I was telling a friend back a few years ago that what the indie craft world really needs is a coloring book for kids designed by artists, each page from a different talent, all pages inspiring and fun. It is a great, sneaky way to get children away from mainstream cartoon characters, not that Sponge Bob is bad (I happen to be a fan of the squarepants man!), and to develop their interest in artists who are not designing what they see in toy stores. I think kids can use a little diversity and exposing them to the art community at an early age is a good idea. Plus, they can color it so it’s fun and interactive, developing their creativity. Though my coloring book idea didn’t go beyond my desk, I’m suddenly spotting a trend – artists coloring books are slowly popping up in the independent craft communities online and I’m loving it!
Like this collaborative coloring book, We Are Happy, founded and designed by Yael Frankel. It’s a monthly publication, so new art each month, for you to color or paint on, and contains the work of 10 artists or so who have Etsy shops. Every month the artists are given a theme and they are to interpret that theme into art.
Interested in coloring your world happy? Click here to find We Are Happy and to enjoy this wonderful new offering from some of your favorite Etsy artists.
(images: yael frankel)
What a great idea! I love it.
I love your idea. What a great find! Is it bad that a big child like myself wants one?
Ha! No way, I totally want one too.
great one.
i have seen this popping up a lot as well! stephanie corfee is featuring a line of “you color it” prints for her intricate illustrations (http://stephaniecorfee.etsy.com)
Yay for Yael Frankel! Love her work.
Love It! Thanks for the link.
Holly!!! Thanks again dear, I loved and enjoyed your post so much!!!!
:):):):):):):):):):):)
And let me say this: IT IS FOR EVERYONE!!!!!!
This is a fabulous idea. Thanks for posting!
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And now… we have our SPECIAL EDITION FOR HALLOWEEN coloring book!!!
Here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29292916
Sorry, I’m not a fan of coloring books. I am a fan of huge boxes of crayons (scented ones are nice) and big sketchbooks spread out on the floor. Children should be exposed to art, but I find coloring books more limiting than inspiring. (There’s all that pressure to stay inside the lines) If you’re tired of commercial art, take the wee ones to a gallery or museum (yes, they can behave!) to see the works in person. You might be amazed at what they see in the artist’s work. Example: on a trip to Paris, I watched my then 9-year-old study the Mona Lisa carefully (and quietly) for 30 minutes. She then walked to where I was waiting for her and told me “No matter where you stand, she looks right at you.”
Just bought the last one – phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m delighted to have more options other than Hello Kitty and Transformers to purchase for my kids. In the past I’ve bought books from Tania Howells and S. Britt and have kept them for myself. =) Now if we can just convince (and if I nag enough) Jennifer Judd-McGee aka Swallowfield about producing a coloring book because I’d love to get lost in her patterns and details with some crayons! http://www.etsy.com/shopbyuser.php?username=swallowfield
I’m 39 and not ashamed to admit that sometimes I grab a glass of wine and some crayons. =)
If it is a trend, i look forward to it. Getting to be familiar with art in such a primitive, hands-on way is so encouraging to children-and that includes me!
I have not seen such a coloring. Very nice. However, I prefer the books that really speaks to the children. http://www.konyv-konyvek.hu/book_images/32a/999641232a.jpg