Let's Talk About Creativity With Paint By Numbers Kits

 Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

I was approached to paint and then write a review of a paint-by-numbers kit offered to me by Davincified.

Even though I am an artist and am blessed to create my own original artworks, I truly wanted to revisit paint-by-numbers, as it has been fifteen years since I last did one, when I had major surgery and was recuperating for some months.

I went on Davincified's website to choose my artwork image, and boy, that was so tricky.

There are simply hundreds to choose from!

I finally decided on a guitar, as once we shift into our tiny home, the barn lounge will become our music studio.

Delivery was super fast!

I also ordered an extra set of paints. I had memories of the kit from another brand all those years ago, being dried out, with not enough of some of the colours.

Note: I did not use the second set of paints I bought on this artwork, but I will use them on other craft projects

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

I opened my parcel, and my initial thought was WOW.

This is actually quite a complex paint-by-numbers!

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

And my kit was a 26-colour beginner's kit on a stretched canvas.

I like that the canvas has the paint colours lightly printed on it too, as an extra guide.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviewsQuality paint by numbers kits reviews

Plus a paper sheet guide.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviewsQuality paint by numbers kits reviews

Once I got started, I thoroughly enjoyed painting it.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

Think adult colouring but with paint.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

Such fun.

But I have to be completely honest with you, that I did have a few challenges:

1. I have arthritis in my hands, so the three quality brushes supplied were too thin for me to handle. 

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

I fixed that issue by using this brush, which was used to paint the entire artwork.

2. I might be showing my age, but those numbers were quite hard to see, even on the printed paper guide that comes with the kit.  Problem solved with a magnifying glass.

3. Getting the wet brush, excess water paint flow sorted for those very thin lines on the piece.

Solved that issue by having a paper towel on the table to dry excess water/paint, and practice.

Once you've worked it out, the paint flows much better on the canvas.

4. Pale colours do not cover the numbers even with two or three layers of paint.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviewsQuality paint by numbers kits reviews

The problem is solved by using a dry brush and creating texture with thick paint.

I also like that this gives the painting a more interesting textured appearance, which is more my thing.

Davincified does have a number remover product, which I suggest buying as an extra with your kit, if you want to remove the numbers before painting each colour.

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

Conclusion:

Would I buy a Davinciified paint-by-numbers kit for myself or as a gift?

Absolutely yes!

And next time I will challenge myself with an advanced painting!

I found that I looked forward to painting a little whenever time allowed, plus it was a fabulous therapeutic activity.

It took me three months to complete this artwork.

And I love it!

Quality paint by numbers kits reviews

This artwork of a guitar and flowers reminds me of the style of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

An artist who has inspired my own original art.

The finished canvas will definitely be framed to hang on the music studio wall.

Why don't you visit "Davincied Premium Paint By Numbers Kits" and check out what they offer:

Easy mini kits, beginner kits, advanced kits, and custom kits from your own photographs.

There is even an AI function that will design your own artwork based on your written prompts.

Happy painting!

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Easter DIY, Decor, Baking And Craft Ideas

 Easter baking and craft ideas

If crafting, baking and creating are on your mind for Easter, 

then 

Visit Mia Bella Passions' Easter page for easy DIY decor ideas, recipes and FREE printables!

Get updates about the latest blog posts,

by joining for free HERE.

#eastercrafts #easterbaking #easterdiy

DIY Seed Collection Bank

 With the world in such a 'volatile state', Mia Bella Passions is thinking of self-sufficiency.

In the past five years, we have also experienced some extreme weather events in New Zealand.

At that time, I thought a seed bank was a must-do.

Then life got busy, and my seed bank project didn't eventuate.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

I've created one now!

Living in a small lakeside community, we have pure water and trout available.

There is native bush around us with many food sources.

Here in 'Mia Bella Passions Garden', we also have a tunnel house and a small plot of land.

On it, there is planted an assortment of citrus, including lime, mandarin, blood orange, grapefruit, tangelo, lemon, and orange.

There's a potato patch, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, passionfruit, strawberries, blueberries, figs, pomegranate, herbs, red guava, tea, curry, stevia, hops and peanuts!

More edibles are being added as we can.

On this list to come are Nashi Pear, apple and cherry trees, raspberries and boysenberries.

Growing our own fruit and vegetables to reduce the cost of the food bill is a goal.

