Some of you who know me well, know that I don’t just quilt, sew and crochet.   I also dabble with paint.  I started with some decorative paint, painting trays, then stools, some garden items.  And lately, began chalk painting some furniture.  During the winter months, when I have no sewing machine, I have done some canvas painting. 

So when I was approached to review an adult paint by numbers, I accepted the challenge.  Winnie’s Picks sent me a free sample of their product in return for an honest review.  Please note that other than the paint by number kit, I did not receive any compensation from Winnie’s Picks.  So here it is – my thoughts on this paint by number kit.

Don’t stop reading!! There is a great surprise at the end of this post!!

Choosing my Masterpiece

Winnie’s Picks has hundreds of paintings to choose from. You can even send a photograph and they will turn it into a custom paint-by-number just for you!! Paris has a place in my heart so of course, my choice was “Paris Street After the Rain”.

WINNIE’S PICKS DELIVERY

After deciding on the kit of my choice, I waited with anticipation for it to arrive. It took just over a week to receive my kit in the mail.  Not bad for a U.S. shipment to Canada.  They do promise 3 day delivery to customers in the U.S. The painting came in a mail envelope and was thoroughly protected by a very appealing mailing tube.

The contents of the tube contained 24 small containers of paint, 4 brushes, the rolled canvas and some clips for hanging.  There was also a very small colored picture of the painting, a digital paper copy of the picture (I will call my map) and a one page printout of suggestions to make the best out of the painting.  The printout did instruct you to refer to the website if you needed assistance.

WINNIE’S PICKS CANVAS

The picture has been printed on a high quality canvas.  But I was freaked out when I saw how detailed the little areas were that I needed to paint.  It looked like thousands, some numbers so small I needed to use my good glasses to see.  But that may be what it needs to make the painting a little more professional.

LET’S START PAINTING

Before even starting, I went to Winnie’s website and read the following two articles:

• Paint by Number Instructions and
• The 15 Most Important Adults Paint By Number Tips. 

I do recommend you read them too! As it really helped me relax and breathe.  Especially Tip #7 which told me if I had trouble seeing they would send me a digital copy to zoom in.  BONUS – this was actually included in the package!

SETTING UP

Based on Winnie’s recommendation, I set my canvas onto a table I used regularly for crafting as I was able to leave it there until is was done.  I filled a glass with water, had paper towels by my side along with paints and brushes. 

THE PAINTS AND BRUSHES

All in all, I found the supplies to be of high quality. The canvas is heavy with a nice gesso. I received 24 pots of paint that was thick and creamy. In fact, I did add a touch of water to the paint at times to get it to spread a little easier. But there is plenty to finish your painting.

About the only thing I didn’t like were the brushes. The kit comes with three very small detailing brushes and one slightly larger. The ones that were provided were okay at best, but they could be more variety of sizes. I used only two of the detailing brushes and one of my own round brushes for some of the larger spaces.

The one thing I loved and used most was the detailed “map”. The printing on the canvas is light (great for covering with the paint) but at times when I got “lost” I turned to the digital printout. Fabulous idea!! And a great help.

THE PROCESS

Let me say – You will definitely get great entertainment value out of this painting.  It is not an easy, paint in an hour (or even a weekend) type of painting.  This painting will provide you with hours of relaxing, stress-free enjoyment.

Researchers of the of the American Art Therapy Association found that 45 minutes of creative activity significantly lessens stress in the body and I agree.

It is also very addicting.  Remember the days of family jigsaw puzzles. Left on a table, the whole family would work on them little by little. Well, I left my painting taped to that table and when my daughter was visiting she spent a few hours painting.  So did my teenage granddaughter.  This project replaces the family jigsaw puzzle!

And once I started painting, all the panic over the little squares disappeared as my masterpiece took shape. Unfortunately, to offer the giveaway I didn’t have time to finish but I will post an update when it’s done!!

WINNIE’S PICKS CUSTOMER SERVICE

Unfortunately, I did have the opportunity to deal with customer service for this product. One of my paint colors was wrong. Using email, I brought this to the attention of Gaetan in customer service and was offered exceptional service in rectifying the problem.

The correct paint was sent to me immediately. Gaetan kept in touch with me through email until I had the paints in my hand!! And the new paint came with a free gift. I was very impressed with how this was handled.

I did laugh at the amount of packaging for two little containers of paint!!

TAKE AWAY

I really enjoyed painting this picture. It was very relaxing, stress free and provided hours of fun to get this far and I am sure it will provide many more to finish! I think I will do another. I am really feeling like a great artist!!

I actually enjoyed painting this so much, I decided to become an affiliate of Winnie’s Picks.

What’s Nana Making utilizes affiliate programs for monetization, which means when you click on links to various products  that I recommend and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to this site. Please be sure to read our Privacy Policy

These sets would be great for gifts and if you are not sure what to buy you can purchases gift cards HERE

Winnie’s Picks has been gracious enough to give all my readers $5.00 of any purchase, just use the discount code WhatsNanaMaking

You can find out more about Winnie’s Picks by visiting them:

• Winnie’s Picks https://www.winniespicks.com/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WinniesPicks/
• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Winnies_Picks/
• Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/winniespicks/

THE GREAT SURPRISE!!

Here is the news you have been waiting for. We are having a GIVEAWAY – Three lucky winners will receive a $50 gift card for Winnie’s Picks. Here’s what you need to know:

UNFORTUNATELY OUR GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. WE WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!

If you have questions about this product, leave me a comment and don’t forget to SHARE!!