​As artists and customers of Palette & Paper, a lot of us are believers in the “Color Outside the Lines” adage.

However, coloring inside the lines can be just as good for our minds and souls.  The trend of “adult coloring books” has really taken off these past couple of years.  Wondering what the hype is about, read on . . .

Coloring offers a variety of mental benefits.  Marygrace Berberian, certified art therapist, stated to CNN “Coloring definitely has therapeutic potential to reduce anxiety, create focus or bring [about] more mindfulness.”  A research study in 2005 proved that anxiety levels dropped when subjects colored mandalas (round frames with geometric patterns inside).  When subjects simply doodled though, it had no effect in reducing their stress levels.

The act of coloring is a lot like meditation.  It allows you to switch off your brain to other things and simply focus on the moment.  This can be a major positive, since according to the American Psychological Association, Americans reported being more stressed out this past year than the year before (source).  It is easy to understand increased stress levels with the fast-paced culture we live in where so many focus on work and money.

The Coloring Studio combines a coloring book and magazine in its quarterly publication.  It is filled with over 100 coloring pages in an array of styles.  It also has interesting articles and tips. Below is a look inside the summer edition of The Coloring Studio.

Palette & Paper offers a variety of Zenspirations Coloring Books in different themes (Inspirations, Flowers and Abstract & Geometric Designs).  Also, Dylusions has a fun coloring sheet book featuring the whimsical designs of Dyan Reaveley.  This booklet contains heavyweight cardstock making them ideal to use with markers or watercolors.  Plus, these sheets work fantastically as additions to your art journal or collage pieces.  Palette & Paper also carries ADORNit coloring sheets.  These sheets are great for when you want a small scale coloring project.  You can turn them into a card to send a friend, include on a bible journaling page and more.

Some say that Johanna Basford, creator of the Secret Garden Coloring Book, launched the "adult coloring book obsession".  Her designs are gorgeous so it is easy to understand why.  Palette & Paper carries her Secret Garden Postcard book.  How lovely it would be to color a few of these and send friends and family some happy mail! 

So stop in today and get a coloring book!  You are invited to sit on our back porch and color a while too (or inside in the AC during Open Studio every Wednesday evening).  

Do you color?  We would love to see your creations.  Please share on our Facebook page or on Instagram with #paletteandpapercreation!  

A phrase you will see often on Palette & Paper’s website and social media channels along with being heard in the shoppe is “mixed media”.

But what is “mixed media”?  According to Wikipedia, mixed media refers to “an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed.  For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a 'mixed media' work" (source). 

At Palette & Paper, we carry a variety of mediums to be used in various mixed media work (think about it, almost everything you create could be considered mixed media!).  A few of our favorite mediums/products that we carry are (we’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks):

Mica Powder by Finnabair Art Ingredients 

​Mica Powders are great additions to any base mediums – gesso, gel medium (use it this way when doing photo transfers and you will love the shimmery result) and even water to create your own custom mists.  The Mica Powder will add sparkle and shimmer to all of your mixed media projects. ​
​

Uni-ball Signo Broad Pen in White

White ink isn’t just for writing on black paper.  It is perfect for adding details and text to backgrounds and patterned paper.  This pen is adored by many with its smooth writing and nice bold tip.

What are some of your favorite mediums?  Do you use any of these four regularly in your artwork?