March 23, 2016

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Three beautiful vintage fashion filled adult colouring books from Dover Publications


It's safe to say that the adult colouring book craze has taken off like wildfire and then some! Though colouring books geared towards those far past the primary school age range are not new by any means, their widespread adoption and explosive growth as a market certainly is.

I've been wanting to dip my feet into the pool, so to speak, for quite some time now, as I greatly enjoyed colouring as a child and have been a passionate paper crafter (scrapbooker, card maker, etc) since my mid-twenties, however I rarely have time to just sit and craft or colour, so thus far I haven't done so - despite really wanting to.

Earlier this month I talked about how I'm making a point, no matter what, to carve out more downtime for myself. Ideally, I'd like my off-time to be as relaxing as possible, and the concept of adult colouring books certainly fall into that camp for me.

As such, Dover Publication's timing couldn't have been more perfect (no doubt the universe is trying to encourage me to relax more!). The awesome folks there recently got in touch with me again (we've worked together here in the past) to ask if I'd be interested in receiving a set of, and giving away copies of the same, three historical fashion filled colouring books from their expansive library of such.

Vintage? Colouring? A chance to unwind a little? Yes, pretty please! I jumped at the chance, not only for my own sake, but so as to be able to offer one lucky Chronically Vintage reader the chance to win a prize pack featuring all three of the following Dover adult colouring books.






Creative Haven Art Nouveau Fashions Coloring Book: Illustrated by noted artist Ming-Ju Sun, this elegant colouring book features fashions spanning the 1890s to the early 1900s (aka, the end of the Victorian era straight on into the beginning of the Edwardian period). Think leg-o-mutton sleeves, intricate lace, slender waists, sophisticated dangle earrings, and enchanting upswept hairstyles of the sorts that many stylish ladies of the day sported.

Like all three of the colouring books that I received from Dover, the pages in this title are single sided and perforated, making them a snap to remove and then display (or even frame), if so desired.

The illustrations in this book, like those of the other two titles, are a sort of neo-vintage take on the era and have a very romantic quality to them that instantly calls to mind many historical illustrations (and, really, art depicting people in general) from the 1980s, which I find wonderfully endearing and enjoyable, having grown up with us when I was a child.





Creative Haven Art Deco Fashions Coloring Book: Of the three colouring books, this lovely title (also starring illustrations by Ming-Ju Sun) might just be my very favourite. Inside one finds 30 pages overflowing with beautifully illustrated examples of 1920s, 1930s and early 1940s fashions, and I have to say, this book sings with the spirit of jazz age looks of various types (aka, not just the stereotypical "bright young things" sort of flapper ensemble).

It is a terrific cross selection of posh looks from that ever-evolving era and one that I'd imagine just about vintage fan would enjoy spending some time colouring in pages full of such chic fashions.





Creative Haven Fabulous Fashions of the 1950s Coloring Book: Like the other two titles, this wonderfully fun colouring book features art by Ming-Ju Sun and as the title implies, is rife with 31 pages of styles inspired by popular fashions, for both women and men, from a decade that many of us hold near and dear to our hearts - the fantastic fifties!
Like the other two books, this title is printed on really nice quality paper, with crisp, sharp black lines and illustrations, that while detailed, are not excessively intricate, as those in some adult colouring books tend to be.

Though I've not had a chance to sit down and colour in any of these three books yet myself (I need to visit Michael's the next time we're in Kelowna and pick up some good quality pencil crayons), I wholeheartedly look forward to doing so and already tell, before I've even brought pencil tip to paper, that these books are very high quality and a joy to use.

It doesn't surprise me for a second that adult colouring books have become an epic vogue over the last few years. They allow anyone who wants to become an artist (or further add to their artistic abilities) and also give users the important sense of completing a manageable crafting related project (colouring a page or even a whole book).

One might not always have time to whip out a quilt, knit a sweater, or create all of their Christmas cards from scratch, but most of us - myself included - can set aside an hour or two at least once in a while to connect with our inner artist and bring beautiful illustrations to life all the more thanks to our colouring skills.

