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January 1, 2025

How to Host A Coloring Party: The Ultimate Step by Step Guide

Hosting a coloring party is a joyful way to connect with loved ones, foster creativity, and spend time together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re planning a small gathering with friends, a fun activity for family, or even a virtual event, a coloring party can bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Let’s walk through a detailed guide on how to plan and host a magical coloring party that leaves everyone feeling inspired.

1. Planning Your Coloring Party with Love

Before you dive into the details, take a moment to reflect on the purpose of your party. Are you creating a relaxing space for mindfulness? Celebrating a milestone, a birthday or a bachelorette? Or simply gathering to have fun? A coloring party is a wonderful way to connect with others, it's especially amazing if you have a theme!

Choosing a Coloring Theme

Themes give your party a unique touch and tie everything together. Ideas like "Birthday", "Bachelorette", "Baby Shower", "Cats", “Floral Fantasy,” “Animal Adventures,” or “Abstract Patterns” can guide your selection of coloring pages, decorations, and even refreshments. Check our hand-drawn coloring pages that are super cute and amazing for many different themes! Explore our coloring pages here

Setting a Date and Time

Choose a time when guests can fully unwind and enjoy themselves. Weekends or late afternoons work well for most people. Start a poll to let everyone vote, if scheduling might become a problem.

2. Preparing Materials That Delight

Having the right supplies can elevate your coloring party from a casual gathering to a truly unforgettable experience! I made this experience myself... a colorful set of Ohuhu alcohol-based markers can change everything! Let’s dive into the tools of the trade:

Curate Your Coloring Pages

You can either offer a variety of coloring pages suited to your theme or offer only one page - both ideas are amazing! If you offer a variety of coloring pages, you can include options for different skill levels. If you offer just one page, you can compare after the coloring session, which is A LOT of fun usually. Just make sure that the page is generally easy to color. At pokiandkiwi.com we provide beautiful, printable designs that appeal to all ages and abilities. Explore our coloring pages here

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Essential Coloring Tools

1. Colored Pencils

A classic choice, colored pencils are perfect for creating intricate designs and layering colors. Look for artist-quality brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell for smooth application and vibrant hues. They’re also easy to erase, making them ideal for beginners.

2. Markers (Alcohol-Based)

Markers provide bold, vibrant colors that pop off the page. Alcohol-based markers, like Copic or Ohuhu, are popular among enthusiasts for their smooth blending capabilities. Having a bit set like the 320 set by Ohuhu can elevate every coloring party! People generally love those colors as they blend smoothly. Read my comprehensive review of Ohuhu Alcohol-based markers here

Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Alcohol-Based Marker Set
Ohuhu Honolulu 320 Alcohol-Based Marker Set

3. Crayons

A nostalgic favorite, crayons are simple and fun to use. Modern crayons come in a variety of forms, including glitter, metallic, and even watercolor crayons. Their affordability and ease of use make them perfect for kids or large groups.

4. Gel Pens

For those who love intricate details, gel pens are a fantastic choice. They’re available in metallic, glitter, and neon finishes, adding a dazzling effect to your designs. Use them to enhance outlines or create eye-catching highlights. Many coloring enthusiasts combine alcohol-based markers (for example by Ohuhu) with gel pens, creating amazing results!

5. Pastels

Soft pastels and oil pastels offer a unique texture and richness. They’re great for blending colors and creating a soft, dreamy effect. Although a bit messier than other tools, they’re worth considering for their creative potential.

6. Watercolor Pencils

A versatile tool, watercolor pencils allow you to add a splash of water for a painterly effect. They’re perfect for creating soft, blended backgrounds or adding dimension to your artwork.

Optional Extras

  • Blending Tools: Blending stumps or brushes can help smooth transitions between colors.
  • Paper Types: Use heavier paper or cardstock or simple printer paper.
  • Accessories: You can include erasers, sharpeners, and a few spare tools to accommodate everyone’s needs.

3. Creating a Warm Ambiance

Setting the scene is about making your guests feel comfortable and welcomed. A warm, inviting atmosphere encourages everyone to relax and enjoy the experience.

