I just ran a search, but it seems to be gone. My previous test of gel pens, in which I heat set the ink with an iron, seems to have dropped off the end of the forum. But I think I saved all my copious notes. The results of my test showed that ordinary gel pens can be heat set, and withstand at least a few washings with very little fading. I wouldn't use the gel pens on my "masterpiece" quilt, but for a quilt that is meant to be used until it is a rag, I think the lines might stand up OK. I just wish we could have a place to archive the best threads permanently. We used to have an FAQ section in the "Spike days." Maybe I just have to post my test results on a website of my own -- someday. Have a peek at my GardenWeb member page.href> Just gave it an overhaul.

Good quality paper, printed on one side, perforations are all good in an adult coloring book. I've tried to limit spending on coloring. I think it was you who said that you weren't sure how long this would be a hobby so let's not go crazy with the books and pens. I saw these books in a little store but said to myself, "No, you don't need that." But could not stop thinking about it when we went to lunch and so walked back later and got the one I liked. Not as inexpensive as some others available. I was going to post an uncolored picture here but thought it might be against the rules protecting the artist. Well, I'm on my way to Big Lots! Bye for now.....s (P.S. The books are on nice cardstock, only one side printed, and they can be removed by undoing the spiral but you'd still have the little slot holes going down one side.)

Article in yesterday's NY Post:Hottest Trend in Publishing is Adult Coloring Books I want to explore this. I've bought a Wacom tablet and Corel's Painter Essentials app to try to develop an artistic outlet. But using the tablet well will take months of practice, and the app is better suited to people who can draw & have some art background already. Maybe plain ol' coloring will help develop fine motor skills for the tablet & spur some art ideas for the app.

Terri, that is a great painting. I am wading my way through the books that I ordered and I can tell you I have a very long way to go to a quarter as good as you are. Do you ever buy your canvases pre-primed? I found a great article on supplies for the beginning oil artist. Absolutely stressed was high quality brushes and the best paint you can afford. I purchase from Utrecht and some things from Amazon but I have found Ultrecht, Dickblick, and Jerry's have better prices on art supplies overall than Amazon. The list had 12 colors that were recommended. Honestly the pricing is pretty even across the spectrum. Ultrecht has their own line of oils and some of their prices are great but then in other colors they are higher. Highly pigmented reds and yellows are on the high end. Do you have a studio, or at least a dedicated room where you paint? My animals would drive me crazy and there is no way to paint without locking Simba and Toby out of the room or all art would be abstract kitty paws! I am so happy for your encouragement and I am determined to go as far as my limited talent will take me.