Coloring tools and techniques
Crayons, markers and colored pencils, plus shading, blending, patterns and other tricks kids can learn. 20 posts.
Tools and techniquesAdding Highlights: The Easy Trick That Makes Coloring ShineTeach kids to add highlights so eyes sparkle, robots shine and fish look wet. Leave white spots, use white gel pens, or erase colored pencil.
Tools and techniquesAdding Patterns to Coloring Pages: Dots, Stripes and MoreTeach kids to fill coloring pages with patterns like dots, stripes, zigzags and checks. Builds creativity, math skills and fine motor control.
Tools and techniquesAre Alcohol Markers Safe and Good for Kids?What alcohol markers are, how they differ from washable markers, their pros and cons for kids, safety tips, and when older kids might be ready for them.
Tools and techniquesBlending Colors for Kids: Easy Ways to Mix Colors on the PageSimple ways kids can blend colors with crayons, colored pencils and markers: layering, overlapping, light-to-dark and blending with white, plus rainbow ideas.
Tools and techniquesBold and Easy Coloring: Why Simple Pages Are TrendingBold and easy coloring pages, with thick outlines and big shapes, are a big trend. Here's why they're great for kids, beginners and relaxed coloring.
Tools and techniquesCaring for Coloring Supplies: Make Crayons, Pencils and Markers LastSimple ways to make coloring supplies last: storing markers, sharpening pencils, reusing broken crayons, organizing kits and teaching kids to care for tools.- Tools and techniquesChoosing Colors That Go Together: Simple Color Theory for KidsTeach kids simple color theory while they color: primary and secondary colors, warm and cool colors, opposites that pop, and color schemes to try.
Tools and techniquesHow to Color Backgrounds on Coloring Pages (Easy Ideas for Kids)Easy ways kids can color backgrounds: sky and ground, simple scenes, patterns, light colors and sideways crayon strokes, so characters pop off the page.
Tools and techniquesHow to Color Fur, Scales and Metal: Texture Tips for KidsTexture tips for kids: short strokes for fur, U-shapes for scales, and light-dark-light stripes with highlights for metal. Great for animals, dinos and robots.- Tools and techniquesHow to Help Kids Color Inside the Lines (Without the Pressure)Simple, pressure-free ways to help kids color inside the lines: the right pages, tools, grip, outlining, slowing down and knowing when it doesn't matter.
Tools and techniques10 Easy Coloring Techniques Kids Can LearnTen simple coloring techniques kids can learn, from outlining and even strokes to shading, blending, patterns and highlights, with tips by age.
Tools and techniquesCrayon Pressure: Why Kids Press Too Hard (or Too Light)Why some kids press too hard or too light when coloring, what it says about hand strength and control, and fun ways to practice light and heavy pressure.
Tools and techniquesCrayons vs Colored Pencils vs Markers: Which Is Best for Kids?Crayons, colored pencils or markers? Compare grip, mess, control, color and price by age, and find out which coloring tool suits your child best.- Tools and techniquesEasy Shading for Kids: Make Coloring Pages Look 3DTeach kids easy shading: pick a light source, press harder on one side, use a darker shade and add shadows. Simple steps that make coloring pages pop.
Tools and techniquesGel Pens and Metallic Markers: Fun Finishing Touches for KidsHow kids can use gel pens, metallic and glitter markers to add sparkle, details, highlights and patterns to coloring pages, plus tips to avoid smudges.- Tools and techniquesMarker Coloring Tips for Kids: Bright Colors Without the MessMarker coloring tips for kids: avoiding streaks and bleed-through, coloring in one direction, layering, fine tips for details and protecting the page behind.
Tools and techniquesMixed Media Coloring: Combine Crayons, Markers, Pencils and MoreMixed media coloring ideas for kids: crayon resist, markers plus pencil details, collage, stickers, glitter and texture. Fun ways to combine tools on one page.- Tools and techniquesOutline Then Fill: The Simplest Coloring Trick for KidsThe outline-then-fill coloring trick helps kids stay in the lines and color neater. Learn how to teach it, which pages work best and common mistakes.
Tools and techniquesWashable Markers for Kids: What "Washable" Really MeansWhat washable markers wash out of (and what they don't), how to remove stains from skin, clothes and walls, and how to pick and care for washable markers.
Tools and techniquesWatercolor Pencils for Kids: Color, Then Add WaterHow kids can use watercolor pencils: color like normal, then brush with water to make paint. Tips on paper, water, brushes and fun effects.