Decorations

Stick to your chosen theme to inspire the party décor. For example, a “Nature’s Wonders” theme could include potted plants, floral garlands, and wood-textured table settings. Simple touches like colorful tablecloths or fairy lights can instantly brighten the space.

Soothing Background Music

Music and art go hand in hand! Create a playlist to enhance the creative ambiance. Whatever floats your boat is fine, just make sure it's not something your guests hate... 🙂

Thoughtful Refreshments

Snacks and drinks add to the festive mood. Choose finger foods like cookies, mini sandwiches, or veggie platters that are easy to enjoy while coloring. Offer a mix of beverages, such as tea, water, lemonade to keep guests refreshed.

4. Hosting the Party: Step-by-Step

A Warm Welcome

Welcoming guests is always a bit nerve-racking.. will everyone enjoy the theme? Will they hate coloring? Try to ignore those fears and go with the flow! Introduce the theme and coloring tools and let everyone react however they feel at that point.

Dive into Coloring

Encourage everyone to pick their favorite coloring pages and tools. Let them know it’s not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the moment. This gentle reminder helps create a judgment-free space where everyone feels at ease. Never pressure someone to color or use specific tools, let them decide and go from there.

Interactive Activities

  • Show and Tell: Let guests showcase their finished pieces and share their creative process.
  • Collaborative Coloring: Work together on a large coloring page or mural for a fun, shared experience.
  • Friendly Competitions: Host lighthearted contests with categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Color.” Offer small prizes or handmade keepsakes.

5. Quick Intro to Virtual Coloring Parties

Virtual coloring parties are a wonderful way to connect across distances. If you’re considering one, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need in this detailed guide from Poki and Kiwi: How to Host a Virtual Coloring Party.

6. Adding Mindfulness and Joy

Coloring isn’t just fun... it’s also a form of mindfulness. Use your party as an opportunity to introduce relaxation and self-care to your guests, if you like. Read below how you can incorporate mindfulness into your coloring party.

Encourage Relaxation

Invite your guests to take their time and focus on the process rather than the outcome. Share the idea that coloring can be meditative, helping to quiet the mind and bring a sense of calm.

Share Gratitude

As the host, your energy sets the tone. Celebrate each guest’s creativity, offer kind words of encouragement, and express gratitude for their presence. These simple gestures make the event more meaningful.

7. Parting Gifts and Final Touches

Sending guests home with a small token of appreciation leaves a lasting impression.

DIY Goodie Bags

Fill goodie bags with thoughtful items like mini coloring books, a small set of gel pens, or even a printout of your favorite coloring page. Add a handwritten thank-you note for a personal touch.

Capture the Moment

Take group photos or snapshots of everyone’s artwork (with their permission). Share these memories after the party as a fun way to reminisce and reconnect.

Conclusion

Hosting a coloring party is a simple yet meaningful way to bring people together, spark creativity, and foster joy. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a lively celebration with friends, the thoughtful touches you add will make your event truly special.

With this guide, you’re ready to create a memorable experience filled with laughter, connection, and colorful creativity. So, gather your supplies, pick a theme, and let the fun begin!

For more resources and inspiration, take a look at our coloring pages ➜

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, For Families, Inspiration
Tags: Activities, Adults, Coloring, Coloring Party
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December 31, 2024

How to Host a Virtual Coloring Party with Friends and Family

Hosting a virtual coloring party is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones, no matter where they are. Coloring together can be relaxing, creative, and just plain fun. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or simply a chance to catch up, here’s how to make your virtual coloring party memorable for everyone involved.

1. Planning Your Virtual Coloring Party

Pick a Date and Time

Start by choosing a time that works for everyone. If your guests live in different time zones, find a middle ground that’s convenient. It could be a birthday, random Saturday, New Years Eve or afterwork activity - the possibilities are endless. A quick group poll can help decide the best time! You can create free polls with a tool like Poll Maker or ask in a group chat.

