WitchCrafting: Crafts for Witches

Coloring Books

Merry meet.

This month’s witchcraft is about the childhood craft that has rebounded with adults. Coloring is being touted as therapeutic because it reduces stress and anxiety, it sharpens focus and it brings about a state of mindfulness. Nielsen Bookscan estimates 12 million were sold in 2015 while only 1 million sold in 2014. It remains to be seen if it’s a trend or a short-lived fad.

Coloring books offer themed collections of artistic drawings, typically intricate black-and-white illustrations. It was only a matter of time before pagan themes emerged. “The Witches’ Almanac Coloring Book” put out by the editors of “The Witches’ Almanac” was sent in for review while “The Witches: A Coloring Book,” written and illustrated by Lisa Graves was a gift.

“The Witches’ Almanac” features many woodcuts, tarot cards and folklore drawings. They are or various sizes, filling the page to one extent or another. While the symbols were pleasantly pagan and striking, I found most of the lines to be heavy and not lending themselves to coloring. Woodblocks, especially, seemed complete as is, leaving little room for creativity.

 

 

With the variety of art, styles and images, there are some might inspire you to pick up colored pencils or markers.

“The Witches” book has simpler drawings, all of the same style, with easily definable areas that long for some color. Each page also has a bit of information about the witch, making it a learning experience as well.

 

 

 

Merry part.

And merry meet again.