DIY Paint by Number Remake

I cannot fully express my excitement to try this DIY paint by number project! It’s taking a lot of self control to write this post instead of running out to the nearest thrift store in search of one of these old pictures.

I love the look of paint by number, but have come across so few of these in my thrift shop excursions (and there have been a lot of excursions). Of course the next best thing is to create your own, which would ironically become a one-of-a-kind painting! This project was spotted at Under the Sycamore, head on over for the full how-to!

If you’re not familiar with paint by number, they are mass produced art kits created in the 50’s by Max S. Klein. The art boards have light grey or blue outlined images, typically of landscapes, still life arrangements and animals. The paint by number image is divided into many smaller sections which are labelled with a number that corresponds to a paint color included in the kit. If followed properly, each finished painting should look identical.

Apparently these were popular with prison inmates. I spotted a few on display inside a cell during my recent tour of Alcatraz in San Francisco, CA.

Don’t wait for a life sentence, go start this project now!