Choose a Platform

Decide which video call platform to use. Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype are all great options. Pick one that’s easy for everyone to join and use. Make sure it allows screen sharing if you want to show the coloring pages during the call.

Send Invites

Create fun digital invitations! Include the date, time, and a link to the video call. Don’t forget to mention any supplies or pages guests should prepare ahead of time. Adding a personal touch, like a cheerful message or theme, can make the invite extra special.

Explore more articles

2. Get the Coloring Pages and Supplies Ready for your coloring party

A good coloring party needs a plan! A theme and good coloring supplies are at the heart of the fun. Let's explore how you can make sure your virtual coloring party is set up the right way.

Pick a Theme

A theme can make your party feel more organized and exciting. Maybe it’s flowers, animals, or something seasonal like autumn leaves or snowflakes. You can download coloring pages with Poki and Kiwi, two cute cats here: Explore coloring pages ➜

Gather the Supplies

Let everyone know what they’ll need... crayons, markers, colored pencils, or even gel pens. Send them the coloring pages you decided on (Explore coloring pages ➜) - or if everyone can choose their own motif, remind them to print them out. If someone doesn't have any art supplies at home, discuss with them what is essential to get before the coloring session and what can be left out.

3. Set Up Your Space

Test Your Tech

Before the party, check that your internet connection, camera, and microphone work well. Ask your guests to do the same so everyone can join smoothly.

Create a Cozy Environment

Set up your coloring space in a comfy, well-lit area. You might want to light a candle or play some soft background music to set a relaxing mood. Encourage your guests to do the same it’s fun to share photos of everyone’s setups!

4. Hosting the Coloring Party with Friends or Family

Welcome Everyone

If you're family you know each other, if you're friends as well. But, if there are people joining that aren't familiar with everyone, introduce them quickly... but try to not make it formal. 🙂 This is not a business call, this is a fun call!

Explain the Plan

Let everyone know how the coloring session will go. Share your screen to show the coloring pages or send them the files if they need to print them. Keep things simple and clear.

Encourage Sharing

Invite guests to show their progress during the session. Talk about favorite colors or fun ways they’re using the designs. Compliments and friendly conversations make the experience even better.

5. Add Fun to the Party!

Play Music

Soft, relaxing music can make coloring even more enjoyable. You could even make a playlist in advance and share it with your guests. But, make sure, that everyone uses headphones, when music is involved.. you don't want to have weird echo... 🙂

Dress Up for the Theme

If you have a theme, suggest that guests dress to match. For example, for a beach-themed coloring party, they could wear sunglasses or a tropical shirt.

Try Mini Challenges

Add some friendly competition with challenges. You might suggest using only shades of one color or finishing a design in 15 minutes. Give out silly awards like “Most Creative” or “Best Use of Blue.”

6. Show Off Your Artwork

Virtual Art Gallery

At the end of the party, gather everyone together to share their finished (or even halfway finished!) pages. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate each person’s creativity and effort, no matter how their artwork turned out. Encourage everyone to hold up their pages to the camera and talk about what they enjoyed while coloring. Maybe someone tried a bold color combination, or another person added their own unique details to the design. Every piece is worth celebrating!

You can even turn this into a mini “gallery show” by taking screenshots or asking everyone to send photos of their artwork afterward. Compile the pictures into a shared album or slideshow to remember the event. This not only gives everyone a sense of pride in what they’ve created but also inspires each other with fresh ideas.

Remind participants that it’s not about perfection but about enjoying the process. Applaud the creativity, whether it’s a masterpiece or just a fun splash of color. 🙂 These moments of sharing and celebrating makes everyone feel appreciated and connected.

Post on Social Media

If everyone’s comfortable, encourage them to share their artwork online. A unique hashtag for your party can make it easy to see everyone’s posts. It's also fun to compare the coloring pages with others online!

