class suggest design ideas and the teacher putting them into an AI generator for setting up a coloring template.
How fun are these coloring pages?! I agree with Cheryl (and you) that crowd-sourcing words and phrases to generate the coloring sheets would be an interesting whole class activity that would support students' understanding of how AI works in a way that's scaffolded by the teacher -- great opportunity to build digital citizenship skills and consider new avenues for creativity. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
I would use these coloring sheets (student chose digitally to color or on paper) right after lunch for about 5 minutes. It gave students a chance to refocus and get ready for learning. They came in hyped up, this was a great calming activity.
This is awesome, Karen! I teach high school graphic design and I think this could potentially be a great starting point for a collaborative project with my students and elementary students. Thank you so much for sharing!
I've had good luck doing this with Adobe Firefly and Bing Image Creator, both gave free options. If you have an Ai generator that you already use go head and try it. I find the quality of results is constantly improving. Let me know if you discover another one that works great making the coloring pages
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!
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!!
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
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
Next, print all the coloring sheets and the book cover. There are 38 pages total. I used my fabulous new Canon PIXMA TS9521C Crafting Printer for this job because the print quality is exceptional and it can handle thick paper with ease.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. prides itself on allowing consumers to create and preserve beautiful imagery, from capture to print. With wireless technology and seamless printing capabilities, you can print your photos and printables with precision and ease.
To nurture that love for learning, this DIY coloring wall has really come in to play! She had already loved coloring or drawing on the magnetic chalkboard that we made, but this wall mounted paper roll just took it another step further.
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In today's fast-paced and stressful world, finding ways to relax and unwind is more important than ever, and as crafters, we're lucky that we have many options to do just that! While there are countless paper crafting activities for stress relief, one of our favorite activities here at Altenew is coloring images. After all, coloring is a fun and easy way to escape the daily pressures of life and improve focus and creativity!
So, whether you're looking for a way to unwind after a long day or simply seeking a creative outlet for your emotions, coloring images is a simple and accessible activity that can have a big impact on your mental health. In today's blog post, we'll explore some exciting coloring ideas and coloring techniques you can try to get started on your stress-free journey. So get your favorite medium and coloring books out, print out our FREE coloring pages, and let's get creative!
Did you know that it is scientifically proven that coloring helps reduce stress and anxiety? Many research studies point toward the positive effects that coloring can have on the mind and body. Though its effects are not necessarily the be-all-end-all permanent cure, its impact on our mood and well-being still holds significance, especially if you need an immediate de-stressor.
Not only that, but coloring can also help improve your heart rate, as your brain steadily relaxes and calms itself, like a meditative state, as you freely focus on adding colorful strokes within the lines. It allows for self-expression and can be a form of therapy, assisting you in processing emotions and working through challenging experiences.
There are many different types of coloring materials - that's the best part about coloring! There's something for everyone; you don't have to stick with just one medium. Here are a few of the most popular options, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits to give you stunning results:
When using watercolors, it's important to use high-quality watercolor paper to prevent the paper from buckling or tearing from the weight of water. Luckily, watercolor coloring books are available, so you can freely practice your watercolor techniques without the fear of bleeding!
Remember, coloring isn't just for kids - it's a fun and beneficial activity for adults too. So, don't be afraid to tap into your inner artist and unleash your creativity with these fun coloring ideas. If you still need inspiration, you can refer to our FREE color swatches to get beautiful color palette ideas today. With so many different coloring materials and techniques available, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Taking time to color can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase mindfulness and relaxation. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or just need a break, try picking up some coloring materials and see how they can help you feel calmer and more centered. Happy coloring! For more crafty inspiration and ideas, remember to drop by our All About Crafting blog!