For vintage fans, I can think of no better suited adult colouring books on the market today (and believe me, I see a ton of them each week when putting together the mailing lists for our website Any New Books) and truly want to thank Dover for sending me these three titles, as well as for offering up a set of the same books to one lucky reader.

If you'd like to enter for your chance to win, please read on to learn how to do just that! :)



Giveaway details:

This giveaway is one copy of each of the three Creative Havens vintage fashion colouring books shown in today's post. It is open to participants worldwide and will run from today's date (March 23rd) until Thursday March 31st, after which point, using the feature that allows you to do so directly through that app, I will draw the winning name using Rafflecopter.

There are nine number of ways to enter this giveaway and you're welcome to do as many of them as you'd like. The more ways by which you enter, the greater your odds of winning become.

The only entry that is mandatory is that you leave a comment on this post sharing some of your thoughts on adult colouring books with me (have you tried them? Do you you like them? Do you think that they're a passing fad or have they established themselves as category of crafting in their own right? Etc).

Once the giveaway has wrapped up and the winner has been drawn, I will contact them via email and then pass along their information to my lovely contact at Dover. If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me anytime.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


♥ ♥ ♥


Many thanks again to Dover - who, I should mention, have put out scores upon scores of wonderful looking adult colouring books spanning a wide array of topics and illustration styles - for teaming up with my blog on this exciting giveaway. And big thank you as well to all those who take part in this contest!

Whether, like myself, you're an adult colouring book newbie, have completed dozens already, or fall somewhere in between, these historical fashion filled titles are sure to catch your eye and have you reaching for the felt markers and pencil crayons in no time!


*PS* As this post was going to press, so to speak, I got wind of numerous exciting adult colouring book related happenings that Dover is involved with and wanted to share about them here with you as well. These events include:

-A monochromatic colouring colour that starts on April 1, 2016.

-Dover is sponsoring National Coloring Book Day on August 2, 2016

-Dover supports, and is involved with, numerous Coloring Book Parties that are rapidly springing up across the country.

-And, last, but certainly not least, Dover now has a delightful Facebook page just for their Coloring Book Publications.

66 comments:

  1. I love adult coloring books. I use watercolor pencils so you color in using the pencils and then with the teensiest bit of water on paintbrushes, you color in again and get a much vibrant picture.

    I've even done this on the illustrations of my Little House on the Prairie cookbook. Coloring is a great stress reliever.

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  2. Last year I got a coloring book from a friend after I had surgery on my knee and was not allowed to walk on it for three months. At first I thought it a bit childish, but there were really beautiful drawings in the book, so I started to color and colored on until I had filled all pages. So..., I could use a new coloring book :-) !

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  3. These are right up my alley, haha! I love the idea of coloring books for grown-ups--I even have a big set of crayons already! I have been hesitant to get a book because so many of them focus on abstract or nature-centric designs; those sorts of images don't really hold my attention long enough to finish a detailed coloring page. Coloring my own vintage illustrations sounds like just the ticket to get me going! =) (Especially the Deco book--that would be a blast!!) Thanks for hosting such a neat giveaway!

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  4. I have never tried an adult colouring book because I don't think I would enjoy colouring geometric patterns. But these colouring books with beautiful fashions -- that's a different story!

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  5. Oh cool! That sounds awesome! Have fun colouring!

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  6. I love adult colouring books and I actually own a 1940s one that I am slowly making my way thru! Now these ones are just as lovely as well. I will need to sharpen my pencils again if I win :)

    Liz

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  7. These books look perfect for, well, the majority of your readers ;) It's a really good idea, for sure! It's funny, I was always so artistic in my younger years and every now and then I still am, but colouring just doesn't appeal to me at all. I can't quite put my finger on why, other than I don't even like colouring in my own drawings, let alone someone else's! I'd also think it would set my perfectionism running wild - I'd stress I hadn't picked THE BEST colours. But I know lots of people who love them xx

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  8. Ooh, what a fun giveaway! I love the whole idea of coloring, and these vintage-themed books are right up my alley! That '50s one especially has me swooning. Thank you for hosting, Jessica! :)

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  9. I draw my own pictures and then color them. Do others do that?

