Category: Creativity

Paint by numbers has experienced a massive resurgence across the UK, evolving from a nostalgic childhood pastime into a respected method for mindfulness and artistic expression. It offers a structured way to create stunning imagery without the daunting prospect of facing a blank canvas.

However, there is a distinct difference between simply filling in gaps and creating a piece of art that looks professionally finished.

If you are looking to transition from a hobbyist to a skilled painter, the technique matters just as much as the image you choose. Whether you are working on a standard landscape or a sentimental custom paint by numbers art kit, adopting a few advanced strategies can transform your final result from a simple colouring exercise into a masterpiece worth framing.

Here are five essential tips to elevate your skills from beginner to advanced.

1. The “Light to Dark” Philosophy

One of the most common pitfalls for beginners is attacking the canvas randomly. Experienced artists understand that the order of application is crucial. Always begin with your lightest hues before moving on to the darker tones.

The reasoning is practical: acrylic paint is generally opaque, but dark colours are far more dominant. If you accidentally paint over a border with a pale cream or yellow, covering it later with a deep blue or black is effortless. Conversely, trying to hide a dark smudge with white paint often requires multiple thick layers, which can leave an uneven texture. By starting light, you ensure a forgiving base that keeps your canvas looking crisp.

2. Curate Your Studio Space

You cannot produce high-quality work in a cluttered, dimly lit environment. Professional artists treat their workspace with respect, and you should too. Set up a dedicated area with a flat, stable surface and, crucially, excellent lighting. Natural daylight is ideal for colour accuracy, but if you are painting in the evening, a daylight-simulation lamp is a worthwhile investment to prevent eye strain.

Organise your workspace efficiently. Keep your water pot, paper towels, and brushes on your dominant side to avoid reaching across your wet painting. If you are using a personalised kit based on a photo, keep the original reference image propped up nearby. This allows you to compare the nuances of the image rather than relying solely on the numbered guide.

3. Master the Art of Layering

A tell-tale sign of a beginner’s painting is the visibility of the numbers or grid lines through the paint. To achieve a rich, professional finish, avoid the temptation to apply one thick glob of paint. Instead, embrace the technique of layering.

Apply a thin, even coat first and allow it to dry completely. If the number is still visible, apply a second coat. This method creates a smoother surface and ensures the colours appear vibrant and solid. It is particularly important for lighter shades, which naturally have less pigment density. Patience is key here; rushing to add a second coat whilst the first is damp will only drag the paint and create a streaky finish.

4. Brush Hygiene and Maintenance

Your tools are the extension of your hand, and their condition dictates the quality of your strokes. Acrylic paint dries rapidly and becomes water-resistant once set. If paint creates a build-up at the “ferrule” (the metal part connecting the bristles to the handle), the bristles will splay, making precision work impossible.

Get into the habit of rinsing your brush immediately after finishing a colour or even during long sessions with the same colour. Never leave brushes resting bristles-down in a water pot, as this bends the tip. By maintaining a sharp point on your brushes, you ensure you can tackle even the most intricate sections of your canvas with confidence.

5. Softening the Edges (Blurring)

Strictly following the lines creates a “mosaic” effect, which is classic for paint by numbers. However, to achieve a more realistic, painterly look—especially for portraits or clouds—you may want to soften the transitions between colours.

This is an advanced technique where you slightly blend two wet colours where they meet on the canvas. Alternatively, you can use a technique called “zig-zagging” with a very dry brush to break up the hard line between two dry sections. This is particularly effective when working on custom kits involving faces or animal fur, where sharp lines rarely exist in nature.

Conclusion

Becoming an advanced painter is not about talent; it is about patience and process. By organising your space, caring for your tools, and thinking critically about how you layer your colours, you can produce a painting that belies its numbered origins. Whether you are capturing a family memory or a scenic view, these tips will ensure your art stands the test of time.

Related Reading

Practical fun tips for teaching art to kids.

Coloring pages have long been a staple in classrooms—but their value goes far beyond keeping little hands busy. Today, teachers are using coloring activities to enhance learning, support development, and create calm, inclusive spaces for all students.

Whether it’s reinforcing a lesson or offering a sensory-friendly break, coloring pages continue to prove themselves as powerful tools in modern education. Here’s why so many teachers swear by them—and how you can use them more meaningfully in your classroom.

1. They Support Early Childhood Development

For young learners, coloring isn’t just fun—it’s foundational.

Coloring pages help:

Build fine motor skills – Strengthening the muscles needed for writing and scissors

Improve hand-eye coordination – Learning to stay within lines and choose colors

Develop pencil grip – A stepping stone to proper handwriting

Many teachers integrate coloring into early literacy and math centers because it’s a tactile way for children to engage while practicing control and focus.

Tip: Choose pages with bold outlines and large spaces for pre-K and kindergarten students.

For a closer look at why children love coloring and how it supports their growth, explore Twinkl’s blog on how colouring benefits children.

