Remember Colouring Books As A Child ?

[Canary42]

Well apparently it's now an adult occupation.

Is this a sign of more dumbing down, or is the alleged therapeutic benefit real ?


http://email.hobbycraft.co.uk/HM?b=o-eMMnurWSa99T_4ZRx3gYjJ5ARP-ZJ85ASbrMIQXkhsN8ObIfn8ovQdVvoB62fE&c=HYwJxR1KfTNRAoPRNVqe5w

[hc4361]

I remember my mother doing those awful velvet scratch pictures, whatever they were called and paint by numbers. I think there has always been this sort of arts and crafts aimed at the artless and craftless.
It is therapeutic and useful if you are trying to stop smoking, as it keeps your hands occupied.

[Mamyalynne]

Oh the benefit is real alright and it isn't new - some of the designs are very complex and using the right pens/inks the results are stunning.

My Daughter (30's) got a lovely set from her sister for her birthday.

[Mamyalynne]

I am a bit curious as to your turn of phrase 'dumbing down' in regard to a hobby/pastime??

[Maydup]

Anything that encourages creativity is good with me. It looks quite appealling, although I'd prefer a different style of design, and reminds me of some of my greatest loves as a child - Colouring, painting by numbers, magic painting and spirograph!

[EcclesCake]

A satisfying pastime for many I would have thought. The link shows how much more sophisticated the outlines are than those aimed at children.

[Maydup]

Just found one with London street scenes, now we're talking!

[maggiebee]

Was looking at the adult versions in Asda yesterday. Was told it's very therapeutic.

[Canary42]

By "dumbing down" I was referring to the total lack of originality/creativity. But I guess it was only a tongue-in-cheek question to stimulate an entertaining debate. Some interesting views so far.

[Mamyalynne]

I see - well if one is hopeless at drawing at least this way with time and patience you can have a lovely finished article.

[Prudie]

I'm sure it's no more dumbed down than spending hours on Answerbank :-) I wish I was arty but I'm not but this entertains vast numbers of people.
As for children's colouring - I adored the magic painting books where colours would appear when you applied just water.

[Maydup]

My favourite too Prudie, I might just have to pop into Poundland now and see if they don't have three books for a £1!

[Canary42]

////I adored the magic painting books where colours would appear when you applied just water.////

Yes, I liked those too - I don't believe you can still get them (or can you ?)

[pixie374]

You can, canary x

[Khandro]

//magic painting books where colours would appear when you applied just water//
Could there be anything less demanding? better off with a jigsaw, at least the child has to deal with shape and colour.
Nothing personal Canary, just that such things are anathema to me.

[shaneystar2]

I love them and have several .I like the fashion ones best ,especially the art deco styles and fashion through the ages .There are loads on Amazon .I've also got dogs ,birds and am working my way through The Victorian House .
Very relaxing hobby .

[whirlyhurly]

Ah yes Khandro and if we couldn't obtain any brushes & water we would just use our fingers and spit !

[Canary42]

///Nothing personal Canary, just that such things are anathema to me.///

Yes, but in my day, for the very young, it was pure magic.

[ummmm]

A few months back I bought a pack of tissue paper in various colours, some PVA glue and some bits and bobs, from Amazon. Yesterday I decorated a black plastic plant pot. I loved it....really therapeutic. This morning I have a colourful plant pot full of basil and parsley :-)