Welcome & Thank You for visiting! I hope you’re enjoying the Wisps and Whims coloring book. If you don’t have a it yet, you can order one from my site here or from Amazon (affiliate link). On this page, you’ll find some bonus free gifts, book specials, recommendations, examples of colored pages, and more.
Best Art Supplies for Coloring Books
I continue to test different supplies in my own copies of the coloring book to see what works well (this page contains affiliate links to make it easier for you to find supplies). Colored pencils are always a great option because they can fit in small areas and don’t bleed through paper. There are some vibrant versions out there with many rich colors in addition to metallic and fluorescent. The gel pens I’ve tried have also worked very well. However, most of the old ones that I had by Fiskars brand were dried out so I was only able to test a few of those. The Sakura Glaze set seemed to flow better even though it was also pretty old. Neither of them bled through the paper, yet I’d still suggest having a piece of paper between pages just in case. I also recommend lightening up on the pressure (for both the paper’s sake and the release of physical tension!).
I love paint markers, especially with brush tips, for flow, coverage, and vibrancy. Thus, I’ve been trying lots of those and really putting the inexpensive paper to the test! I was pleasantly surprised that the Arteza and Tombow watercolor markers worked better than I expected since the paper is a bit on the thin side for markers. Even though they bleed through to the back of the page, they didn’t bleed on to the next page and are my favorites so far. I’ve found that a gentle, light touch works best to prevent the paper from becoming too wet and rippling more. That also happens to be a relaxing approach and great reminder to take it easy.
Posca’s and Tooli-art acrylic markers also worked well enough. Some colors seem to bleed through more than others so be sure to put some scrap paper or cardstock between pages. I’d also advise against pumping the markers on a page you’re coloring because any pooling paint will probably bleed through the page and make a mess on the top as well. Artist’s Loft dual tip brush markers were some of the best ones I’ve tried with the least crinkling effect on the paper so far. Faber-Castell India ink Pitt pens with a finer brush tip also worked quite well, but the big brush one that I have quickly bled through to the paper I had between the pages. Kuretake metallics worked great, too. Arteza permanent markers bled through to the under paper the most and even bled out from the areas to go beyond the areas where the marks were initially made. They had great coverage, but would need to be used with care.
There is a blank page at the book that can be used for testing supplies. I definitely recommend doing so first if you are planning to use markers. It really depends on the brand, colors, tip types, and individual characteristics. Wetter media is usually going to have more impact on the way paper reacts.
Resources about Color Deficient Vision:
Even though there have been many conversations about how my twin boys with CVD (color vision deficiency) see the world, I was still amazed when I uploaded an image of my art to an online simulator that my son shared with me. I’m not sure how accurate it is and there are different levels of severity, but here are the original and a deutan simulated version (one of the most common forms of CVD) side by side.
- Different Types with Visual Examples (My boys have one of the first 2 types where the comparison images show all shades of blue and yellow because they don’t see all those lovely purples, oranges, reds, and greens.)
- Plates with Dots Test (You can take it online if you’re curious. It’s been interesting to do with members of our extended family over the years.)
- Hue Test (After watching my boys attempt this at the eye doctor, I wanted to try it, too. This link is for an online version.)
- Simulator for Uploaded Images (simulator I used for images above)
- Site with Tests, Simulator, and More Info (has a different simulator with images of crayons or option to upload your own)
- American Optometric Association
- National Eye Institute
Examples of Colored Pages
(MORE COMING SOON!)
Free Gifts for Email Friends and Co-Creators
You can learn about in-depth art adventures and playdates if you’d like to play along with me here. You can also enjoy downloadable gifts, updates, special offers, and seasonal give-aways reserved for email acquaintances from ThriveTrue.com/magicmail. Recipients are selected randomly from current email subscribers around each equinox and solstice. Items could include inspiration card decks, books, art prints, or original art!
Email Gifts include a free downloadable pdf with links to many of my favorite art supplies and a guided visualization meditation about “Blooming from the Heart Center” {If you’re already an email VIP, you can find it on the special page with gifts for subscribers).
You might also enjoy the following video tour around my home with a poem inspired by nature: Eyes of Equinox
Show and Tell, Sharing and Caring
I’d love to see what you create if you’d like to share. You’re invited to join one of the creative groups that I host or reply to an email newsletter to introduce yourself and share your art, writing, or pictures. You could also share on instagram with the hashtag #wispsandwhimsincolor and tag me @julesostara.
If you think the book would also make a great gift, you can purchase multiple copies at a discount. You don’t have to be a school or boutique reseller to qualify. Anyone who orders the minimum quantity can take advantage of the special price. If you think the book would be a great tool for an art class or prompt for writing and poetry class, you can utilize the special price for bulk purchase to use it that way as well. Homeschool, after school, or summer camps are all welcome to purchase that way.
I hope you find value within the book and the additional resources. If you’d like to explore the depths of your own wisdom and wonder through creativity, I’d love to have you join me for one of my fun online playdates or classes. The best way to hear about new offerings, get sneak peeks at new work, access additional free gifts, receive special coupons, and keep in touch is to add your info to my address book from ThriveTrue.com/MagicMail. Thanks so much for being here!