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  10. I think it's kind of funny to watch anything get trendy when there was nothing stopping people from already using coloring books not marketed to adults. They're fun though and if it leads to a more interesting selection like these vintage clothing ones, why not?

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  11. Oh, I just bought a Harry Potter Magical Creatures coloring book for my daughter for Easter. She really loves to color, and it's making me itch to try it again! :)

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  12. I have not tried the adult coloring books yet. I do own several children's coloring book from when my niece and nephews were young (Now they are all adults)and I would babysit them. I think that adult coloring books will be around for awhile.

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  13. I bring a couple coloring books to work with me sometimes when I know it's going to be a slow day. They keep me awake!

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  14. Eu adoraria colorir um livro como este, ainda não vi nenhum desse tipo para vender. Amei
    Beijos
    Casa Cherry

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  15. Colouring books for adults has only really just started taking off here in Britain. Most of the ones I see are full of abstract patterns and designs to colour. As such, they haven't really appealed to me very much, but these ones are a different story. The chance to create an outfit and make it look spectacular is very appealing. It will also give great ideas for outfits that can be put together, we can all be mini fashion designers. What a lovely idea and a great giveaway. Thank you as always for the thoughtfulness involved in this post. Many hugs my dear xx

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  16. Oh what lovely books. I love the adult colouring craze at the moment - being able to openly do something from your childhood (no more closet colouring for me :-) I have a few books and love the down time they provide.

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  17. I love coloring, the sense of completion, just doing something from my childhood. I usually color children's coloring books though - Disney's Alice in Wonderland and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I have not tried any adult coloring books yet but these look amazing! I prefer pictures to designs, like most of the ones I have seen. Since I love vintage fashion these would be perfect! I can see this "fad" staying around for a while - perhaps until another one comes along.

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  18. I love old fashion magazines with their elegant drawings, but one has to turn the pages with care... With these I could grab the pencils... :)

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  19. I love old magazines with their elegant drawings, but with those one has to turn the pages with care... With these I could grab the pencils... :)

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  20. I own several adult coloring books but to be honest I also have a huge stack of cutesy hello kitty, my little pony etc that I colored in before the craze hit....coloring is just so zen!

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  21. I adore adult colouring books. Such a lovely way to pass the time, relax, reawaken that child energy! I currently have no vintage fashion ones, but I have the Diana Gabaldon's Outlander one, and I love it!. 18th century fashion there :p

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  22. I love the idea of adult coloring books. I like the idea of coloring as a relaxing pastime.

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  23. Leslie:
    I think I would enjoy adult coloring, but I don't know how to get started. What kind of pencils are the most enjoyable, etc.
    leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com

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  24. These look awesome! I so want that Art Deco fashions coloring book. :) I've got a couple of adult coloring books (mostly Scandinavian patters). I've colored only a few pages, but it's fun and relaxing. I think that the uber-craze of adult coloring books may slow down in a couple of years, but I doubt it will ever go away. Who doesn't love coloring?

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  25. These look like so much fun! My grandmother is a huge fan of adult coloring books. She tends to gravitate toward anatomy though! :)

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  26. I enjoy the artwork in coloring books. I find them quite relaxing.

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  27. They are lovely vintage colouring books. I don't participate in giveaways, but I came by to visit you, dear Jessica, as I do from time to time. Great post! I went through a deep depression and was like that for an entire month. I am starting to feel like myself again, thankfully, and it is great to visit you once again. Happy Easter to you. :)

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  28. These are wonderful coloring books! Coloring allows us to be creative without requiring a lot of artistic talent, and when you are done you have a lovely result to put in a frame and hang on your wall or gift to a friend. It also is soothing, bringing back the carefree days of childhood. I have tried the new coloring craze (encouraged by my 84 year old Mom, who enjoys it) and I find that I really like it. I have colored pencils and markers, and choose which one to use for the design of each page!

