At Colour Me Kids, we like to think we’re in the business of creativity – not just in what we make, but in how we make it. Our washable, reusable colouring-in products weren’t whipped up overnight. They’re the result of months of research, testing, trial and error, and real-life parenting.
If you’ve ever wondered how our products come to life – or why they seem to just work for busy families – here’s a peek behind the scenes.
It Started at the Table
Like many of you, we’ve had those dinners where the kids are finished in five minutes flat and itching to hop down from the table while you’re still trying to take your second bite.
We’d tried the usual suspects – screens, toys, bribes – but nothing felt quite right. So we started bringing out paper and pens at mealtimes. It kept the kids at the table longer, gave us a chance to chat as a family, and honestly, made dinner more peaceful.
But there was one problem: the paper and printing were endless, and the mess was constant. That’s when the seed of an idea was planted. What if there was a way to make a creative outlet for kids – one that was durable, eco-friendly, and actually designed for the way families live, and classrooms operate?
The Why: Thoughtfully Designed for Real Life
We spent over a year developing our first product. That might sound like a long time for a colouring-in cloth – but we wanted to get it right.
As mums and educators, we knew that kids need products that support their development, not just distract them. And as parents, we needed something easy to clean, simple to store, and safe for our kids to use daily.
We asked ourselves:
- Will it withstand constant washing?
- Are the markers safe for little hands and mouths?
- Will it actually hold a child’s attention?
- Does it spark creativity and conversation?
If it didn’t tick all those boxes, it didn’t make the cut.
Materials That Matter
Our colouring cloths are made from high-quality cotton with a waterproof PUL backing, which makes them durable, washable, and perfect for repeated use.
Why PUL? It’s commonly used in cloth nappies – which means it’s safe, non-toxic, and designed to handle mess. It also prevents anything from soaking through to the table underneath, giving kids the freedom to go wild with colour without any stress.
We also use non-toxic, washable markers with a triangular barrel. Not only are they easier for little hands to grip, but they also encourage correct pencil grip – a key skill in early writing development.
Designed by Educators (and Tested by Our Own Kids!)
Every design we create is made with children in mind – not just for them. We lean on our backgrounds in education to ensure each product encourages more than just colouring: we want kids to explore, connect, and learn.
From alphabet-inspired fonts that help with letter recognition to collaborative tablecloths that encourage teamwork and conversation, every feature has a purpose.
Before anything goes into production, it goes through the ultimate test: our own children. If it doesn’t hold up at a real family dinner, it’s back to the drawing board.
Reducing Waste, One Colouring Page at a Time
One of the biggest drivers behind Colour Me Kids was our growing frustration with how much stuff parenting seemed to come with – especially the single-use kind.
Disposable colouring books, scrap paper, pages torn out and thrown away after five minutes. It wasn’t just wasteful; it felt unnecessary.
Our cloths are designed to be used again and again – just colour, wash, and repeat. It’s better for the environment, easier on your wallet, and more fun for the kids (who never seem to tire of doing the same design over and over in different ways!).
Every Detail Counts
We don’t take shortcuts when it comes to quality. Here are a few of the little things we obsess over:
- Bold, simple linework so designs are easy for all ages to colour in
- No “colouring within the lines” pressure – we keep our designs open-ended and creativity-friendly
- Just the right size – placemats that fit snugly on cafe tables and tablecloths that make room for everyone
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Minimal packaging – because we’re all about reducing waste and keeping things simple
Looking Ahead: Big Ideas, Small Footprint
We’ve got big dreams here at Colour Me Kids – new prints, new products, and more ways to bring creativity to the table (literally). But no matter how we grow, we’re committed to keeping our impact small.
That means:
- Continuing to use sustainable materials
- Designing with longevity in mind
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Supporting Kiwi and Aussie families to enjoy more screen-free, creative time together
Final Thoughts
We know we’re not just selling a product – we’re offering families a small moment of calm, connection, and creativity. And we don’t take that lightly.
Whether you’re using a placemat to keep a toddler entertained at brunch or spreading out a tablecloth for a rainy-day art session, we hope our products bring a little joy to your day (and a little less mess, too).
Thanks for being part of our journey – we’re so excited to keep creating with you!
Love, Cara & Kylie 🖍️