Adult paint by number kits are a great way to relax and create a flawless piece of art for you home.
For as long as I can remember, painting has been a part of my life.
Whether I was immersed in a paint by numbers kit from Santa, a composition for my college portfolio or stencil project to post here on my website, the activity always brought me great joy.
Of course, the older I got, the less time I had to devote to my beloved hobby.
Whether I was immersed in a paint by numbers kit from Santa, a composition for my college portfolio or stencil project to post here on my website, the activity always brought me great joy.
Of course, the older I got, the less time I had to devote to my beloved hobby.
Then recently, we renovated our bathroom.
I hadn't really picked up a paintbrush in a long, long time, but my husband needed help, so I dug in.
At first, I thought it was going to be a total chore.
Painting furniture was boring and tedious, but to my great surprise, it was super relaxing.
I was actually disappointed when the project was over. So much so, that I looked for things to paint around the house.
No kidding.
I started with the bathroom shutters and then moved on a to a garden bench, but those projects were quick.
*Winnie's Picks sent me this lovely kit, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Then, just when I thought I had no prospects in sight, I received an email from Winnie's Picks Paint By Numbers, asking me if I'd like to try one of their kits. Um hello! You bet I would.
Paint By Number For Adults
Now. I've heard the buzz about adult paint by numbers recently, but to be honest, I wasn't expecting much.
I'm kind of a painting snob. I used to paint with oils. I had an easel and went to art school.
Granted, I hadn't seen many modern paint by numbers kits, the old ones, from my childhood, on boards, were burned into my brain.
They were fun, but what was I going to do with one of those when it was finished?
But I wanted to paint, so I immediately headed over to their site to check out the choices and I was floored.
This was not the paint by numbers I knew.
They were gorgeous compositions, of land, sea, flowers and people and the numbers were printed on a heavy canvas. Just like art school.
Plus, they make custom paint by numbers, as well!
If you have a photo you would like turned into a paint by numbers kit, no problem, they can do it. And I've seen some of them in their Facebook group.
They're outstanding.
With so many pretty pictures on their site, it took me a long time to choose, but eventually I settled on Ballerina's Finesse.
I thought it would be a nice ode to my mom's performance days, my own ballet training and my girls' dance classes.
Painting people has always been a challenge and it looked a little tedious and slightly intimidating, but the reviews on the Winnie's Picks site were so positive, I decided to give it a try and just relax.
Here are my best tips and tricks to get pro results.
And relax I did. Wow, I never expected painting to be so therapeutic.
But it was. I kept telling my friends that it was like a combination of Where's Waldo -since you're looking for those numbers with a loaded brush - and coloring.
You can't possibly think about anything else. And you can't mess up.
The paint colors were perfectly coded and the fact that I didn't need any people painting skills was very freeing.
It was also very addicting. I must warn you.
For several days, I didn't do anything else. I couldn't wait to get up and paint and at night, I grabbed the brush again.
Perhaps you caught some of my progress on Facebook or Instagram. It was crazy to watch a few paint splotches on paper come together to create a beautiful, foolproof work of art. I was awed.
Ok, so a lot of you asked for details and here there are...hold on to your hats!
I made a video when I opened the pretty canister, because I wanted to be able to accurately convey how professional and high quality the contents were. You can peek if you like.
The kit contained a heavyweight canvas, a brush kit, paints (no mixing!), a sheet with the numbers printed on it for reference, instructions, a coupon code and a small picture of the completed painting, also for reference.
I had been hanging on to this one forever and it was a great way to repurpose it, rather than throw it away.
I had a stretched canvas and mounted my ballerinas numbered canvas onto it with blue painter's tape.
Since I don't have a craft room, I set myself up at the kitchen table and got to work.
As long as I stayed {relatively} in the lines, I was golden.
The colors are the perfect compliment to my decor and there's something very light and ethereal about the dancers.
That's the ultimate bedtime kiss for a DIYer.
You can check out Winnie's Picks lovely collections for adults and peek at my next painting, the Cotswold Tea Room.
They even have gift cards. I've already chosen my next painting.
I'm going with White Roses Of Purity And Humility.
Update!! It's finished! You can peek at it framed if you like.
Oh and I've just purchased the darling Winnie's Book Shop. I'm very excited for this one.
I've got the kitchen table all set and ready to go.
And this time, I don't have to wait for Santa.
Although, I bet he'll be bringing me one, too.