2. They Reinforce Educational Concepts

Coloring pages can double as visual learning tools.

From letter recognition to science diagrams, students absorb information while engaging their creativity. Many teachers use themed coloring sheets to support:

• Alphabet and number learning

• Seasons, animals, or life cycles

• Geography and planets

• Social-emotional topics like kindness or emotions 

Example: A coloring page of the solar system can help students visualize planet order and scale—reinforcing science standards while offering a calming activity.

3. They Promote Focus and Mindfulness

Coloring has been shown to reduce stress, even in children. In classrooms filled with movement and stimulation, coloring provides a structured, peaceful task that encourages:

• Quiet concentration

• Self-regulation

• Transition time between lessons

Teachers often keep a stack of themed coloring sheets for:

• Early finishers

• Morning work

• Cool-down corners or reset breaks

If you’d like to understand how mindful coloring supports calm and focus, check out TeacherBot’s article on mindful coloring for students.

4. They Are Inclusive and Accessible

One of the biggest benefits of coloring activities is that they require no reading level, making them accessible to:

• English language learners

• Non-verbal students

• Students with learning differences or developmental delays

Teachers can also scale pages by complexity, offering simpler images for younger or lower-level learners, and more detailed options for advanced students.

Coloring creates a space where every student can participate and feel successful.

5. They’re Easy to Integrate Into Any Lesson Plan

Coloring pages are versatile and time-saving for educators.

They work well as:

• Lesson warm-ups or exit tickets

• Center station activities

• Homework extensions

• Holiday or event-based supplements

You can match them to any subject or theme, from Earth Day to Black History Month to class birthdays.

And unlike high-prep crafts, printable coloring pages take seconds to set up.

 6. Free Resources Make It Even Easier

With access to high-quality, printable pages online, teachers don’t have to create materials from scratch.

Sites like Crayola, SuperColoring, SketchJoy, and many other ones offer a growing library of free classroom-ready coloring pages, including:

• Alphabet and number sheets
• Educational themes like planets, animals, or weather
• Holiday collections (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)
• Pop culture and fun characters that students love

All pages are formatted as PDFs for A4 and Letter paper, and can be printed instantly—no sign-up required.

Bonus: You can even create mini “coloring booklets” for your students to take home or use in centers.

Final Thoughts

Coloring pages are more than just fun filler—they’re a quiet powerhouse in your teacher toolkit. From building motor skills to reinforcing lessons and creating inclusive, mindful classroom moments, they offer endless flexibility with zero prep stress.

If you’re looking to refresh your printable collection, check out our free educational and themed coloring pages at SketchJoy.com.

Happy coloring—your students will thank you!

Finding the perfect gift for your child can feel like a daunting task. You want something unique, meaningful, and, most importantly, something they’ll love. But what happens when the usual toys and gadgets just don’t cut it anymore?

If you’re looking for a gift that will light up their face and hold sentimental value for years to come, a personalized t-shirt might be exactly what you need. Custom gifts have an incredible way of making kids feel special, and a custom t-shirt is no exception.

Do you wonder why that might be the case? Well, in this article, we’ll explore why they make such a wonderful gift for your kid.

Read on!

Why Personalized Gifts Are the Best Choice for Kids

They make kids feel special by reflecting their unique identity and interests. They show thoughtfulness and love, creating an emotional connection. A custom t-shirt, for example, isn’t just a gift—it’s a keepsake.

As children grow, they’ll cherish these gifts and the memories tied to them, making personalized items a meaningful and lasting way to make them feel valued.

The Ease of Getting Personalized T-Shirts

Gone are the days when creating a personalized t-shirt required a trip to the store or dealing with long wait times. These days, getting a custom t-shirt for your child is as simple as placing an order online. You can easily design a t-shirt from the comfort of your home, choose the perfect size, and have it delivered right to your door.

For example, these days, Personalized T-Shirts for Kids by RushOrderTees are a popular choice thanks to their high quality, fast shipping, and wide variety of design options. Whether you’re looking for a shirt featuring your child’s favorite character or a unique design with their name, they offer it all.

Here’s what makes online customization so convenient today:

• Simple Design Process: You can upload artwork, add names, or choose from pre-made designs within minutes.

• Preview Before Purchase: Most platforms allow you to view your design before placing the order, ensuring it’s perfect.

• Bulk and Single Orders: Whether you need one t-shirt or a batch for a birthday party, online stores make it easy.

Getting a personalized t-shirt has never been easier, and it’s a hassle-free way to make your child’s gift extra special.

The Versatility of Custom Tees: Perfect for Any Occasion

Be it a birthday, holiday, or a simple surprise for a job well done, these tees can be the perfect gift for any occasion. They’re versatile, practical, and fun—what more could you ask for?

• Ideal for Birthdays: Imagine your child’s joy when they unwrap the tee that’s uniquely designed just for them. It’s not just a present; it’s a statement that says, “This is for you.”

