As the end of August approaches and people try to fit in a vacation or one more trip before school starts, I thought I would suggest a way to save your sanity on the plane ride! As we all know, flights these days are super-crowded and we’re packed into our seats like sardines.

I read yet another article this morning about coloring books for adults as a way to relax while traveling. The article says it can be like art therapy, a way to relax and to express feelings. You might choose bright or dark colors depending on your mood or maybe the more subtle pastel colors. Just doing the coloring can enhance our creativity. If nothing else, it’s something to do while you are crammed into your seat on a plane, nervous about flying, or trying to ignore the crying babies or the person edging in to your seat space. It can take your mind off whatever is troubling you or at least distract you a little bit! And that might be enough to get your through the plane ride!

Instead of going out and buying adult coloring books, some of which are quite expensive, I’ve noticed, just use your stamps! Before the trip, stamp some images on Whisper White with Stazon Ink. Then take along your choice of coloring – Stampin’ Write Markers, a Blender Pen, Aqua Painter, ink spots (if you have some from way back or are getting them in Paper Pumpkin KIts) – whatever you like. The Stazon ink will not run (and stay tuned for the new Basic Black Archival Ink coming in the Holiday Catalog!!)

Use an empty stamp case to keep your supplies in.  You could even use the case for a tabletop if you needed to! You can purchase these cases in the Stampin’ Up! Online Store, 4 cases for only $4.00.  They are very handy for more than just storing stamps.

When you get home or to your destination, maybe you can cut out or punch those images you colored and use them on cards or projects.  But the real purpose is relaxing by coloring while you are traveling!

So before you pack your clothes in your suitcase, stamp some outline images first, gather your coloring supplies, and stick all those things in an empty stamp case.  Now you are ready to travel and save your sanity on the plane!