How to Celebrate National Coloring Day as a Cardmaker

National Coloring Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the joy and creativity of coloring. It falls on September 14th every year and provides an opportunity for people of all ages to indulge in the therapeutic and artistic benefits of coloring. Coloring has long been recognized as a powerful creative outlet, allowing individuals to express themselves and unwind from the stresses of daily life.

As a cardmaker, there's no better way to celebrate than by practicing your coloring skills and exploring various coloring mediums. 

In this blog post, we'll explore how you can make the most of National Coloring Day as a cardmaker, from understanding the significance of the day to unleashing your creativity with essential coloring supplies and innovative cardmaking ideas. So grab your coloring tools and let's dive in!

What is National Coloring Day?

National Coloring Day holds significant historical and cultural importance. It was established to recognize the positive impact that coloring has on mental well-being and as a means of promoting creativity. People celebrate this day by engaging in coloring activities, whether it's through coloring books, coloring classes, and workshops, or creating their own artwork from scratch. It's a day to embrace the simple pleasure of adding color to the world around us.

Understanding National Coloring Day

National Coloring Day is a day dedicated to the joy of coloring and the therapeutic benefits it offers. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just someone who enjoys doodling, this day is all about embracing the calming and creative power of putting color to paper. As a cardmaker, coloring plays a pivotal role in adding depth and personality to your creations. It's not just about filling in the lines; it's about adding emotion and character to your designs.

Essential Coloring Supplies for Cardmakers

When it comes to coloring, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. As a cardmaker, you have the opportunity to explore various coloring mediums to bring your designs to life. Watercolors, alcohol markers, and colored pencils are popular choices, each offering its own unique effects and possibilities. 

Creative Cardmaking Ideas for National Coloring Day

Now that you're armed with the essential coloring supplies, it's time to unleash your creativity with some inspiring cardmaking ideas for National Coloring Day.

Incorporate Floral Designs

Floral designs are timeless and versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Choose Your Flowers: Select a variety of flowers to feature on your handmade cards, such as roses, daisies, or sunflowers. You can even mix different types for a vibrant bouquet.
• Color Choices: Experiment with different color palettes. Consider using pastel shades for a soft, delicate look or bold, bright colors for a more dramatic effect.
• Layering Techniques: Use layering to create depth. Stamp multiple layers of the same flower in varying colors, or die-cut flowers and layer them on your card for a 3D effect.

Seasonal Greetings

Seasonal themes can add a personal touch to your cards. Here are some seasonal card ideas to inspire you:

• Autumn Leaves: For fall, create cards featuring colorful leaves. Use warm tones like oranges, yellows, and reds. You can even add texture with embossing powder to make the leaves pop.

• Winter Wonderland: For winter, think snowflakes and cozy scenes. Use blues and whites for a frosty feel, and consider adding glitter for a sparkling effect.

• Spring Blossoms: Celebrate spring with cards that showcase blooming flowers and greenery. Bright greens and vibrant colors can evoke the freshness of the season.

Explore Watercolor Techniques

Watercolor techniques can add a beautiful touch to your handmade cards. Here’s how to get started:

Colorful rainbow ombre greeting card with watercolored leaves in the background and the sentiment "have a good day"

• Basic Techniques: Use wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry techniques to create soft blends of color. Practice on scrap paper to master the flow of water and pigment.

• Layering Colors: Build up layers of color for a rich, textured background. Let each layer dry before adding the next to avoid muddying your colors.
• Try ombre watercoloring! Who doesn’t love the colors of the rainbow? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial by Erum showing how to create a 3D embossed rainbow ombre card.

Techniques to Enhance Your Cardmaking

Whether it's mastering blending and shading with different mediums, using coloring stencils and stamps to elevate your designs, or incorporating mixed media elements like embossing and texture paste, there's always room to refine your craft. Embrace the learning process and don't be afraid to experiment—after all, art is all about exploration and discovery.

Share Your Handmade Creations

Once you've poured your heart and soul into your National Coloring Day cardmaking projects, it's time to share your masterpieces with the world. Documenting your creative process on social media platforms can not only showcase your talent but also inspire others in the cardmaking community. Engage with fellow creators using relevant hashtags (#AltenewColoring #NationalColoringDay) and participate in challenges to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Don't be shy about seeking feedback and collaborating with others—after all, creativity thrives in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Add a Splash of Color to Your Cards!

National Coloring Day presents a wonderful opportunity for cardmakers to celebrate the joy of coloring and unleash their creativity in unique ways. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out on your cardmaking journey, this day is all about embracing the therapeutic and artistic benefits of adding color to your designs.

Grab your coloring supplies, let your imagination run wild, and revel in the process of creating something truly special. And remember, the best way to celebrate National Coloring Day is by diving headfirst into your crafting projects and letting your creativity soar. Happy coloring!