Well I am entering!
ReplyDeleteI just took Paint By Number class, painting my sweet doggie Snickers.
The artist doing the class, requested a photo of our favorite pet
and she created the PBN’s . . .
Amazing, and such fun to do!
So I am IN, your ballerinas are lovely!
Thank you Kim . . . I hope I am the winner!
That's awesome, Lynne! It sounds like a very cool class. I am hooked...and thank you! Good luck!!
DeleteWhat a great winter project! I'm already thinking of things I can do when it's cold and snowy....you know how I feel about winter.
ReplyDeleteRight there with you, Ann!! I'm already making my Christmas list. 😉
DeleteOh! That is beautiful. They contacted me, too, to take a pick or offer a giveaway to readers. I should take them up on it-I have just never done a review on my blog (unless it was just my own findings on something). Gorgeous painting and maybe I will take them up on the offer now that I see how gorgeous yours is. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteDiana, you totally should! Lovely company to work with and a fabulous product. It was very relaxing and the finished painting is so gorgeous, you really can display it proudly!! xoxo
DeleteHello Kim,
ReplyDeleteI Just finished my first Winnies Picks and I must say it was the best canvas and kit I have ever purchased. I purchased the Peacock in it true colors. With all of my pictures I have painted to date about 20, I made changes and made it my own. This was done in memory of my beautiful little grandmother. Winnies Picks will be the company who will do my custom pics of my furbabies for sure.
DeleteWow, 20!! You are a paint by numbers pro! Like I said, this was my first in a very LONG time, but I was so pleased. It was a beautiful product and it's nice to have the opinion of someone who has painted with other kits. That is the best way to really find out about a product. Your Peacock sounds lovely, I need to go look at the site for a visual!! I hope you'll share your custom pic, too. The ones I've seen are lovely. Thanks so much for weighing in!!
I entered! I did paint by numbers as a child. My mother used to buy us some kind of handwork for Christmas every year & this was one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteA funny memory...I was around 9 or 10 & had been working on a painting in the floor in my room. One morning I got up & notices little scratch marks all over my beautiful painting. I was mad! I ran to my mother & told her one of my sisters must have messed up my painting because it was so beautiful. She looked at it & laughed. Apparently in the night a mouse came out & explored my painting leaving his little paw prints all over the picture with wet paint.
I have a seascape hanging in my bathroom that my brother painted. I seriously love the old fashioned look of them.
I’m so glad you entered, Jenny!! It really was fun! Your story just reminded me of when I had a couple of “mice” make a mess of my art supplies. When I was in high school, my sister and her family lived with us while waiting to close on a new house. Her twins were about 2 or 3 at the time. I had an easel and paints set up in my room since I working on a painting. Well, one day when I came home from class, my giant, round wicker laundry basket was in the middle of the room. When I moved it there was a HUGE paint stain on the carpet. Apparently, my niece and nephew got into my room and squirted all of my paint on the rug and had a ball getting messy. The basket was my sister’s way of hiding it, until she could explain what happened. Funny now, not so funny then!!
DeleteKim I said it the first time I saw this painting it's beautiful. I find painting furniture one relaxing time. As a matter of fact I can lose sense of time and have.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if my hand is steady enough for paint by numbers. To everyone that enters good luck.
Cindy
Cindy, I had forgotten how much I loved painting until I tacked that vanity recently. You're right, it's easy to lose track of time. And I get it with the steady hands, the spaces are small, although they do have ones with larger areas. I thought I was going to need reading glasses when I was done with this, but so far, so good.
DeleteKim this is gorgeous. It did look a little intimidating before you started this but wowsie the finished piece is so pretty. This is such a neat idea. I think doing something personalized too would be such a fun and great project. Heading over to this site.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend. Loved your video girlfriend. You should do more video's you are a natural.
Hugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris!! I have to say, I was intimidated. I never thought I would enjoy it so much or that it would turn out so well and I’d want to display it…but it’s so pretty. I woke up this morning and was sad that I didn’t have anything to paint. And thanks for the sweet comment about my video. I'm not comfortable on camera…and I just realized that I’ve only done two videos in 6 years and I’m wearing the same shirt in both!! Ha! Time for a wardrobe update or what!?!!
DeleteI just checked out their site....they have the mill that is in the state park where my husband & I rented a cabin for our honeymoon....32 yrs ago now. How cool is that!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.winniespicks.com/products/river-water-mill-nature-paint-numbers-adults
It doesn't name the mill but I am so familiar with it I'm sure the painting was inspired by it.
