Make-it-yourself pixel picture kits: build your first one together

Building a picture with your own hands is a different thing from buying it ready-made. Our make-it-yourself kits are for exactly that: we send a small, low-block piece in a box, with its blocks and its map; building it is up to you.

What is in the box?

The blocks and a numbered map. The map shows which numbered block belongs in each square of the board. Depending on the options you can choose between two kinds of kit:

• Painted blocks: the blocks arrive painted and sorted by colour; you only set them in place.
• Paint them yourself: raw blocks, paints in the colours needed, and a brush. Painting, drying and placing are up to you.

You can also choose a framed board or the board only, a spare-block pack and gift wrap.

Which piece to start with?

Kits are made for pieces of up to 450 blocks. If it is your first time, start with the one with the fewest blocks: the Mini Snowman is 221 blocks and the Mini Christmas Tree is 285. The nazar, at 256 blocks, is both small and a very well-known motif. A piece with few colours is easier to build the first time.

How to build it

1. Open the map and sort your blocks by number. A small bowl or tray makes it much easier.
2. Start from the bottom row. Building from the top upsets the order you are working in; building from the bottom up is both easier and neater.
3. Finish one colour, then move on to the next. With the blocks of one colour together, mistakes are less likely.
4. Step back now and then. A pixel picture reads from a distance; stepping back occasionally shows mistakes early.
5. Take a photo when it is done. The first state of a picture you built together is a keepsake.

Who is it for?

An evening with children, a gift to make with your partner, or a quiet hour you set aside for yourself. Building a picture piece by piece is calming: work done with the hands, away from a screen.

You can see all the kits on the Make it yourself page.