An Edmonton bookstore has started hosting colouring book parties, drawing on the new trend of colouring books for adults.

Audreys Books Ltd. in central Edmonton was filled with amateur artists this week who sought a way to disconnect from their busy lives.

"I find it relaxing," Morgan Roffey told CTV Edmonton. "It's something to do instead of being in technology and being wrapped up in the busy world."

Many participants said relaxation was their main reason for coming to the bookstore's first party on July 28, including local artist Spyder Yardley-Jones.

"You get into a zone and your worries really do just melt away," he said.

Women colour in illustration
Women colour in a large black and white illustration at Audreys Books Ltd. in Edmonton, Alta. on July 30, 2015. (Audreys Books Ltd. / Facebook)

Their experience is supported by a study in the Journal of Occupational and Organizations Psychology that suggests creative activity outside the workplace reduces stress, and improves job performance.

Some colouring books have come out promoting these anti-stress benefits, while others simply offer an easy way to be artsy. Their sales have skyrocketed in the past few months with millions being sold across North America.

As of July 31, colouring books took up four of the top 20 slots on Amazon.ca, with "Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt" pushing Dr. Seuss' "What Pet Should I Get?" into third place.

Adult colouring books on display
Several adult colouring books sit on display in Audreys Books Ltd. on July 30, 2015. (Audreys Books Ltd. / Facebook)

Now even celebrities have taken up the craze, with "Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin releasing an official colouring book this fall.

The books have provided an easy way for people to reconnect with the art they loved as a child.

"I always liked art when I was younger, but you kind of stop doing those things when you get a little bit older because life gets in the way," said Kate Cook.

Colouring book illustration
Part of a black and white illustration is coloured in at a colouring book party in Edmonton, Alta. on July 30, 2015. (Audreys Books Ltd. / Facebook)

But with colouring book parties, Cook now has the opportunity to reconnect and drown out the noise around her for a while.

"You kind of just go into your own little world," Cook said.

With a report from CTV Edmonton's Serena Mah