Have you been bitten by the adult coloring book bug? I am amazed at how this craft trend is still going strong! I guess it makes sense; it’s super relaxing and you can create some gorgeous artwork once you’re finished. But let’s be honest – are you really going to display your finished coloring pages on the fridge next to your kids’ drawings? Probably not. So how about you take one of your masterpieces and turn it into some super fun adult coloring book magnets like I did for this edition of the Monthly DIY Challenge!
In case you’re new here, the Monthly DIY Challenge happens the second Wednesday of each month. It’s when a group of my blogger friends and I get together to create projects that revolve around a common item or theme. In the past we’ve used things like wooden crates and metallic paint, but this month we’re all using blank canvases! You’ll find links to all of the projects below, but here’s a little sneak peek!
Supplies Needed for Adult Coloring Book Magnets
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- Mini canvases
- Small magnets
- Adult coloring book or adult coloring book page (you can find free ones to print online)
- Colored pencils
- Spray adhesive
- Small decorative brads
- Acrylic paint in colors of your choice (I used this brand)
- Paint brush
- Hot glue and glue gun
- Scissors or paper cutter
Instructions for Making Adult Coloring Book Magnets
This is a super easy project, people! First up, give your adult coloring book page some life by coloring it however you like!
If you have any little ones at home with you, color with them! This was a great activity to do when my son was home from preschool!
Once you’ve finished coloring, cut your masterpiece into squares slightly smaller than your blank canvases. I cut mine to be about 2.5″ x 2.5″ to fit nicely on my 3″ canvases.
Next, paint the outer edges and around the front of the mini canvases.
Once the paint has dried, spray the backs of the cut up coloring book page with spray adhesive. Affix the coloring book pages to the fronts of the mini canvases.
Then, poke small holes through the fronts of the canvases and add decorative brads through the fronts. Flatten them at the back.
Hot glue magnets to the back of the canvases.
And you’re done! You now have a legitimate way to display your coloring book pages on your fridge. 😉
Quick, easy, and fun!
So what do you think of this blank canvas idea? Will you be turning your adult coloring book pages into magnets anytime soon?
Even if you won’t, I bet you’ll find something else inspiring to do with a blank canvas with all of the ideas my friends are sharing for this month’s challenge! Please be sure to visit them by clicking through to see their full posts and tutorials! I know they’d love to have you visit.
Kristi says
LOVE how these turned out! And what a great excuse to get colouring now 😉
Sarah @ Little Red Brick House says
This is so clever, Bre! I love those little mini canvases. And how fun to let kiddos make their own!
Katie @ Little House of Four says
This is such a cute idea, Bre! My daughter would LOVE if I turned her coloring pages into magnets.
Nicole B. says
Such a fun idea! I actually had no idea there were adult coloring books and I LOVE coloring, so I’ve been missing out! And such a cool way to display coloring book sheets!
Erica @ Dwell Beautiful says
Ummmm, so this is seriously brilliant. I love coloring in my adult coloring book but so far the pages have just stayed in the book. What a great way to put them to use! Thanks! 🙂
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
I really like these, Bre! Such a cute idea.
Bre says
Seriously such a great idea. I haven’t hopped on the adult coloring book train yet, but I think I need to!
Jenny @ Refresh Living says
What a great idea! I’m also amazed at how much everyone loves these. I don’t have the patience for it, but the designs are so pretty, so this is such a good idea on how to display them!
Bre says
Thanks, Jenny! I know – I cannot believe they’re such a trend! I also don’t really have the patience for them . . . this was probably a one time thing. 🙂
Judy says
What is the purpose of the brads? Is it to secure the colored page to the canvas? The spray adhesive isn’t strong enough? Thank you!
Bre says
Hi, Judy! Aaaah such a good question! I actually just had them on there for a little extra decorative touch. The spray adhesive is definitely strong enough to secure the paper on its own, so the brads are not necessary. 🙂
Beverly Duell-Moore says
I love this idea! I might be trying soon! They might even make great gifts!
Bre says
Thanks, Beverly! Yes – totally an easy and creative gift, too!
Sarah Renae Clark says
I love these Bre!
I’ve written an article with 29 crafts you can make with finished coloring pages, so I’ve included your tutorial – thanks for sharing! You can see the article here: https://sarahrenaeclark.com/29-creative-ways-repurpose-coloring-pages/
I don’t have any mini canvases at home but you’ve inspired me to find another way to make some magnets from my coloring pages 🙂
Bre says
Hi, Sarah! Awesome!! Thank you. Looking forward to checking out your post! Have a great day. 🙂
Susan says
Very nice! I’m glad I found your post via Pinterest. I never knew about Americana Multi-Surface Satin Paint. I was going to use my Nova acrylic paint but I like a satin finish. Is it necessary to use a spray adhesive or is there another permanent adhesive which doesn’t have to be sprayed? Finally, if I wanted over-kill and coated the sides and front of the magnets with a clear, permanent finish, what product would you suggest?
Bre says
Hi, Susan! I think spray adhesive is the best bet because it won’t cause the coloring book paper to wrinkle. If you don’t have spray adhesive, you might try double-sided tape, which also won’t wrinkle the paper. Regular glue would be a problem, I think! Also, I would suggest Mod Podge as a sealer on the sides and front. It shouldn’t smear the coloring you’ve done, and it will protect them for years to come! Best of luck with your project and thank you for stopping by!! 🙂