Christmas Morning Coloring Page
Christmas Morning Coloring Page by Poki and Kiwi

7. After the Coloring Party

Send a Thank-You Note

After the party, take a moment to send a heartfelt thank-you message to everyone who joined. Let them know how much you appreciated their time and creativity, and mention specific highlights from the event. Maybe someone’s vibrant color choices stood out, or perhaps there was a particularly funny or sweet moment that everyone enjoyed. It’s a lovely way to remind everyone of the joy they helped create and let them know how much their participation meant to you. Sharing a group photo or a collection of the artwork can add an extra touch of thoughtfulness.

Plan the Next One

Once the fun of your first coloring party sinks in, why not start planning the next one? Ask your group if they’d like to do it again and invite ideas for making it even more exciting. You could experiment with a new theme, like seasonal designs or a specific color palette, or try out different types of art supplies. If you have a regular group, consider rotating who hosts, giving everyone a chance to bring their unique flair to the event.

8. Why Host a Virtual Coloring Party with Friends or Family?

Relax and Unwind

Coloring is a simple and calming activity that helps take away stress. The smooth motion of filling in shapes and watching bright colors appear can feel like a kind of meditation. It gives your mind a break from all the busy stuff in life. Spending an hour or two coloring together as a family or with friends can feel like a small vacation for everyone. If your're thinking about hosting a coloring party in real life, read this article here:

Connect with Loved Ones

Even if you’re far apart, coloring can help you feel close to the people you care about. Whether you’re sitting together in the same room or sharing the moment over a video call, coloring brings a special kind of connection. It’s not just about the art - it’s about the talking, laughing, and sharing ideas while you color. You might compliment someone’s color choices or laugh about a funny story, and those moments bring you closer. Coloring together makes you feel connected, even if you’re far away, and helps you create memories that last. It’s a simple, fun way to stay close to the people who matter most.

Celebrate Creativity

Coloring gives everyone a chance to express themselves, whether they’re blending colors beautifully or experimenting with bold designs. There’s no wrong way to do it!

Hosting a virtual coloring party is about more than just filling in lines with color. It’s about creating a space to laugh, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. With just a little planning, you can give your friends and family a truly heartwarming experience.

So grab your crayons, set the date, and get ready to color the day away... together! Explore coloring pages ➜

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, For Families, Inspiration
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December 27, 2024

Family Coloring: Why Coloring as a Family is a Wonderful Activity

In today’s busy world, finding ways to connect as a family can be a challenge. Between work and school, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time for meaningful moments together. That’s where a simple, creative activity like coloring can make a big difference. Coloring as a family isn’t just fun... it’s a fantastic way to strengthen your bond and create lasting memories.

Why Family Coloring Matters

Coloring isn’t just for kids. It’s an activity that everyone can enjoy, no matter their age. When families color together, they share more than just paper and crayons. They share time, creativity, and laughter. Here are some reasons why family coloring is so special:

  • It encourages togetherness: Sitting around the table to color allows everyone to focus on a shared activity. There’s no need for screens or distractions. It's just you, your family, and some coloring tools.
  • It sparks creativity: Coloring helps kids and adults alike explore their creative sides. You can work on individual designs or collaborate on a large page together.
  • It reduces stress: For both kids and adults, coloring has a calming effect. The repetitive motion of coloring can help everyone unwind and relax after a long day.
  • It’s easy and affordable: All you need are some coloring pages and a set of crayons, markers, or colored pencils. It’s a low-cost activity with endless possibilities.

Explore coloring pages ➜

Christmas Morning Coloring Page
Christmas Morning Coloring Page

How Coloring Builds Family Bonds

Family coloring sessions offer more than just pretty pictures. They help build communication, trust, and understanding in ways that feel natural and enjoyable.

1. Encourages Conversations

While you color, conversations flow more naturally. The simple activity creates a calm space that makes talking feel easy. You might chat about your day, share funny stories, or laugh at someone’s colorful masterpiece that didn’t turn out as planned. The relaxed mood helps everyone open up and share more. Even quiet moments while focusing on your art feel cozy and connected. Coloring isn’t just about the art - it’s also about spending time together and growing closer.

