Supplies We Use for Coloring Our Pages

Coloring is one of the simplest ways to relax, get creative, and bring a page to life – but the tools you use make a big difference in the results.

From the classic charm of crayons to the professional finish of alcohol markers, each medium offers a unique look and feel. Some are best for cozy, detailed pages where precision matters, while others shine on bold printable designs that invite big swaths of color.

This guide will walk you through the most popular coloring tools – explaining what they are, and what to look for when buying them.

1. Crayons

This Crayola crayon pack is one of our favorites, with colors that match the warm tones of our cozy pages:

Why Choose Crayons?

• Affordable and easy to find.
• Great for beginners, kids, or quick coloring sessions.
• Waxy texture creates a nostalgic, soft finish.

What to Look For:

• Pigment Quality: Higher-end crayons (like Crayola’s larger sets or specialty brands) give richer color.
• Durability: Look for strong crayons that don’t break easily.
• Variety: Sets with many shades give you more blending and layering possibilities.

Tips for Use:

• Apply light layers and build up color gradually.
• Try crosshatching or gentle circular strokes for smoother coverage.
• Use a white crayon as a “blender” to soften harsh lines.

2. Colored Pencils

For smooth blending and rich colors, we love Prismacolor pencils:

Why Choose Colored Pencils?

• Precise control – perfect for detailed pages like our mandalas.
• Easy to layer and blend.
• Wide range of budget to professional-grade options.

What to Look For:

• Core Softness: Softer cores (like Prismacolor) blend better, harder cores (like Faber-Castell Polychromos) stay sharp for fine details.
• Lightfastness: For long-lasting colors, check if pencils resist fading.
• Sharpening Quality: A smooth, even core prevents breakage.

Tips for Use:

• Use light pressure at first, then build up layers.
• Blend with a colorless blender pencil or even a cotton swab.
• Experiment with gradients (dark to light) for depth.

3. Water-Based Markers

We opt for water-based markers when we want quick, vibrant results without needing to blend heavily:

Why Choose Water-Based Markers?

• Bright, bold colors.
• Less expensive than alcohol markers.
• Great for casual coloring or younger artists.

What to Look For:

• Bleed Resistance: Some water-based markers don’t soak through as much, making them good for double-sided pages.
• Tip Shape: Fine tips are great for details, brush tips for smooth strokes.
• Washability: Especially useful for kids’ sets.

Tips for Use:

• Use on thicker paper or print on cardstock to avoid warping.
• Blend colors by layering while ink is still wet.
• Avoid over-saturating small areas – it can wrinkle the page.

4. Alcohol-Based Markers

See how our ‘Seaside Cinema’ cozy page shines when colored with alcohol markers.

Why Choose Alcohol Markers?

• Professional-quality blending and vibrant colors.
• Smooth, streak-free coverage.
• Popular with illustrators and serious colorists.

What to Look For:

• Dual Tips: A fine tip + brush or chisel nib combo is most versatile.
• Refillable Options: Brands like Copic let you refill and replace nibs.
• Paper Weight: Heavier paper is a must – alcohol markers will bleed.

Tips for Use:

• Always put a sheet of scrap paper behind your coloring page to protect surfaces.
• Start with light colors and layer darker shades for depth.
• Use a colorless blender marker for highlights and soft blends.

5. Gel Pens

Why Choose Gel Pens?

• Metallics, glitter, neon, and pastel effects.
• Perfect for accents, highlights, and details.
• Fun for adding shimmer and variety to pages.

What to Look For:

• Ink Flow: Smooth, consistent pens prevent skipping.
• Variety Packs: More colors = more fun effects.
• Drying Time: Some pens smear if touched too soon.

Tips for Use:

• Use sparingly for highlights rather than whole-page coverage.
• Combine with pencils or markers for mixed-media effects.
• Store pens horizontally to keep ink flowing evenly.

6. Paints & Watercolor Pencils

We often reach for Faber-Castell watercolor pencils for layering details and blending them into smooth washes:

Why Choose Paints?

• Unique textures and washes not possible with dry tools.
• Watercolor pencils offer precision + the option to blend with water.
• Adds an artistic, handmade look.

What to Look For:

• Watercolor Pencils: Good pigment and blendability with water.
• Paints: Choose student-grade or artist-grade watercolors depending on budget.
• Paper Weight: Heavier paper (140 lb watercolor paper or cardstock) is best.

Tips for Use:

• For watercolor pencils: lightly color, then blend with a damp brush.
• For paints: test on a scrap before applying to avoid bleeding.
• Tape edges of your page to prevent warping while drying.

7. Less Common Options

We occasionally reach for pastels when we want gentle blends and a velvety finish on larger areas.

• Pastels: Chalky, soft finish – blend with fingers or blending stumps.
• Acrylic Paint Pens: Opaque coverage, great for bold highlights.
• Highlighters: Fun for neon effects on abstract pages.
• Mixed Media: Don’t be afraid to combine crayons, pencils, and markers on one page!

Final Tips

• Test First: Always try new tools on a spare sheet before using on your favorite page.
• Paper Choice Matters: Print our coloring pages on thicker paper (cardstock or 120gsm+) if you plan to use markers or paints. See our full guide on which paper choice is best when printing coloring pages.
• Experiment & Have Fun: There’s no “right” tool – just what feels enjoyable to you.

Also see our guide on how to print our coloring pages and Bellamere’s Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Cozy Coloring Pages.