During this time you will have the opportunity to make five ATCs featuring different techniques (and different from Wednesday evening's demo), make a small a box to decorate and carry your ATCs in, and receive a handout with instructions.   

Are you interested in learning more about Art Journaling?  One of our Creative Team Members, Kimberly, recently taught a beginner art journaling class through Trade School Indianapolis.  Following the standard form of Trade School Classes it was a quick 90-minute class held at Rabble Coffee.  Despite it being a short class it covered some basics of art journaling and fun techniques.  We wanted to share the handout created for those students with you in case you are new to Art Journaling and looking to learn more.

Also, if this peaks your interest, join us on Saturday, August 6 from 11 am - 2 pm for Art Journaling Open Studio.  Kimberly will be there to assist with any questions, and it is a great time to see what and how others are creating.  

​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!  

Every Wednesday evening from 5 pm – 9 pm Palette & Paper hosts Open Studio.  It is a great time to work on your project(s) and connect with other crafty people. 

During tomorrow evening’s Open Studio, one of our instructors will be offering a make & take opportunity for everyone that is interested.  Certified Copic Instructor, Martha Dafnos will be in the studio from 5:30-7:30 sharing a great patriotic image to color using colored pencils, watercolors or Copic Markers (please bring yours).  Martha can offer pointers on coloring, blending and building color.  Once you have completed your mini masterpiece, you may purchase a kit to turn your colored image into a card (only $1).  ​

​As we approach Memorial Day, it is the perfect time to make this patriotic card.  To reserve your card kit, please email Martha, and see you tomorrow evening.