• Great for Holidays: It can become a treasured part of your child’s holiday tradition. From Christmas to Halloween, there are endless ways to incorporate their favorite designs into the season’s festivities.

• Perfect for Milestones: Whether it’s starting school, graduating from a class, or celebrating a special achievement, it can mark the occasion in a fun and memorable way.

Unlike other gifts that may be used only once or twice, a t-shirt is something that kids can wear daily, reminding them of the special moment they received it.

Practical and Comfortable: The Benefits of Personalized T-Shirts

While the emotional and creative aspects of these tees are undeniable, there’s another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked: practicality. Kids need clothes that are comfortable, durable, and easy to wear—and these pieces deliver on all of these fronts.

• Comfortable to Wear: T-shirts are always a go-to option for kids because they’re easy to move in, breathable, and comfortable. Custom tees are no different, offering a soft, casual fit that can be worn all day long without discomfort.

• Durable and Long-Lasting: When you choose high-quality custom tees, you’re investing in a piece of clothing that will stand the test of time. These shirts can be washed and worn repeatedly without losing their shape or color.

• Versatile for Any Wardrobe: You can pair it with jeans, shorts, or a skirt; it fits seamlessly into any wardrobe. It is a casual yet stylish option that works for school, playdates, and weekend outings.

Custom tees are not just a novelty gift. Instead, they are something that can become a staple in your child’s wardrobe.

Conclusion

Personalized t-shirts are more than just a gift; they’re a way to make your child feel truly special. They combine creativity, practicality, and emotional value in a way that few other gifts can. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, it is a gift that will bring joy every time it’s worn, so, the next time you’re looking for a gift that’s unique, meaningful, and memorable, surprise your child with a custom tee. It’s a gift they’ll cherish—and wear—with pride—for years to come.

In a world filled with digital distractions, parents often search for activities that are both engaging and genuinely beneficial for their child’s development. It’s a persistent challenge to balance hands-on play with the inevitable allure of screens.

This guide explores how classic activities build crucial skills and how those same principles can translate into positive, safe screen time.  While physical jigsaw puzzles are a foundational tool, many parents also seek high-quality digital options.

Family-friendly games from developers like ZiMad a structured way to build similar problem-solving skills in a safe environment. Online jigsaw puzzles bring that same sense of focus and accomplishment to your child’s fingertips—anytime, anywhere. They’re a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of problem-solving play without needing extra space, missing pieces, or cleanup time.

The Timeless Power of Jigsaw Puzzles for Young Minds

Long before becoming a family pastime, jigsaw puzzles were invented in the 1760s as educational tools for teaching geography. This origin highlights their core purpose: they are far more than a way to keep kids busy; they are powerful instruments for strengthening key cognitive functions. The simple, methodical act of sorting pieces and completing an image provides a comprehensive mental workout that directly supports a child’s developmental journey.

Key Developmental Skills Boosted by Puzzles

Engaging with physical jigsaw puzzles help children cultivate a range of essential abilities that serve them well in academic settings and beyond. These core skills include:

• Problem-Solving: Children develop a systematic approach, learning to analyze shapes and patterns to strategize where each piece might fit.

• Fine Motor Skills: Grasping, turning, and precisely placing small pieces is an excellent exercise for hand-eye coordination and pre-writing dexterity.

• Sustained Focus: Completing a puzzle requires patience and concentration, helping to improve a child’s attention span over time.

• Spatial Reasoning: Children build the ability to mentally rotate objects and visualize how individual parts fit together to form a coherent whole.

From the Tabletop to the Tablet: Guiding Safe and Productive Screen Time

Screen time is an unavoidable part of modern childhood, so the focus for parents should shift from complete avoidance to careful, informed selection. The foundational benefits of puzzles—like strategic thinking and sustained attention—are not exclusive to the tabletop. These skills can also be nurtured through thoughtfully designed digital games that challenge a child’s mind.

What Makes a Digital Game “Family-Friendly”?

When choosing digital entertainment, look for games that mirror the positive aspects of traditional play. A truly family-friendly game is characterized by its focus on skill-building, offering challenges that require active thinking rather than passive consumption. Crucially, it must provide a safe, controlled environment free from disruptive ads, inappropriate content, or predatory in-app purchase mechanics. The best digital experiences also offer opportunities for shared play, allowing technology to become a tool for family bonding, much like gathering around a table to complete a puzzle together.

Balancing Activities for Well-Rounded Development

The key to healthy childhood development lies in a balanced routine of diverse activities. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens but to integrate them as a positive and productive part of a child’s learning journey. By mixing hands-on, creative play with high-quality digital experiences, parents can provide a rich environment that supports holistic growth.

Ultimately, whether the activity involves a cardboard puzzle or a family-friendly tablet game, the most significant benefit comes from shared engagement. When parents participate, guide, and celebrate small victories with their children, any activity transforms into a valuable opportunity for connection and learning.