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  29. Those coloring books look fantastic! I have one adult coloring book, and it's so pretty, but I need to make more time to color :)

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  30. Adult colouring books are great for mindfulness practice which can be difficult to do otherwise. Like crafts or yoga and other exercise, colouring-in puts your mind in the present moment and that's a great stress buster. They'll be around for a while I think, they are purposeful doodling which has been with us since pencils and pens 📚

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  31. Colouring-in books are great to get your mind in the moment and reduce stress. People have been doodling since we had pens and pencils. I see colouring as purposeful doodling so I think these books are here to stay. Why should the kids have all the fun??

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  32. Recently I received a coloring book for Christmas, and I quite like them. The idea of an art deco coloring book is absolutely fab!

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  33. Good morning Jessica.
    There's something soothing and peaceful in coloring. I have never grown out of it, to be honest. I suppose I find it restful to be able to fill-in the pre-made drawing, yet crafty and adventurous: to use my own combination and to design my own vision.
    Honestly, back when I was a kid, we used to have those two page books. One one page you'd have a drawing already colored, and on the other side you had "your zone" - where you should color the page to resemble the "original" as much as you could.. NEVER have I managed to do so. :)

    Oh, and the sun came out!
    (I hope it'll stay for a while)
    M.

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  34. My daughter and I are obsessed with adult colouring books. We have a whole bunch (mainly fashion and quotes) that we share. These ones are gorgeous!

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  35. Although I don't think adult colouring books are for me (oh, the patience they would require, it's something I haven't got right now), these ones look truly fabulous Jessica. xxx

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  36. Yes, I bought one and I like it! would love the 1950's one.
    Alice
    amdamsteegt@gmail.com

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  37. Oh, my! These are lovely. Confession: before adults admitted to doing this, I was coloring Barbie books made for kids. It allows me to pretend to experience a girlhood I never had. Just don't tell anyone or they'll make fun of me. :-)

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  38. I've been wanting to try coloring again...these books look like they would be an inspiration to me to attempt it.

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  39. I am very, very much in favour of adult colouring books, and in fact I've written a post about them quite recently, because I received my Burlesque Bible Colouring Book. (but I won't link to it cause that would be blatant advertising ;) ). There is something so soothing about colouring, and if I can combine it with my love for all things retro, hey, win-win!

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  40. Ever since a coloring book and crayons was put in front of me as a child, it's been in my blood! I don't know that adult coloring will ever slow down with the hundreds of choices of coloring books out there and the fast paced, ever moving world we live in. Coloring brings you back, releases the stresses of the day, frees the mind of all the clutter. I love it! I have the 'Fabulous Fashions of the 1950's' and it's a great book, the other two would be a delightful addition. Count me in on the drawing, I would be thrilled to be selected!

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  41. I adore adult coloring books. I have used them for over 20 years. They are relaxing and therapeutic. I've had to spend a lot of time recovering from several orthopaedic procedures the past few years, I still have a couple to go through. I don't know what I would have done without my coloring books. I remember before they came along I could find peace even by coloring with my kids. But, nowadays, the beauty and fascinating themes they come out with are amazing! History, art, nature, cultural, anything you can imagine! I love the diversity of the ones you are giving away! I would love to have them!

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  42. I have definitely noticed the proliferation of adult coloring books. I think it is an interesting way to relax. I think it will probably rise in popularity, and then might fall off, but I think they will remain around for a long time.

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  43. Oh, thank you so much for sharing this! I love to color almost as much as I love to draw, and people really like these adult coloring books. In the bookstore where I work, people snatch them up all the time. I love love love that art deco one above!

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  44. I am somewhat physically disabled so adult coloring is a wonderful, creative pastime. I absolutely love vintage fashions and even had a set of Pioneer Paper Dolls for my daughters when they were young. I also made a "Mennonite style" set for them to play with. It would be a delight to color in these books. Perhaps adult coloring will stay the same for the next ten years or so, or maybe it will evolve into something even better. Who knows!

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  45. I absolutely love colouring it's a brilliant way to relax and pass the time.

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  46. I just LOVE the New Craze of Adult Coloring!!!
    It is so Relaxing & helps reduce Daily STRESSES!!!
    There are so many Fantabulous Books to choice from - I keep adding more to my Growing Collection!!
    Along with a Growing Supply of Colored Pencils, Markers, Gel Pens, etc.
    T*H*A*N*K*S for the Chance to WIN!!!

