Chapter 5: Tools/Scrapbooking Supplies Essential to Coloring

Coloring books and materials are the basics when starting a coloring hobby. There are, however, other things you may need once the hobby has grown to something more. Instead of buying coloring books, you can make one yourself -- and you won’t even need drawing skills.

1. Stencil

Basically, this is how the coloring pattern will get its shape. The good thing about stencils is that you can use them for several projects, and that you can combine various patterns on one coloring page. The following are some of the few things you may want to consider when choosing a stencil:

• Size -- Your stencil should ideally be small, around 3x3 inches max. There is, however, an exception, and that’s how intricate the pattern is. If it’s one with very small details like a snowflake or mandala, then you can have it larger than the size specified above. On the other hand, if it has really large spaces, it’s better to stick to the original rule, unless you plan on adding doodles inside the shapes.

• Pattern -- If you’re planning to combine several different patterns, make sure they all complement each other. Therefore, if the theme of your first stencil is Paris, stick to patterns that relate to the city, or France in general. If you’re the type who sticks to one, then you always have the option to buy whole mandala stencils. One disadvantage about this is that you’d end up coloring the same pattern for several projects. If that’s the whole idea, however, then feel free to do so.

The amazing thing about stencils is that you can either buy them or make them at home. Buying is advantageous, of course, because you can choose from steel, plastic or paper stencils. Furthermore, you have an assurance that it will last a long time.

What’s fantastic about making your own, on the other hand, is the freedom of selecting patterns. More importantly, it is a lot cheaper. Below are the steps of how to make a stencil:

1. Download a stencil pattern from the internet. Google Images is a good start, but you can also try Pinterest and Etsy for more choices. Make sure you don’t get one with too elaborate of a design. Another option here is to draw your own pattern. There are several programs you can utilize for this, such as Photoshop.

2. Print the pattern on board paper. The thicker the paper, the more ideal it is.

3. This is where the hard part comes in. Use a cutter to cut out the spaces of the printout. One good technique here is to keep the cutter upright -- only the very point of the tool should touch the paper. This way, control and accuracy is maintained.

1. Scrapbook Paper

This is where you will be tracing your stencil. Understand that you should only opt for this if you are planning to make good use of your masterpiece later on. Keep in mind as well that there are several kinds of scrapbook paper and most of them are printable. If it is, then don’t bother yourself with making a stencil and just print directly on it. The kinds of scrapbook paper to be discussed in this book are the ones made from special materials, like banana fiber and textured scrapbook papers. A few things you need to consider before buying are:

• Know first if the paper is coloring friendly. If it is, know what coloring materials are ideal for it (e.g. watercolor, ink, etc.). Keep in mind that you are unlikely to use colored pencils with scrapbook papers. If you’re not an expert in any other medium, then the next best option would be ink tense colored pencils.

• Think of what this project will be for. Will it be framed and hung afterwards, will it be for an invitation, or perhaps a customized greeting card for a friend?

• Keep in line with your ideal theme. Even banana fiber scrapbook papers have designs and colors, and you need to select one that will complement your stencil pattern. Some of these have dried flowers pressed between fibers and these are good to bring more drama to your project.

• If there is no specific theme, but you just want to fully customize your coloring book, then buy a scrapbook album instead. With this, you can both enrich your coloring hobby, and use it to save precious memories.

1. Ink Drawing Pen

Of course, this is what you will use to trace the pattern on your scrapbook paper. Again, there are some things you need to consider before buying one:

• Drawing pens have different weights. If you are a beginner, it’s ideal to stick to a 0.5 ink pen because it’s neither too thin nor thick. On the other hand, if you have experience with doodling, you may want to try buying two or three with different weights. Use a stencil with large spaces and outline using the pen with the thickest tip. Then use the pens with slimmer points to fill it with your own doodles.

• If you want something a bit fancy, or something that won’t clash too much with the tone of your paper, buy brown ink pens. This is best suited for projects with earthy or pastel colors. Therefore, if you plan on using bright tones or neon colors, use black ink.

Finished coloring books can be more than just dusty pieces in your attic. Once you are done with it, you’re likely to never open it again, and this just puts your creative work to waste. Those who feel truly attached to their colored pages frame each and hang them around the house as decoration. There are, however, other more creative ways to make use of these.

1. Use it as additional decoration to scrapbooks, especially if you’re working on mandala designs. Simply cut the colored pattern off its page, then glue it wherever you deem fit. Some coloring books have loose elements in every page. For example, if the theme is ‘garden’, the patterns of vines and flowers are not connected. Think of this as your way to customize the color of your scrapbook designs. Since these usually have tricky curves and tiny edge angles, use only the tip of your scissors for precision.

2. If the pattern covered an entire page, use it as a scrapbook page itself. Or, cut the outlines and a few spaces and paste it on a page if you’re working with a scrapbook album.

3. Of course, there are more creative ways of customizing a coloring/scrapbook page. Try gluing buttons, dried flowers, ribbons or other scrapbooking material along the patterns. Make sure, however, to color them first before adding these 3D effects.