This summer, I spent a lot of precious time with my mom at her home in Peja, Kosova. One quiet afternoon, as I was flipping through some of her colouring books, I felt overwhelmed with admiration, and a spark of inspiration.
You see, for the last seven years, my mom has been on a colourful journey of her own. When she was 80 years old, she moved to Canada, sponsored by my sister. The move was a big one, and while it opened a door to safety and family, it also came with challenges, especially the language barrier. Socializing and integrating into everyday life wasn’t easy.
To help her stay engaged, my sister gave her a colouring book. A simple gift. But one that blossomed into something beautiful.
My mom found immense joy and relaxation in colouring. Page by page, she brought black-and-white drawings to life with colour combinations that showed not only creativity, but deep emotional expression. She wasn’t just colouring she was creating art. The more she coloured, the more it became clear that this was more than a hobby. It was her voice, her calm, and her joy.
Over the years, she built up a quiet but incredible collection. Her colouring books are now full of vivid, expressive masterpieces. And this summer, as I sat there admiring them, I had an idea.
Why not create a gallery wall?
So, I chose one cozy corner in her home in Peja and began curating a small selection of her favourite pieces. I framed them and arranged them in a way that celebrates not just her artistic side, but also her strength, resilience, and spirit.
This gallery wall is now a space where visitors pause and smile, where conversations begin, and where her creativity shines brightly. It’s a tribute not only to her talent but also to the new life she built at 80 years old, thousands of miles away from her homeland.
I love my mom deeply. She’s been adored by everyone who knows her for being hardworking, loving, compassionate, and endlessly devoted. A great wife, a caring mother, an amazing grandmother to a bunch of grandkids, and a true friend to so many.
This gallery is just a small way to honour all of that and to remind her (and us) that it’s never too late to start something beautiful.
Thank you, Mom, for colouring our lives in the most incredible ways.
Tips for Turning Colouring Book Art into Home Decor
If you’re inspired to do something similar for a loved one, or even for yourself, here are some simple tips to help turn colouring book pages into stunning wall art:
1. Choose the Right Pages
Look for pieces with strong colour contrast, completed details, and themes that match the style or mood of the space. Abstract patterns, florals, or nature scenes often look amazing framed.
2. Trim or Scan for Better Presentation
Some colouring books have thick borders or printed page numbers. Trim those off, or scan the page and crop it digitally for a cleaner look.
3. Use High-Quality Frames
Frames can elevate even the simplest artwork. Choose matching or complementary frames to create a cohesive look. IKEA, thrift shops, and dollar stores often have great budget-friendly options.
4. Add a Mat for a Professional Touch
Mats (the white or coloured border around the art inside the frame) add depth and make the art look more refined. You can buy pre-cut mats or have custom ones made if needed.
5. Group Strategically
Whether it’s a symmetrical grid or an organic cluster, plan your layout before hanging. Lay the frames on the floor first to experiment with arrangements.
6. Mix in Personal Touches
Add a quote, a small shelf with a plant, or a photo of the artist (in this case, your mom!) to make the wall feel even more personal and meaningful.
7. Protect the Artwork
If the colouring was done with markers or delicate materials, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading. Consider using UV-protective glass in your frames.
Let this be a reminder that creativity doesn’t have an age limit, and that even the simplest forms of self-expression can be transformed into lasting, beautiful legacies.
Thank you for reading this post.
Besa
BESA GM 