Have you ever wondered where your favourite mindful hobby comes from?
Paint by numbers is often seen as a modern wellness trend but it has a fascinating history that stretches back nearly a century. And while one man is usually credited with inventing it, the true story is much more collaborative and deeply shaped by the women who embraced and spread this creative ritual across the world.
Let’s rewind and explore how paint by numbers went from an obscure idea to a global phenomenon and why it still resonates today.
The Original Patent That No One Used
Before it became a viral mindfulness trend, paint by numbers had humbler beginnings. The first patent for a number-guided painting method was filed in the US… way back in 1923! But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the idea truly took off.
Enter Dan Robbins, a commercial artist from Cleveland, Ohio. While working at Palmer Paint Company, a brand known for children’s paint sets where he was challenged by his boss to come up with a product that made painting accessible for adults, even those who didn’t consider themselves creative.
Robbins had a lightbulb moment: what if he borrowed Leonardo da Vinci’s technique of numbering sections on canvas for his students? That’s how the first modern paint by numbers kit was born: a printed canvas, a paint set, and a numbered guide that allowed anyone to make art without fear of failure.
The first kits were launched under the name Craft Master, and at first? Total flop.
But failure is never the end, it's just a way to learn and refine. So Robbins didn’t give up. He hand-drew the original templates himself, testing what worked and what didn’t.
Cultural Adoption: Women Made It a Movement
Let’s be clear: Robbins may have drawn the first kits, but it was women who turned paint by numbers into a movement.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, paint by numbers kits were marketed as a domestic leisure activity as something to do in the quiet of an afternoon, between parenting duties or during moments of calm. It resonated deeply with women looking for affordable, fulfilling ways to express themselves creatively.
They weren’t just passive consumers. Women embraced, promoted, and shared these kits, turning them into a staple of everyday home life. It’s thanks to this cultural embrace that paint by numbers became a household name and stayed one until today.
Paint by Numbers in Pop Culture
While some viewed paint by numbers as kitschy, others saw its potential as a tool for experimentation. Artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso reportedly played with number-based artworks to explore new styles and techniques.
Over the decades, the trend evolved, shifted, and resurfaced. Celebrities like Grace Kelly and even President Eisenhower were rumoured fans and it seemed like everyone had a paint by numbers kit stashed away.
Technology Catches Up
From the 1990s onwards, digital printing changed the game. Kits became more detailed, the colour ranges expanded, and manufacturers began offering custom kits made from personal photos. These advancements made paint by numbers feel less like a craft and more like a truly personal creative outlet.
Today, you can choose from landscapes, cute animals, floral paintings, or your own portraits, all printed with incredible clarity and paired with high-quality paints and materials.
A New Chapter: Mindfulness, Therapy, and Creativity
During the 2020 lockdowns, paint by numbers surged back into the spotlight.
Why? Because people were searching for offline hobbies that could calm the mind. Painting within a structure gave folks a sense of focus, accomplishment, and peace, all without needing an art degree.
Thanks to modern printing and design tools, today’s kits are more beautiful, detailed, and varied than ever. From custom portraits to dreamy destinations, there’s a kit for every mood. And the paints? Richer, smoother, and non-toxic (at least the ones we use!).
More importantly, paint by numbers is now recognised as a mental wellness tool. It’s used in care homes, therapy programs, and wellness retreats, especially for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or anxiety. The repetitive movement and gentle focus help regulate the nervous system and bring the body into a state of rest.
Let's Finish with 5 Quirky Facts About Paint by Numbers
-
The name “Paint by Number” was originally a trademark. Today it’s become the generic name for the whole category.
-
Some of the earliest kits recreated famous artworks by Van Gogh and da Vinci.
-
Eisenhower’s administration displayed completed kits in the White House as a symbol of American creativity.
-
The Smithsonian once held a paint by numbers exhibition, showcasing its pop culture impact.
-
Over 100 million paint by numbers kits are estimated to have been sold worldwide to date.
Why This Hobby Still Matters
At Kiki’s Club, we’re all about painting as a way to feel better and not just to make pretty things. The legacy of paint by numbers is a testament to that: it’s not just a trend, it’s a gentle rebellion against perfectionism.
It’s about slowing down, switching off, and giving yourself permission to play. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering it for the first time, you’re part of a long, joyful tradition.
Ready to join in?
Explore our best-selling kits here, including our vintage-inspired designs that nod to the golden era of paint by numbers.