Did you know that today is a coloring book holiday?

That’s right — August 2 is National Coloring Book Day!

National Coloring Book Day was first celebrated in 2015, but last year it really came into its own as the coloring community has united around our favorite artistic pastime.

So you may be wondering, how do you celebrate National Coloring Book Day? Simple — keep reading for our five best ways to spend the most colorful day of the year!

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1. Break out all your favorite coloring supplies and surround yourself in creative energy.

I don’t know about you, but there’s just something about a big pile of markers or a well-organized set of pencils. I always feel about 500% more creative when I’ve got my supplies all laid out around me — with all the colors I might need right at my fingertips!

Don’t mind me, just drooling at the Polychromos.

Maybe right about now is the time to ponder your coloring environment. Instead of coloring at your kitchen table, do you have a spare nook you could turn into a coloring corner? Or even an extra bedroom that could become your coloring studio? See more coloring nook inspiration right here!

Click here to read about reorganizing your coloring space to eliminate common coloring pains.

2. Splurge on some new coloring books!

It’s a national holiday, who can argue with that? Celebrate the season by picking up a few extra bestsellers or preordering some of the hottest upcoming coloring books.

Johanna Basford’s newest coloring book, Ivy and the Inky Butterfly, is due out on October 10:

Hanna Karlzon, a Swedish illustrator I am obsessed with, has a new book called Seasons which was JUST released:

Looking for something different? Check out this brand new color by number book, Color Quest: Cityscapes, released on August 1:

Millie Marotta, beloved illustrator of intricately patterned animals, has a new book coming out next month called Beautiful Birds and Treetop Treasures:

Looking for something REALLY different? Then you’ll love this new book which claims to be “the longest coloring book in the world” and folds out to 17 feet:

Finally, if coloring people, items, and fashion are your thing, Zoe de las Cases has a new street fashion coloring book due out at the end of the month that looks really exciting:

What upcoming coloring books are you most looking forward to?

3. Find a coloring group near you — or even start your own!

Coloring is better in the company of friends! Celebrate National Coloring Book Day by joining in the festivities with one of the hundreds of coloring groups that are holding special coloring parties to celebrate the holiday! You can find a coloring club near you on our list of coloring groups!

Nothing local? Don’t despair — host your own coloring party! Read our instructions for how to start a coloring club here, or check out these great tips for hosting a wine and coloring party here!

4. Or celebrate solo, just you, a stack of coloring books, and a glass of wine.

Big groups not your thing? No problem! Coloring is a great solitary activity, too! Lay out all the new coloring books and coloring supplies you splurged on and go to town.

5. Share your colorful creations on social media!

Let your coloring flag fly! Coloring books are a fun, relaxing way to unplug and de-stress, and there is a huge community of colorists on Facebook and Instagram.

Snap a picture of your work and share it to a coloring book group on Facebook, or tag it with #coloringbook, #adultcoloring, or #coloringforadults on Instagram! (While you’re there — why not follow Cleverpedia on Facebook and Instagram?)

Finished a page? Breathe new life into it by using it in one of these coloring book craft projects!

There you have it — the top five ways to celebrate this National Coloring Book Day in style!

So how are you going to celebrate? Share your plans in the comments below!

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