Not only for us, but to share excess with our small lakeside community.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

To create a 'DIY Seed Collection Bank', you will need:

A wooden box about 24 x 24cm (9.5 x 9.5 inches) in size.

Card for dividers. I used a craft card 11.4 x 16.5cm (4.5 x 6.5 inch) 

A black Sharpie pen, glue, a pencil, and a ruler.

Card to make a label for the front of the box.

To Make:

Prepare the collected dried seeds you already have by placing them in containers such as small envelopes or old medication bottles.

Write the seed name and the date on each container or packet.

I added in the packet-bought seeds I already had.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

Create the card dividers. Write in black Sharpie pen, vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs, etc., at the top of each piece of card.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

Measure 5cm (2 inches) from the bottom of the card and rule lines in pencil.

How to create a DIY seed Bank  How to create a DIY seed Bank

Fold the card using the ruler as a guide, as shown, then turn the card to the back side and bend it over again.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

This creates a stand-up label.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

Place the seeds and dividers in the box.

How to create a DIY seed Bank

Make a label for the front of the box, then glue it in place.

Congratuations!

You have now created your own self-sufficiency 'Seed Collection Bank' that you can add more seeds from every season!

Note: Store the 'Seed Collection Bank' in a cool, dry place.

Collection & Storage

'Gardener Scott' tells you everything you need to know about seed collection and storage with this video.

As you will hear him discuss, drying the seeds and correct storage are paramount for success.

Scott's other gardening videos are also very informative.

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Stunning Sunset Quote

Sunset Life Quotes
The location I snapped this photograph is:

 Ohiwa Beach, in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

This is my absolute favourite beach.

There is no light pollution, so it has the most beautiful sky for stargazing on a clear night.

And the Sunsets are subliminal!

You'll find more of my art and photographic quotes HERE.

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Simple Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Peanut nutty buttery deliciousness!

This simple-to-make fudge, using just three ingredients, is quick to prepare and requires very little effort! 

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Just melt the white chocolate over hot water.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

When the chocolate is melted, stir until smooth, then add the can of sweetened condensed milk.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Stir in the peanut butter, mixing until smooth and thick.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Quickly put the fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it out.

It will seem a bit buttery and firm, but push it into the pan, then refrigerate it.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Refridgerate at least two hours until the fudge is firm and dry, then cut into squares.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Plate and serve. Or package and gift.

Peanut butter Fudge recipes

Simple Peanut Butter Fudge.

Line a 27.5 x17.5cm (11 x7 inch) pan with baking parchment paper.

340g (12 oz) bag of white chocolate baking melts

 395g (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup of salted smooth peanut butter

Place the chocolate into a metal or glass bowl over a pot of hot water to melt.

When melted smooth, add the sweetened condensed milk.

Mix through the peanut butter.

Press into the prepared pan.

Refridgerate for 2 hours.

Cut into squares and serve.

Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Yield: 20 pieces

You'll find a printable recipe at Foodtalk.

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Easy To Make St Patrick's Day Candle

 DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas
Here is an easy to put together St Patrick's Day Candle...

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

It's such a sweet addition to your St. Patrick's Day celebration decor, featuring the traditional clover.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

To Make It You Will Need:

A thin wood slab

Green craft card

The clover pattern  (Visit here for that)

A candle jar

A  yellow golden candle 

Glue

Gold pebbles or gold-toned sand

Thin natural rope twine

Green & white twisted craft string.

Instructions

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Print out two four-leaf clovers.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor IdeasDIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

I used a small piece of patterned card and printed it on the reverse, so I had two clovers rather than the eight on the printable.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Cut out the clovers.

Use a hole punch to put holes in the top of the clovers.

Set them aside.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor IdeasDIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

On the candleholder, about an inch from the top, apply a small piece of double-sided tape at the front and back of the glass to hold the twine in place. Attach one end of the thin twine onto then back piece of tape, wind the twine around the candleholder to create detail. When you are happy with the width of the twine, cut the end at the tape position, press it to secure.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Cut one more length of twine and one of the green and white striped string.

Tie it around the top of the twine detail, tie and bow, and with that bow, another to create a double bow with four petals.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Attach your clovers to two of the strings and knot to secure.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Pour golden sand into the candleholder.

DIY St Patricks Day Decor Ideas

Place your candle into it.

Light and enjoy.

Safety note: Never leave a wax candle burning unattended.

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