Is Paint by Numbers still a relaxing hobby in 2026?
I realized something about myself recently: I enjoy the process of painting much more than the idea of finishing one huge canvas. Last winter I bought a large paint by numbers kit, and although I liked it, I kept putting it aside because it felt like such a big commitment. While looking for alternatives, I found mini paint by numbers and the smaller format immediately appealed to me. Being able to complete one picture and then move on to the next sounds much more rewarding. For those who've tried both, do the mini sets still give you that relaxing feeling, or do they feel too simple compared to the larger ones?
I went through the same dilemma because I kept changing my mind before placing my order. In the end I chose a photo of my golden retriever sitting in the backyard instead of a vacation landscape. I'm glad I did because the subject stood out clearly and the finished painting looked very close to the original. A friend of mine picked a city skyline full of tiny buildings, and while it still looked nice, some of the small details blended together. From what I've seen, photos with one clear subject and good natural lighting usually turn out the best. I spent about two weeks working on mine in the evenings, and it became one of my favorite things I've ever made.