That's crazy!! I actually saw that one and thought about choosing it, it's so pretty and would fit my cottage style home well. I bet I know what you'll pick if you win!!
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful, Kim! Thank you for the introduction to this kit. I would love to gift something like this to my daughter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brandi! My girls were eyeing my painting…I think they make great gifts. And they have gift cards, too, in case you don’t know which to choose. I hope you entered!!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI entered. I really do love how yours turned out. I can easily see why you love looking at it before bed, it is dreamy. Field of Daisies is my first choice, oh but I see many more. :-)
That is a beautiful painting, Carla! I honestly am going to need a bigger house, because my wish list is long. Good luck!!
DeleteYour painting turned out nice!! I just signed up for your newsletter and entered the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteOh Debbie, I'm so excited! Good luck!!
DeleteKim, that is truly beautiful. It really is so refined and elegant, but yet I can still see some of the "old" paint-by number style in the shading of the background.I love it and seems like you did it fairly quickly. I can tell you have a steadier hand than I do, mine are always a little wonky. I haven't received my kits yet and I am anxious to see how they are. I couldn't find anywhere it said the size of the canvas and on their website they all look the same size so I took a chance. Yours is really beautiful and thanks for your visit. Don't hold your breath for the surprise. Haha!..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteHi Judy! I'm excited for you to get your kits and tell me what you think. The canvases that I have are 16x20. They're large enough to make a statement, that's for sure! I really enjoyed diving into it and I can't wait to start another one. 😊
DeleteThanks for the visit, Kim. I love that Santa and I just might keep him on display before Christmas. I hope I get the kits soon as I have chosen a basket full of sunflowers and would like to finish it before fall..Happy Tuesday..xxoJudy
DeleteKim, I already commented but then got excited about entering the contest, I couldn't remember if I published or not. So just disregard this if so!. The painting is so beautiful. It certainly is refined and polished but I can see some hints from the "old" paint by numbers in the shading of the backgrounds. You look like you have a much steadier hand than mine and it seems like you finished it really quickly. I love it and looks so pretty in your bedroom. Thanks for your visit and don't hold your breath for the surprise!! Haha..Happy Weekend..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteKim, that's beautiful and looks so totally fun. With all that I've got going on, I don't have time, so don't enter me, but they're lovely all the same.
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence, I didn't expect to like it so much and I certainly didn't expect it to turn out so well. A lovely surprise!!
DeleteThe ballerina painting is lovely! I have always wished I could paint but that is just not a talent God gave me!!! I remember my Mama (long ago) did several paint-by-number paintings and they were really good (even though she can't paint freehand.) On the other hand, the few I tried were absolutely horrible! I've never been able to color in between the lines!!! My granddaughter is very talented and loves to draw and paint. Right now I am on a mission (just beginning) to get visual arts brought back into our local (small & rural) school system. I know it will be an uphill battle but I want to be able to look at my granddaughters and say "I tried." Everything she knows she has taught herself...along with her God-given talent she does a really wonderful job. A local artist who goes to our church told me she was gifted. But I fear over time she will lose the desire to do it...one of the many reasons I want ART to come back to our schools! I didn't enter the contest because I felt it was better for someone with some talent or at least desire to win:) Now if you have a contest for some pretty scrapbooking papers, I'm in!!!
ReplyDeleteThat’s a shame, Cheri. Luckily we still have a robust art program in our district, and I’m so glad my children were able to take advantage of it. Of course, it isn’t nearly as comprehensive as it was when I attended the same high school years ago. I was able to develop an entire portfolio for college, today, the kids have to go outside the district paying for private instruction for the same task. I commend your efforts and wish you luck…I bet your granddaughter will always use her art in some way. Once an artist…😉 And I’ll work on that scrapbooking giveaway!!
DeleteOh my , what a beautiful painting. I have wanted to do a paint by number but I thought it would be too complicated. After seeing your picture and reading your post I think I may try it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful painting.
ReplyDeleteOh Karie, I say give it a try!! I was so hesitant when I saw those little shapes, but it’s so simple and the brushes they give you make it so easy to do it well. I hope you entered and you’ll let me know if you do try!
DeleteYour painting turned out so great! I’m really impressed. I’m going to check them out!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna!! It was a ton of fun and if you like painting, I highly recommend it.
