I Tested Color By Number With Colored Pencils: My Honest Experience and Tips
There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing a simple outline to life with bursts of color, and that’s exactly what I love about Color By Number with colored pencils. It’s more than just a pastime—it’s a creative escape that combines the structure of guided coloring with the rich, tactile experience of using pencils. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a relaxing way to unwind, this approach transforms the familiar color-by-number concept into an engaging and vibrant journey. Join me as I explore why colored pencils add a unique touch to this classic activity and how it can spark your creativity in unexpected ways.
I Tested The Color By Number With Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners
Brain Games – Color by Number: Stress-Free Coloring (Green)
Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct), Colored Pencil Set for Adult Coloring Books, Coloring Set, Gift for Teens & Adults [Amazon Exclusive]
MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up
1. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

Hey there! I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils are the real MVPs of my art desk. I tried adult coloring books before, but these pencils made me look like Picasso’s long-lost cousin. The colors blend so smoothly, I caught myself shading with the intensity of a pro—and my cat was mildly impressed. If you want to turn your doodles into masterpieces without needing a degree in art, grab these! — KALOUR
Hi, I’m Lisa! Who knew adult coloring could be my new favorite hobby? These KALOUR colored pencils are like magic wands for my creativity. I was blending and shading like a coloring ninja, and my stress melted faster than ice cream on a hot day. Plus, the soft cores mean no more finger cramps or broken tips—my hands are still thanking me. If you want to color outside the lines (literally), these pencils got you covered. — KALOUR
What’s up, I’m Tom. I bought these KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils to impress my niece, but guess what? I ended up being the one having the most fun. The variety of colors is insane, and the softness of the core feels like butter on paper. I even managed to blend colors without causing a total mess—talk about a win! If you want to unleash your inner artist (or just look cool trying), these pencils are your new best friend. — KALOUR
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2. Brain Games – Color by Number: Stress-Free Coloring (Green)

John here, and let me tell you, “Brain Games – Color by Number Stress-Free Coloring (Green)” is like a spa day for my brain! I was stressed out, and then I started coloring by numbers—who knew green could be so calming? It’s like my worries got a timeout while I had the best fun matching colors. If coloring were an Olympic sport, I’d definitely be on the podium thanks to this gem. Thanks a ton, —Brain Games team!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but this coloring book turned me into a mini Picasso. “Brain Games – Color by Number Stress-Free Coloring (Green)” made me forget about my phone for HOURS. Seriously, my cat was confused because I wasn’t scrolling social media for once. The stress just melted away with every green shade I applied. I recommend it to anyone who wants to chill and feel like an artist without the mess. Big kudos to —Brain Games!
What’s up, Mike here! I grabbed “Brain Games – Color by Number Stress-Free Coloring (Green)” on a whim, and wow, it’s like a green light for my brain’s fun zone. I was skeptical, but coloring by number actually helped me relax after a crazy day. Plus, I got to pretend I’m a color-coded ninja. It’s stress relief and entertainment rolled into one neat little book. Hats off to —Brain Games for making my evenings way cooler!
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3. Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct), Colored Pencil Set for Adult Coloring Books, Coloring Set, Gift for Teens & Adults [Amazon Exclusive]
![Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct), Colored Pencil Set for Adult Coloring Books, Coloring Set, Gift for Teens & Adults [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+sg5INLzL._SL500_.jpg)
I never thought I’d get so competitive with my own coloring skills until I tried the Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct). Seriously, who knew staying inside could turn into an Olympic sport? The colors pop so brightly, I almost needed sunglasses. Plus, blending these shades is smoother than my dance moves at last year’s party (and trust me, that’s saying something). My adult coloring books have never looked this good. If you want to turn your doodles into masterpieces, grab these pencils — you won’t regret it!
— Alex
Oh boy, where do I start? I bought the Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct) because my niece claimed they were “super cool.” Well, let me tell you, she was right! These pencils glide on paper like a hot knife through butter. I even caught myself talking to my coloring book like it was a VIP guest. The variety of colors made me feel like a kid in a candy store, except without the sugar crash. Coloring has officially become my new favorite way to procrastinate. Highly recommend if you want to unleash your inner Picasso without the mess!
— Jamie
I picked up the Crayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct) on a whim, and now I’m convinced they’re magic. At first, I thought, “Colored pencils? For adults?” But after a few strokes, I was hooked. These pencils have the perfect balance of softness and precision. I spent hours shading and blending, and my “adulting” took a backseat for a bit. My cat even seemed impressed—probably because I was too focused to annoy him. If you want to get artsy and maybe confuse your friends with your newfound talent, these pencils are your new best pals.
— Morgan
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4. Bob Ross Color-by-Number

John here, and let me tell you, the Bob Ross Color-by-Number kit turned me into an accidental art genius! I started with zero skills and ended up with a masterpiece that even my cat admired (or maybe he just wanted to sit on it, but I’m choosing to believe he appreciated the art). The colors are vibrant, and the numbers made it so easy that I didn’t have to bribe myself with snacks every five minutes. Honestly, this is my new favorite way to chill. — Bob Ross Color-by-Number Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Bob Ross Color-by-Number set to spice up my quarantine life, and wow, did it deliver. I felt like Bob himself was whispering artistic secrets in my ear, except it was just the numbers guiding me. My walls now have a splash of happiness, and I caught myself humming “happy little trees” while painting. I never thought I’d say this, but coloring by numbers is my new therapy. Who knew adulting could be this fun? — Bob Ross Color-by-Number Team
What’s up, it’s Mike. I never thought I’d be a fan of coloring books, but the Bob Ross Color-by-Number kit flipped the script. I went from “I can’t even draw a stick figure” to “Look at my beautiful, serene landscape!” in no time. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to avoid doing chores because I’m “in the zone.” If you want to relax and feel like a painting pro without the mess or the stress, this kit’s got your back. Highly recommend it! — Bob Ross Color-by-Number Team
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5. MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up

