Early in my recovery, I loved Paint-by-Numbers.
It gave me a project I could return to each day. I could paint a little bit, put it down, and come back to it when I felt like doing more.
Over time, those little bits added up. What started as small patches of colour eventually became a finished painting—something I felt really proud of.
There was something lovely about being able to see that progress. On any one day, I might only have painted a small section, but it was still part of something taking shape.
A little colour, a little at a time
The photos below show a Paint-by-Numbers project I made as a gift for one of my best friends. I commissioned a custom kit using a photograph she’d taken, then painted it for her.
It made the gift feel especially personal: a moment she’d captured, turned into something I could spend time making for her.
Little by little, the picture took shape.
The finished painting: a gift for one of my best friends, painted by me from a photograph taken by her.
Looking at these photos reminds me how much can come from doing a little bit at a time. I didn’t paint the whole thing in one sitting. Each small patch of colour became part of the finished picture.
I’d love to give three other people the chance to enjoy a painting project of their own.
Three Paint-by-Numbers kits to give away
I’m buying three Paint-by-Numbers kits to give away to members of The Recovery Room, the free members’ area here at Life After Being Sectioned.
Perhaps you already enjoy making things. Perhaps you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, or you’d like a project without having to decide what to create from a blank page.
You don’t need any painting experience to enter. And if you win, there’s no deadline for finishing your painting or expectation to share it. It’s yours to enjoy at your own pace.
What’s included?
Each winner will receive an email inviting them to choose a design they’d enjoy painting. Each kit includes:
A high-quality canvas with the design outline already printed on it.
A set of numbered acrylic-based paints.
Three paintbrushes: small, medium and large.
A coded guide with additional instructions and guidance.
How to enter
Join The Recovery Room for free, or log in if you’re already a member.
Complete the short giveaway entry form inside the members’ area by Saturday 28 November 2026.
Three winners will be selected at random and contacted by email on Sunday 29 November 2026, with an invitation to choose their own design.
Existing and new members are equally welcome. Entry is free, with one entry per person, and delivery is available worldwide.
Please only enter if you feel comfortable sharing your full name, phone number and shipping address with me if you win, so I can arrange delivery of your kit. You won’t need to provide your address or phone number when entering, though.
Paint-by-Numbers gave me something manageable to work towards in those early days. I enjoyed watching a picture emerge, and knowing I’d made it happen, a little bit each day.
I’d love to pass a little of that enjoyment on.
Love,
Sonia
The original photograph my friend took.