DeleteOh my gosh what a neat idea! Totally going to try this!
ReplyDeleteIt was so much fun, Christina! I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did.
DeleteThis was interesting to me, as I used to do paint by numbers as a teen. But all those canvases came on stretchers, so it was easy to frame them. A few months ago I ordered a paint by number kit and it came in a tube - no stretchers! I still haven't figured out how to paint it and get it into a frame. I see you taped your canvas to another canvas in order to paint it. Then what did you do? How did you stretch it to fit in a frame? Any information would be appreciated! I might even start painting on my poppies...
ReplyDeleteI know…before I started painting I googled to see how people tackled it, too. I wasn’t quite sure where to start, but like you said, I taped it to an old canvas I had and then I placed it on the easel. I did not stretch this canvas. I simply placed it in a frame without the glass. I used the heavy cardboard that you would normally keep the photo in place, behind the painting and stretched the canvas around it before I locked it into the frame. That was my cheat. So far so good. I hope that helps…and poppies, hmmm? They sound beautiful!! :)
DeleteThis is so beautiful, what a great idea! You did a fabulous job! I don't know if I have the patience to paint, even by numbers. I get too impatient with the few little projects I've done...this is just gorgeous!! I love it! Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Benita! I really enjoyed it…especially since these kits make me look like a painting pro! Ha!
DeleteJust beautiful! I used to paint these kits too and I'm glad to know they still make these. Can't wait to see your finish! Thank you for much for your sweet visit.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
I was so out of the loop, Shelia, I hadn't seen paint by numbers kits since I was little. I was so impressed with it and the finished product made me look like a pro. I need more crafts like that! Ha!! Thanks for the visit!
DeleteI remember doing a few "paint by numbers" painting when I was wee slip of a girl...BUT...I don't recall them being half as beautiful as your exquisite ballerinas! Your ballerinas look as if they have just danced onto your wall straight from a Degas exhibition! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful company. I am off to see what other exquisite pretties they have.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Kim! Those lovely dancers caught my eye immediately when I saw them. I was a little nervous about tackling the painting. I wasn't sure I'd be able to do them justice, but the kit was truly foolproof.
DeleteKim, your painting is truly amazing. I have seen some of the kits but wasn’t interested, but now I just might be. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful Kim. I must admit I was also a bit of a "paint by numbers" snob before reading this. I've been lucky enough to exhibit some of my oil portraits and do at least two commissions a year, so paint by numbers kinda sounds like kindergarten - sorry. But you totally convinced me to give it a try. I know I don't qualify for the giveaway, but I'm going to hold thumbs and check out the kits online. Maybe they'll ship to South Africa. Your painting is GORGEOUS. I'm so bowled over by the details and the tones. How wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOooooooooEeeeeeeeeeeeeee I just saw that it's open worldwide. Happy dance x a gazillion.
DeleteThis looks like my sort of fun! I'm so glad you posted about it. I had no idea there were adult paint-by-number kits nowadays. I checked out the website and already know which kit I'm getting.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you! I had no idea the kits had become so intricate and sophisticated. I have a list myself, so many pretties!!
DeleteWhat a nice painting and thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and good luck!!
DeleteI couldn't believe the before and after, you did a brilliant job, Kim. Can you believe that summer is nearly over? I still have so many things on my list.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia! I really enjoyed this one, it was mindless and there was no way to mess it up. And no, I can't believe summer is nearly over. I'm trying to make the most of these last precious weeks of the season. I hope you've been able to cross a few things off your list! xo
DeleteThe painting turned out beautiful. looks like you had a lot of patience painting. A beautiful addition to your room. They contacted me as well for the giveaway. Good luck to the winner.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! It was a wonderful distraction.
DeleteThank you so much for popping in to see me, Kim, and I wish you a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia :)
This is the second post I have read today about the company. I must say that i am quite impressed with the finished products. I love the painting you did.
ReplyDeleteI was super impressed, Carol...and having studied art in college, I was a poised to be a critic.
DeleteThat's incredible! You'd never know it's paint by number. All I can think of is the stuff I used to do back in the 70's when I was a kid. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought when I received the email. Melanie! I was very pleasantly surprised.
DeleteI would love to paint this and give it to my granddaughter who is a ballet dancer.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I love looking at it and as a former ballet dancer myself, it has a lot of meaning.
Delete