Written by Sylvia Levy, founder of Tree Art Studio (Miami), architect and artist, teaching art for 30 years.
Our DIY coasters are the easiest way to try painting by number, because you finish a set in an afternoon and actually use them afterward. I tell my students the same thing every term: start small. If a large paint-by-number canvas feels like a big commitment, a set of four coasters is the perfect way in. You paint four small designs by number, and at the end you have a set of coasters on your own table, not a canvas looking for a wall.
Painting by number is not about talent. It is about the calm of filling one small area of color at a time, and the quiet satisfaction of watching a picture appear. Coasters give you all of that in a size that never feels like a chore.
Why coasters are the best first paint-by-number project
A full paint-by-number canvas can hold hundreds of tiny regions and take many evenings. That is wonderful once you are hooked, but it is a lot to ask on day one. A coaster is small, forgiving, and finished quickly, so you learn the technique without losing momentum. And unlike a practice canvas that ends up in a closet, a coaster earns a permanent spot under your morning coffee.
| Large PBN canvas | DIY coaster kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Time to finish | Several evenings | An afternoon |
| Number of regions | Hundreds | A manageable few per coaster |
| What you end with | Art to hang and frame | Four coasters you use daily |
| Good for a beginner | Can feel daunting | Easy, quick, rewarding |
What comes in a DIY coaster kit
Each of our DIY coaster kits is a complete set of four, priced at $34.99, with everything you need to make your own coasters from start to finish. You get four numbered coaster bases, the paints matched to the design, a brush, and a clear guide. There is nothing extra to buy and nothing to prepare. You sit down, match the numbers to the colors, and paint.
The finished coasters are made to be used, so they hold up to a warm mug and a wet glass. This is a real make-your-own-coasters project with a practical result, not a craft that falls apart the first time you set a drink down.
Choosing your first design
I design each kit as a small painting, so the colors are chosen to sit well together on a table. If you like clean lines and structure, Geometric Harmony is a satisfying first set. For something warmer and more playful, Retro Blocks or Fruity Palette bring a lot of color to a kitchen. And Wine and Wonder makes a lovely gift for the host who has everything.
My advice for a first project is to pick the palette you would actually want on your table every day. You will enjoy the painting more when you love where it is headed.
A calm activity, and a good gift
Paint by number is one of the most reliable ways I know to slow down for an hour. There is no blank page to fear, because the design is already there waiting for your color. That makes a coaster kit a thoughtful gift too, for a friend who needs a screen-free evening, a couple setting up a first home, or anyone who says they are not creative. They will surprise themselves, and they will keep the coasters.
Once you have the technique, a larger paint-by-number canvas feels natural, and you may also enjoy building one of our acrylic wall art pieces, made in the same spirit of art you finish with your own hands.
Frequently asked questions
Is paint by number good for adult beginners?
Yes. The design is already mapped into numbered areas, so you do not need any drawing experience. You simply match each number to its paint color. Starting with a small project like coasters makes the first try easy and quick.
What comes in a DIY coaster kit?
A set of four numbered coaster bases, the paints matched to the design, a brush, and a simple guide. Everything you need is included, and each kit is $34.99.
Are the finished coasters actually usable?
Yes. They are made to be used on a table and hold up to a warm mug or a cold glass, so they become a real set of coasters rather than a craft that gets stored away.
How long does a coaster kit take to finish?
Most people finish a set of four in an afternoon. There is no set pace, so you can spread it across a couple of relaxed evenings if you prefer.
Can I make my own coasters as a gift?
Yes, and it is one of the nicest gifts to give or receive. You can paint a set yourself, or give the kit so someone can enjoy the calm of making their own.
Every kit here comes from decades of teaching people that the joy is in the making. I would be happy to have your first painting be one of mine. Free shipping on all US orders.
Sylvia Levy, Founder, Tree Art Studio.
