Paint by Numbers is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that allows people of all artistic abilities to create beautiful works of art. Whether you enjoy painting landscapes, animals, or abstract scenes, there’s something uniquely satisfying about completing a Paint by Numbers project. But what happens if you can’t find the exact design you’re looking for? Maybe you’ve been searching for a specific scene or theme, like a particular landscape, favorite pet, or cultural design, but it’s nowhere to be found. Don’t worry—there are plenty of creative ways to overcome this challenge and still enjoy your painting experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of solutions for when you can’t find your favorite Paint by Numbers design, from customizing your own to exploring new themes.
1. Create a Custom Paint By Numbers Design
One of the best solutions when you can’t find your favorite design is to create a custom Paint by Numbers kit. Many companies offer services where you can turn a photo of your choice into a personalized Paint by Numbers kit. This option allows you to bring any image to life on canvas, whether it’s a favorite vacation spot, a beloved pet, or a special family moment.
- How It Works: To create a custom kit, simply upload your chosen photo to a company that specializes in personalized Paint by Numbers kits. They will convert the image into a numbered outline on canvas, along with the corresponding paint colors and brushes.
- Choosing the Right Image: When selecting a photo for your custom kit, choose a clear, high-quality image with well-defined shapes and contrast. Simple photos with fewer complex elements often work best for Paint by Numbers projects, as they’ll translate more smoothly into numbered sections.
- Benefits of Custom Kits: Not only do you get to paint a design that has personal meaning to you, but the final result is often more rewarding because of its sentimental value. It also allows for a truly one-of-a-kind painting that no one else will have.
2. Explore Different Sources for Paint By Numbers Kits
If you’re having trouble finding a specific Paint by Numbers design, you may not be looking in the right places. While the most popular designs may be easy to find, some niche or specialized themes require a bit more digging.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay often have a vast selection of Paint by Numbers kits, including rare or hard-to-find designs. Many small sellers and independent artists offer unique designs you may not find on larger commercial sites.
- Specialty Art Stores: Some smaller, specialized art supply stores may carry designs that larger retailers don’t. Try browsing through art stores or websites that focus specifically on crafting and painting materials to find unique or niche designs.
- International Sellers: Don’t limit your search to local options. Some Paint by Numbers designs might be available from international sellers, especially if the design you’re looking for is culturally specific or uncommon in your country. Just be mindful of shipping costs and delivery times.
3. Try Modifying an Existing Paint By Numbers Kit
If you can’t find the exact design you’re looking for, why not modify an existing Paint by Numbers kit? With a little creativity, you can alter a design to better match your vision or preferences.
- Add Personal Touches: Once you’ve completed the painting, add extra details to make it unique. For example, if you’re painting a landscape, you could include an element that wasn’t originally in the kit, like a person, animal, or additional scenery. This allows you to personalize the design and make it more meaningful.
- Change the Color Scheme: Another easy way to customize a kit is by altering the color palette. Instead of using the provided paint colors, substitute your own. This works particularly well if you’re trying to match the painting to the decor in your home or want to create a different mood by using bolder or softer hues.
- Combine Multiple Kits: If you can’t find the exact design you want, consider combining elements from multiple Paint by Numbers kits. For example, you could paint the background from one kit and then add figures or elements from another. This approach allows you to create a unique composition using existing kits.
4. Reach Out to Paint By Numbers Communities
The Paint by Numbers community is vast and filled with enthusiasts who share their tips, designs, and experiences. If you’re struggling to find a particular design, try reaching out to these communities for help. You might discover that someone has seen the design you’re looking for or can point you toward resources you hadn’t considered.
- Join Online Forums: There are many online forums and social media groups dedicated to Paint by Numbers. Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Pinterest have groups where people share their work, provide advice, and help others find kits. You could ask for recommendations or see if anyone has a similar kit available for sale or trade.
- Follow Artists and Small Businesses: Many small businesses and independent artists create custom Paint by Numbers kits or unique designs. Following these creators on platforms like Instagram or Etsy can help you discover new and niche designs that may align with what you’re looking for. You could even commission a specific design if the artist offers custom work.
5. Try a Different Theme or Explore New Designs
Sometimes, when you can’t find the exact design you want, it’s an opportunity to explore new themes or styles. Paint by Numbers offers a wide variety of subjects, from animals to abstract art, landscapes, and more. Trying something new can be a refreshing and rewarding experience.
- Explore Different Themes: If you’re fixated on a specific design but can’t find it, consider expanding your search to other related themes. For example, if you’re looking for a coastal scene but can’t find the exact one you want, try searching for seascapes, nautical themes, or beach scenes. You might discover a design that captures the same feeling you’re looking for.
- Experiment with New Art Styles: Paint by Numbers comes in a variety of styles, from realistic to impressionistic and abstract. If you’ve always worked with one style, try branching out. A new art style can challenge you in exciting ways and lead to an even more fulfilling painting experience.
- Embrace Creativity: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider creating a more abstract design with the Paint by Numbers approach. You can experiment with colors, shapes, and patterns, allowing the numbers to guide you but also giving you the freedom to make the painting your own.
6. Commission a Custom Design
If your heart is set on a specific image that doesn’t seem to exist as a Paint by Numbers kit, consider commissioning a custom design from an artist. Many artists and companies specialize in creating bespoke Paint by Numbers kits based on your vision.
- Finding Artists: Websites like Etsy and Fiverr are great platforms for finding artists who offer custom design services. Whether you have a particular photo in mind or just a general idea, an artist can help bring it to life in the form of a Paint by Numbers kit.
- Communicating Your Vision: When commissioning a custom design, be sure to clearly communicate what you want. Provide reference images, describe the style you’re looking for, and discuss any specific elements that are important to you. The more detailed you are, the more likely you’ll get a kit that meets your expectations.
Conclusion
Not being able to find your favorite Paint by Numbers design can feel frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative and explore new possibilities. From creating custom kits to modifying existing ones and exploring new themes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Paint by Numbers even when your perfect design isn’t readily available. By trying out these tips and staying open to new ideas, you can turn any painting project into a fun, fulfilling experience and create artwork that’s uniquely yours.