2. Strengthens Teamwork

Working together on a big coloring project is a wonderful way for families to build teamwork. Each family member can add their own personal touch to the artwork, whether it’s coloring a section of a drawing or picking out colors that go well together. As everyone works side by side, it’s easy to see how collaboration can create something really special. By helping each other, sharing ideas, and blending different creative styles, you’re not just making a beautiful picture... you’re also learning to support each other and appreciate everyone’s unique contributions. This teamwork can extend beyond the coloring page, helping family members work better together in everyday life, too. It’s a great way to bond, teach important skills like patience and cooperation, and enjoy the process of creating something as a family.

3. Creates Lasting Memories

The simple act of coloring together can turn into a special family tradition that everyone looks forward to. Whether it’s a weekend activity or a special occasion, sitting down together to color creates moments of connection that stay with you. As the years go by, you might find yourself looking back at those times with a smile, remembering the laughter, the little conversations, and the fun you had as a family. It’s not just about the pictures you colored, but the memories you made along the way.

Coloring Party Friends and Family Poki and Kiwi
Coloring Party with Friends and Family and Coloring Pages by Poki and Kiwi

Tools and Supplies to Enhance Family Coloring Time

Having the right tools can make your family coloring sessions even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

  1. Crayons: Classic crayons are perfect for younger kids. Look for larger, easy-to-grip crayons for toddlers and high-quality brands like Crayola for vibrant colors.
  2. Colored Pencils: These are great for older kids and adults who want more precision and shading options. Brands like Prismacolor or Faber-Castell offer excellent choices.
  3. Markers: Washable markers are a good choice for families with younger children. For older participants, fine-tip markers (like Ohuhu Markers) can help with intricate designs.
  4. Gel Pens: For a touch of sparkle or metallic effects, gel pens can add a fun element to your creations. They’re especially popular for holiday or special-themed pages.
  5. Coloring Books and Pages: Invest in coloring books with themes that appeal to everyone, such as animals, nature, or holidays. Explore our hand-drawn digital pages you can print at home Explore coloring pages ➜
  6. Paper: If you’re printing digital coloring pages, you could consider using thicker paper to prevent bleed-through and enhance the coloring experience. But in our experience, normal printer paper is just fine.
  7. Storage Solutions: Keep all your coloring tools organized in a basket or box. This makes it easy to set up and clean up after each session.

Tips for Starting a Family Coloring Tradition

If you’re new to family coloring, don’t worry! It’s easy to get started. Here are some tips to make your family coloring time extra special:

  1. Set the Scene: Create a cozy space with good lighting, comfy chairs, and a big table where everyone can spread out their supplies.
  2. Choose Fun Designs: Pick coloring pages that everyone will enjoy. You can find amazing printables by real artists online or invest in a book of designs. Look for themes like animals, holidays, or nature. Explore coloring pages ➜
  3. Let Everyone Choose Their Tools: Whether it’s markers, crayons, or colored pencils, let each family member pick their favorite medium to make the experience personal.
  4. Make It Relaxing: Play some soft background music and keep the atmosphere stress-free. Remember, it’s about spending time together, not creating a perfect masterpiece.
  5. Celebrate Your Work: Once you’re done, display your family’s creations on the fridge, in frames, or even create a scrapbook to keep your memories.

Benefits for Every Family Member

Everyone in the family can benefit from coloring in their own way.

  • For Kids: Coloring could help develop fine motor skills. In our experience it also boosts self-confidence when kids complete a design!
  • For Teens: It could provide a quiet break from screens and help them express themselves creatively.
  • For Adults: In our experience, coloring is a stress reliever that brings mindfulness and a sense of accomplishment.
  • For Grandparents: It’s a wonderful way to connect with younger family members and share stories while coloring side by side.

Conclusion

Coloring as a family is more than just an activity... it’s a chance to connect, unwind, and make memories together. In a world that often feels rushed, taking the time to sit down and color can bring joy and peace to your family life. So, grab some crayons, pick out your favorite pages (Explore coloring pages ➜ ), and start your own family coloring tradition. You might be surprised by how something so simple can bring you closer together.

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Coloring for Adults, For Families, Inspiration
Tags: Activities, Adults, Coloring, Coloring Sheets, Family

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