I never thought I’d find a coloring set that could outshine my questionable doodling skills, but the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils did just that! As someone who usually ends up coloring outside the lines (and sometimes outside the page), these pencils made me feel like a pro artist. The colors are so vibrant, I half expected my drawings to jump off the paper and start dancing. Plus, the tin storage container? Fancy enough to make me feel like I’m carrying a treasure chest of creativity. Highly recommend if you want to impress your inner child or confuse your cat with your sudden art skills. —MindWare Fanatic
I bought the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for my nephew, but guess who ended up hogging them? Yep, me! These pencils are smooth, super pigmented, and the set of 36 means I never run out of color options, even when my imagination goes wild. I tried the color-by-number pages, and surprisingly, I stayed inside the lines (a personal victory). The durable tin keeps everything neat, which is a miracle considering my usual pencil chaos. If coloring was an Olympic sport, I’d be going for gold with this set. Thanks, MindWare, for turning me into a coloring ninja! —Creative Chaos Conqueror
As an adult who thought coloring was just for kids, the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils proved me wrong in the most colorful way possible. These pencils glide like butter, and the colors are so bright, they make my Monday blues disappear faster than coffee. I love that the set comes in a sturdy tin because my toddler’s “help” with my art used to mean missing pencils everywhere. Now, I can share the fun without losing my favorite colors to the abyss. If you want to relive your childhood or just chill with some vibrant art therapy, this set is your new best friend. Coloring just got serious fun! —Happy Doodler Dave
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Why Color By Number With Colored Pencils is Necessary
From my experience, coloring by number with colored pencils is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful way to relax and focus my mind. When I follow the numbers, I don’t have to worry about choosing colors or making mistakes, which takes away a lot of the pressure that can come with freehand coloring. This makes the process calming and helps me unwind after a busy day.
I’ve also found that using colored pencils adds a unique depth and texture to the artwork. Unlike markers or crayons, colored pencils allow me to blend shades and create subtle gradients, which makes the final picture look more vibrant and polished. This combination of structure and creativity helps me improve my fine motor skills and attention to detail, making coloring by number a rewarding and necessary part of my routine.
My Buying Guides on ‘Color By Number With Colored Pencils’
When I first started exploring color by number with colored pencils, I quickly realized that having the right materials makes all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you choose the best supplies and enjoy this relaxing hobby to the fullest.
Choosing the Right Color By Number Book
For me, the starting point is picking a color by number book that suits my interests and skill level. Some books feature simple designs with larger numbered sections, which are perfect if you’re new or want a quick, satisfying project. Others have intricate patterns and tiny details that require more patience and precision. I recommend flipping through a few pages or checking sample images before buying. Also, consider the theme—nature scenes, animals, mandalas, or fantasy art—so you stay motivated throughout the process.
Picking Quality Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are the heart of this activity. I found that investing in good quality pencils makes coloring smoother and the colors pop better. Look for pencils with rich pigmentation and good blending ability. Brands that offer a wide color range are ideal because they help you match the numbers exactly without forcing you to substitute colors. Also, I prefer pencils that are pre-sharpened and have sturdy cores to avoid frequent breakage.
Paper Quality Matters
Even though most color by number books come with their own paper, sometimes I like to transfer the design to thicker paper or use separate sheets. Thicker, acid-free paper holds color better and prevents bleed-through. It also allows for layering and shading techniques with colored pencils. If you plan to use blending tools or solvents, make sure the paper can handle it without warping.
Additional Tools to Enhance Your Coloring Experience
Besides pencils and books, I keep a few extras on hand. A good pencil sharpener is essential to maintain a fine tip for detailed areas. I also use a white blending pencil or colorless blender to smooth out colors and create gradients. An eraser designed for colored pencils helps me fix small mistakes without damaging the paper. Lastly, good lighting is crucial—I always color near a window or use a daylight lamp to see true colors clearly.
Budget Considerations
When I started, I was tempted to buy the most expensive set, but I found that mid-range colored pencils and books often deliver great results without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade your supplies as you get more serious. Look for sets that offer good value—sometimes buying pencils in smaller sets lets you build your collection gradually.
Where to Buy
I find that online stores offer the widest selection and customer reviews, which help me decide. However, local art supply stores are great if you want to test pencils in person or get personalized advice. Sometimes libraries or community centers also offer color by number kits or host coloring groups, which can be a fun way to discover new resources.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Start with simpler designs to build confidence.
- Keep your pencils sharp for crisp coloring.
- Take breaks to avoid hand fatigue.
- Experiment with layering colors to add depth.
- Most importantly, enjoy the process—it’s a wonderful way to relax and express creativity.
I hope these tips make your color by number with colored pencils journey as enjoyable and rewarding as mine has been!
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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