I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel sad when I’ve completed a colouring-in page.  I mean, I’ve made it look pretty and now it’s just going to go on my sky-high pile of sheets never to be seen again.  Years ago, in a previous life as a web designer, I remember a client telling me how they would use their colouring-in sheets as wrapping paper when I mentioned that I was thinking of designing and selling them. Lots of life has happened since then, and that idea sat on the back burner for a long while, but I was thinking about this conversation the other day and set off on an internet search for other creative ways to use colouring-in sheets.

There’s something comforting about finishing a colouring-in sheet, isn’t there?   Whether it’s happy memories of colouring books from childhood to being an adult looking for a relaxing activity to take our minds off the daily stresses of life.  But what about when we’ve finished them, it seems a shame to leave them.

Here are several suggestions for using your finished colouring-in sheets. Some of these would make great children’s activities and projects too.

7 Ways To Use Your Finished Colouring In Sheets

1. Patterned Gift Wrap

Like that client conversation, I had many moons ago, my number 1, or first idea I thought of for using a finished colouring-in sheet creatively, was using them for gift wrap.  What a lovely personal touch it brings to the receiver of the gift, who can see the effort you’ve put into making the gift special for them.  It’s also a great way of reducing waste.  However, if, like me, you get attached to some of your creations and can’t bear the thought of your work being ripped and destroyed, this might not be your favoured way to reuse your sheets!

2. DIY Greeting Cards

Transforming your colouring sheets into handmade greeting cards for various occasions will give you an unlimited supply of well-wishes. Depending on the thickness of the colouring sheet’s page, you might need to glue them onto a piece of cardboard to make them sturdy, but the creative possibilities are endless. For instance, you could make a collage from different sheets to make one card.

3. Collage Artwork

This wasn’t an idea that was high on my list of creative ways to use a colouring-in sheet, but the possibilities are endless when you use them for collaging.  Combining with other craft elements and patterns can make a fabulous-looking piece of artwork.

4. Educational Games

Another one I hadn’t thought about, but I think it would make a lovely activity for keeping the kids entertained for more than the five minutes it takes them to finish a colouring-in page (if you’re a parent, you know, you’ll know!).  You can get the kids to cut their sheets into pieces to create a jigsaw or add shapes to a greeting card.  That will probably take them another 10 minutes. 😉

5. Decorative Bookmarks

Why not turn your colouring sheets into beautiful bookmarks? Cut out long strips from the finished colouring sheet and laminate them for durability. Punch a hole at the top, and add a pretty ribbon or tassel to create decorative bookmarks.  It is the perfect gift for avid readers or as a gift for friends and family.

6. Table Placemats

I love the idea of turning a colouring-in sheet into reusable table placemats. Cover them with laminate to protect them spills and stains and it will certainly create a talking point at the table when you have guests around.

7. colourful notebook cover

How many of us remember using old magazines or gift wraps to cover our school notebooks?  Give your plain notebooks a new lease of life by using your colouring-in sheets as a notebook cover.  Use sticky-back plastic over your beautiful colouring sheet to protect it from the elements.

8. (BONUS tip) Mobile Phone Cover

Carry and show off your artwork wherever you go by adding colouring in sheets to your mobile phone cover.  All you need is a clear mobile phone, cut the colouring page down the size of the case and glue it in with the colourful side facing outwards.

Endless creative possibilities

There are so many creative ways you can use your finished colouring in sheets.  Whether using them artistically, for educational activities, or for more practical uses, colouring sheets can inspire imagination and provide hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. So, the next time you come across a colouring sheet, think outside the box and explore how you can unleash your creativity!

Over to you

Which one on this list is your favourite? Do you have any other creative uses for colouring in sheets you’ve used? Yes? Share them below!