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  47. There is an App. I paid for and use called Colorfy. Its basically a digital version of adult coloring books. I find it helps me to relax and go to sleep. What's also nice is there is a community board you can share your work on and you can view others too. Each piece that is shared with the community can be "loved" and commented on.

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  49. I enjoy all the adult coloring booking. I think my daughters would lose enjoy these.

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  50. I think it's kind of a funny trend, but certainly better than a lot of others. I'm a nanny so I do a fair bit of coloring with the kids I watch, and I do find it can be very relaxing. I've been gifted a few adult coloring books, but haven't actually colored in them at all. These are gorgeous though, and would definitely get me busting out the crayons/colored pencils in my off hours.

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  51. I've been thinking of purchasing an adult colouring book but none of the ones I've seen in the shops have appealed to me. These, however, are perfect!!

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  52. I know a few people who are into adult colouring, but I haven't had a chance to try it myself.

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  53. I have for long been thinking about buying myself an adult colouring book, and have looked at the calaidoscopic socalled Mandalas, but haven't bought one yet. I would LOVE to win the fifties book only, then I would gladly donate the two other books to another lucky second winner. I think the adult colouring books have become so popular because of the relaxing/unstressing, it is good for every one - also you, dear. :)

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  54. I have, on occasion, enjoyed coloring in elaborate coloring books. Very relaxing! And years ago, before adult coloring was a thing, my friend's late mother got really into coloring. She had many health issues and found coloring to be satisfying in a low-key, stress-free way. I found myself hunting around for elaborate coloring books to bring her, and she enjoyed the hobby until she passed away. This huge trend always makes me think of her, and how she'd be shocked and amused to find herself ahead of the curve on a new trend.

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  55. I absolutely love colouring, I do it every night and have been looking for something different and that led me to your blog!

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  56. I love the adult coloring book craze and how accessible it's made books geared for adults. Coloring is so relaxing... I have anxiety and depression issues and I think coloring has helped me more than any medication or doctor visit ever has. Plus, being part of the coloring community has lead me to a whole new world of art mediums and techniques that I probably never would have tried otherwise. It's awesome!

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  57. I never knew that adult coloring books existed!
    The fact that they are in vintage style is just too amazing~!
    *Swoon*

    Sugarcandycandy.blogspot.com

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  58. I've seen this become more and more common lately.
    Specially mandala ones. I think its pretty cool. Sometimes I color with my niece.

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  59. I have a couple of adult colouring books and really enjoy them. I realised how relaxing it was to do when my niece started wanting to colour things in and I got to sit and colour in her books and realised that I needed some if my own!

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  60. i love it, i had my first adult colouring book for christmas and love it. love the detail and finding it a lovely way to relax and unwind

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  61. Oh colouring books for adults!

    I have not seen them since I was 12 (1987). I first found one in the house of one of my mum's friend. The book had fashion ranging from 1865 until 1890 (from Paris, The House of Worth mainly). That's why I discovered those beautiful bustle dresses, petit coats, hats, etc. About your questions:

    1. Have you tried them?

    Yes, the book mentioned above back in 1987.

    2. Do you like them?

    I absolutely loved it. Ok a 12 years old girl is not an "adult" per se but old enough not to be playing colouring books. Most of the girls of my class at that age began to be more interested in boys than in old colouring fashion books from the Victorian Era.

    3. Do you think that they're a passing fad or have they established themselves as category of crafting in their own right?

    Sadly in my country they are a passing fad at least the colouring books for adults. I never saw one again :-(

    I could not take the old colouring fashion book from my mum's friend. But every time we were around for a visit I used to ask for the book and copied several designs to be coloured at home.

    This post was kind of a delight to discover they still exist.
    They are wonderful.

    Have a great week!
    Eva (from Luxembourg / Germany)

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  62. I love adult colouring books and have quite a selection now!

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  63. I LOVE YOUR COLORING BOOKS AND HAVE A FEW ALREADY! THE LIBRARY HAS A COLORING CLUB. THANKS FOR THE CONTEST!

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