Thoughts about Paint by Numbers for Adults

Including a Review of Winnie’s Picks, plus some musings about the childless journey…

The very first blog post I wrote this year was about self-care and self-love. (You can read that post here.) Little did I know how important self-care and self-love would be during 2020. Normally, I practice self-care by attending an aerials class once a week, getting a pedicure about every six weeks, and going to Church on Sundays. But the Covid19 pandemic made it necessary to find socially distant ways to practice self-care at home. So, when the owner of Winnie’s Picks contacted me, asking if I’d like to review their premium paint by numbers for adults, I quickly agreed!

My Thoughts on Winnie’s Picks, Paint by Numbers for Adults, plus some childless musings…

The All-Important Disclaimer

Though I received a free custom paint by numbers from Winnie’s Picks prior to writing this post, this is not a paid advertisement–just an honest review, including my opinion about this paint by numbers kit, plus some musings about the childless journey. I will not receive any money when you purchase from Winnie’s Picks, as I do not have an affiliate link with this small business.

Choosing a Paint by Numbers…

Winnie’s Picks has categories including flowers, animals, and landscapes, but I was most interested in their custom paint by numbers. With this, they turn one of your favorite photos into a paint by numbers. And I bet you can guess who I chose to paint… Yup! Maddie! (Truly, I wanted to try out the custom feature because I thought that many of you, fabulous ones, would enjoy creating a painting of your fur babies!)

After emailing one of my favorite photos of Maddie, I anxiously waited for my paint by numbers to arrive. (Custom orders take about 4-6 weeks.) It was delivered in a stout, colorful cylinder and included everything I needed to complete my creation—the paint by numbers canvas, 4 paint brushes, 33 different paint colors, and written instructions.

Initial Reaction…

Now, I’ll be completely honest… I was a bit overwhelmed when I first looked at my paint by numbers. In fact, I thought I might have chosen too complicated of a photo. Despite being so excited to receive my Winnie’s Picks, it took me quite a few weeks to finally attack the painting. In fact, if I am 100% honest, I only started painting because I knew I was running out of time to write this blog, which I had promised to publish on 22 June 2020.

You see, I don’t consider myself an artistic person. At least not in the traditional sense of the word. I can’t draw. I really don’t think I can paint either. I don’t particularly like to try new, artistic things. And I really don’t like it when I’m not good at something. Figuring things out… Well, I prefer to have detailed instructions, and I do NOT like to mess up! So, I was a bit hesitant to begin painting, as I was worried that I’d do something wrong.

Getting Started…

But I hate breaking a promise. And I promised to write this review. So, I got my workspace all set up. And I started painting. Well, after I figured out how to open the little paint containers. Honestly, I had to take a breath, thinking that I couldn’t believe I was having such a hard time! (My solution—cut the individual containers apart from one another.)

Despite my rocky start, about an hour into painting, I realized that I was completely relaxed. My mind was singing “Rise Up,” which I had heard on the radio earlier in the day, and I was figuring out a painting technique that was working for me… (Winnie’s Picks has a blog about “The Relaxing Power of Paint by Numbers for Adults.” You can read it here.)

After a couple hours of painting, it was time for me to stop for the evening. Mainly because my stomach was beginning to growl! The next day (after doing my morning chores), I was quite anxious to get back to my creation!

Adjusting Expectations…

My goal was to have a completed paint by numbers to reveal for this blog. After working diligently, however, for over three more hours, I realized that was not going to happen. Though I chose what I considered to be a “simple” photo of Maddie, she is complex. Her fur has numerous variations of color, which created a lot of intricate detail to paint. But I must say… I am enjoying creating Maddie, taking the time to carefully attend to each detail of her beauty. And once I do finish the paint by numbers of her… Well, I hope that it is good enough to frame and display in our home. (I’ll be sure to write another blog once I finish!)

Learning Lessons…

It always amazes me what I learn about myself and the childless journey from everyday things. I never thought a paint by numbers for adults would teach me lessons. But it did…

What I learned about the childless journey while painting…

Lesson #1: Overcoming Overwhelm…

Earlier, I stated that I was a bit overwhelmed when my custom paint by numbers arrived. Because of that, it took me weeks to even begin painting. As I think back, I was overwhelmed by the thought of living a childless life. I had no idea where to begin. Because of that, I was stuck for quite some time…

Once I finally started painting, however, I tried the various brushes (which are really great quality, by the way) and found techniques that worked for me. This was the case on my childless journey, too. Once I decided to accept what is, I tried various things to help me move forward and found techniques (like redefining momhood) that worked for me.

Lesson #2: Give yourself grace…

The painting is taking longer than I expected. And I needed to give myself grace that not finishing in time to reveal for this blog does not mean I failed. It just means this is a work in progress. And isn’t that exactly like the childless journey?! Acceptance, embracing, redefining… Well, it often takes longer than expected. And we need to give ourselves grace that wobbles and doubts and working through grief does not mean we’ve failed. It just means that we are a work in progress…

Painting brings peace and power…

Fabulous one, I really do encourage you to order a paint by numbers for adults from Winnie’s Picks. The process of creating… Well, it is cathartic and soothing, bringing peace and power. I think you’ll discover some truths about yourself as you sit quietly and paint. Plus, you’ll end up with a beautiful piece of artwork once you’re done!

Ready to create your own custom paint by numbers?!

Click here to check out the Winnie’s Picks Blog, which explains what photos make the best custom paint by numbers.
Order your Winnie’s Picks custom paint by numbers here.
After your paint by numbers arrives, find more instructions about where to start painting here.

*I did find a possible trigger on the “Easy Kits” page of Winnie’s Picks. Over-all, however, this site has minimal to no triggers for the childless not by choice.

*Winnie’s Picks ships to more than just the US! They accept the US Dollar, Euro, British Pound Sterling, Canadian Dollar, & Australian Dollar!