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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

Read more

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 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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December 4, 2024

Coloring in Winter: Why Coloring Pages Are the Perfect Hobby

Winter is magical, right? Waking up when it's snowing outside, cozy evenings, snow-covered landscapes, and the warmth of indoor activities.. maybe even a fireplace, if you're lucky (we are not that lucky). But with all that cold weather, we tend to stay in a lot more... and sometimes it gets boring. But ... not when you start coloring! In this post we want to show you all of the benefits of coloring in winter, no matter how old you are. Coloring is a wonderful family activity, a creative hobby for kids, teens, adults and a great way to be creative as a senior.

Whether you’re looking for winter hobby ideas or simply need a break from screens, coloring pages with winter themes can help you relax, combat winter blues and reconnect with your inner child. Here’s why we think you should put coloring on the top of your activity list this season.

5 Reasons You Should Make Coloring Your Winter Hobby

  1. A Cozy and Calming Activity: Winter days often call for warmth and comfort, and there’s nothing more soothing than curling up with a coloring book and your favorite hot drink. Coloring allows you to focus on the present moment, relieving stress and promoting mindfulness.
  2. Indoor Fun: When it’s cold outside, we might want to stay in a lot more. Coloring becomes a wonderful way to stay home and still be productive. Unlike more demanding hobbies, it’s low-cost, requires minimal setup, and can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family.
  3. Boosts Creativity and Mood: Winter blues is real. This season can sometimes feel monotonous, but coloring can inject a splash of color and creativity into your routine. Exploring vibrant palettes and cute designs can lift your mood and keep your creative juices flowing.
  4. Suitable for All Ages: Whether you’re an adult seeking relaxation, a child, a teen or a senior maintaining fine motor skills, coloring pages cater to everyone. They’re versatile, accessible, and endlessly enjoyable.
  5. Perfect Gift: Coloring essentials like coloring book, pages and tools are a great gift for the holidays. If you suspect someone could actually like this hobby, give it a try and get them a coloring book for adults, kids, teens or seniors. You could also add crayons, markers or pencils and make this the perfect creative gift.

Benefits of Coloring During Winter

Coloring is fun! But it also offers many mental and emotional benefits, especially in the colder months:

  • Can Combat Winter Blues: Bright colors and cute designs can help counteract bad feelings. Of course this is very subjective, but many people report that creative hobbies can help them with winter blues.
  • Encourages Mindfulness: The repetitive motion of coloring can create a meditative state for lots of people, easing stress and enhancing focus.
  • Family or Friend Activity: Coloring with loved ones can create moments of bonding and shared creativity.

Read more about the 10 Benefits of Coloring for Adults here ➜

How to Get Started with Winter Coloring

Getting started with winter coloring pages is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Printable Coloring Pages or Coloring Books: Choose designs that capture the essence of the season. You can download our winter coloring pages here ➜
  2. Coloring Tools: Whatever tools you prefer! Crayongs, colored pencils, gel pens, or markers are great choices. If you're just getting started, we encourage you to use whatever you already have. If you feel like upgrading, we can personally recommend Ohuhu markers.
  3. A Relaxing Space: Set up a cozy corner with soft lighting, blankets, and your favorite winter soundtrack. Wherever you are, make sure it feels good to you.

Download Our Free December and January Coloring Pages

Looking for the perfect pages to start? Our free December and January coloring pages are designed with winter in mind, featuring:

  • Poki and Kiwi’s Cozy Chimney Scene: Snuggle up indoors with this charming illustration of Poki reaching for a stocking filled with surprises.
  • Winter Wonderland Snowman: Enjoy the frosty fun of Poki and Kiwi building a snowman in a serene snowy landscape.
  • Christmas Morning Excitement: Relive the holiday magic with Poki popping out of a gift box while Kiwi curiously watches.
  • New Years Eve: What a way to start the new year creatively!
  • And much more!

Download Your Free Winter Coloring Pages Here!

Published by Poki and Kiwi in Inspiration
Tags: Activities, Coloring, Hobby, Winter

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