Crayola joins adult coloring book craze

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY Network

Crayola has begun selling adult coloring books with “Color Escapes Adult Coloring Kits,” available online for $22.49.

The art supplies giant is the latest to jump on the trend, which has become increasingly popular over the last few years.

The package includes 50 colored pencils, 12 markers and 12 pages filled with geometrical optical illusions, just waiting to be filled in.

“Whether it’s about reliving your childhood or tapping into your peaceful place, Color Escapes offer a soothing, creative experience that’s easy to do and easy on your mind,” according to Crayola.

And while some may still associate coloring primarily with children, adults have a lot to gain from picking up the colored pencils.

"Coloring gives hard working grown ups the opportunity to play and to indulge themselves in an activity which likely reminds them of more carefree days," said Johanna Basford, illustrator of popular adult coloring books Secret Garden and Enchanted Forest.

Basford attributes the success of coloring books among adults to three factors: the ability to get into a "flow" and de-stress, the opportunity to nourish a latent "creative spark" without facing the anxiety of a blank canvas, and finally, the nostalgia factor.

"Some people have stories about how coloring has played a part in certain stages of their life, whether that be an investment banker de-stressing on his lunch break, a busy mum taking an hour to herself in the evening or a cancer patient keeping their hands busy during chemo," Basford said.

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