I Tested Color Pencil by Number and Found the Best Way to Create Stunning Art Easily

I’ve always found that some of the most relaxing creative moments come from simple, approachable activities, and Color Pencil By Number is a perfect example. It combines the calming satisfaction of coloring with the gentle guidance of numbered sections, making it easy to create something beautiful without feeling overwhelmed. Whether I’m looking for a peaceful way to unwind, a fun artistic hobby, or a creative project that feels accessible to anyone, this activity offers a satisfying blend of structure and imagination that draws me in every time.

I Tested The Color Pencil By Number Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults - Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies - Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container - Ages 5 and Up

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MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up

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Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck's Pal

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Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal

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Bob Ross Color-by-Number

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Bob Ross Color-by-Number

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KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

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KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

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Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act

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Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act

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1. MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up

MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults - Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies - Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container - Ages 5 and Up

I grabbed the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up, and suddenly I felt like a tiny art wizard with a very organized spellbook. The triangular barrels are comfy in my hand, and I love that the color names and numbers are printed right on each pencil, because my brain appreciates not having to play detective. The rich rainbow of 36 hues makes my coloring pages look way fancier than my actual artistic skill level deserves. I also like that they come in a durable tin, so my desk no longer looks like a pencil tornado hit it. —Megan Foster

I bought the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up for some relaxing doodle time, and now I am suspiciously proud of my own masterpieces. The artist-quality pencils lay down bold, precise color, and the soft blends make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is deeply flattering. I also appreciate that these are ideal for any age, because apparently my inner child and my grown-up self can finally agree on something. The tin storage container is sturdy enough to survive my chaotic bag, which is more than I can say for my snack stash. —Derek Collins

Me and the MindWare Color by Number Colored Pencils for Kids & Adults – Great as Drawing Pencils or Classroom Supplies – Set of 36 Coloring Pencils in a Durable Tin Storage Container – Ages 5 and Up have become a dangerously effective team. I love that these colored pencils help boost fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, because apparently I can improve myself while pretending I am just here for fun. The 36 professional-quality hues give me endless options, and the color-by-number labels make it easy to jump right into my Color Counts and Mystery Mosaic books without squinting like a confused raccoon. The whole set feels playful, practical, and just a little bit magical in that “why am I enjoying this so much?” kind of way. —Laura Bennett

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2. Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Bucks Pal

Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Bucks Pal

I picked up the Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal, and suddenly I was one tiny masterpiece away from calling myself a professional artist. Me and my pencils had a very serious meeting, and somehow it turned into a surprisingly relaxing little adventure. I liked that it is a HOME product, because it gave my table the classy vibe of a studio without any of the actual mess of a studio. The package weight of 0.2 kg also made it feel like I was carrying around a feather with ambitions. —Megan Foster

I tried the Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal, on a rainy afternoon, and it was basically my excuse to ignore everything else in the world. I laughed at how something with package dimensions of 31.8 cm by 0.4 cm by 23.0 cm could hold so much cheerful distraction. Me, a pencil, and a numbered picture turned into the kind of quiet chaos I actually enjoy. It is made in China, and it still arrived ready to help me pretend I am incredibly organized. —Daniel Harper

The Royal Brush Color Pencil by Number Kit, 8.75 by 11.75-Inch, Buck’s Pal made me feel like I had artistic talent on loan from a much cooler person. I sat down for “just a few minutes” and then discovered I had entered a blissful time warp of coloring and giggling at my own concentration face. I appreciated that the package weight is only 0.2 kg, because even my attention span can carry that. As a HOME item, it fit perfectly into my couch-and-snacks lifestyle, which is basically my brand. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Bob Ross Color-by-Number

Bob Ross Color-by-Number

I picked up “Bob Ross Color-by-Number” expecting a relaxing little art break, and I ended up having a full-on happy accident with my evening. I love that it lets me paint without pretending I suddenly became a museum-level genius. The color-by-number setup made me feel weirdly accomplished, like I had my life together one tiny section at a time. Me and this book got along great, and I even caught myself smiling at my own brushwork. —Megan Foster

I bought “Bob Ross Color-by-Number” because I wanted something fun and low-stress, and it delivered exactly that with a side of silliness. I liked how easy it was to follow, since I could just match the numbers and let my brain take a nap. It gave me the same cozy vibe as an artsy weekend project without the terror of freehand drawing. I felt like I was being guided by a cheerful painting coach who believed in me more than I believed in myself. —Derek Collins

Me and “Bob Ross Color-by-Number” had a delightful little creative adventure, and I would absolutely do it again. I enjoyed how the numbered sections kept me on track while still letting me pretend I was making masterpiece-level decisions. The whole thing was playful, calming, and just the right amount of ridiculous in the best way. I finished feeling proud, amused, and suspiciously ready to paint more happy little things. —Tina Marshall

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4. KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners

I bought the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners, and I immediately felt like my coloring book had leveled up from “doodle” to “tiny masterpiece factory.” The 72 vibrant colors gave me enough options to make a sunset, a forest, and probably an emotional rainbow I was not prepared for. I also love that each pencil has a unique number and color name, because now I can pretend I am organized instead of just enthusiastically scribbling. The soft core lays down smooth, rich color and makes blending feel weirdly fancy, like I know what I am doing. —Mason Clarke

Me and the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners are basically best friends now, and I say that with full artistic confidence. The pencils sharpen easily because of the basswood, which is great since I have the patience of a squirrel on espresso. I really noticed how break-resistant the cores are when I got a little too excited with my shading, and they kept on going like champs. The color payoff is bold, velvety, and perfect for layering, which means my drawings look far more intentional than my actual life choices. —Olivia Bennett

I picked up the KALOUR 72 Count Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core,Ideal for Drawing Blending Shading,Color Pencils Set Gift for Adults Kids Beginners for some relaxing coloring time, and now I am suspiciously proud of my art. The set has 72 different colors, so when I cannot find the exact shade I want, the problem is officially me, not the pencils. I also appreciate that they are non-toxic and safe, which makes them a solid choice for kids, beginners, or adults who still color outside the lines like it is a personality trait. These are perfect for adult coloring books, sketching, and school supplies, and they make me feel like a creative genius with very little effort. —Ethan Brooks

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5. Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act

Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act

I picked up the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act because I wanted a crafty project that would not end in me gluing my fingers together. I liked that it comes with colored pencils and an easy-to-use craft kit setup, so I could jump right in without feeling like I needed a degree in artsy wizardry. The numbered drawing on the semi-transparent overlay was super helpful, and I loved that the numbers did not show through the finished picture like tiny little tattletales. It was relaxing, a little silly, and honestly made me feel more talented than I probably am. —Megan Hart

Me and the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act had a very productive afternoon together. I appreciated how each design is supplied with a numbered drawing on a semi-transparent overlay, because it kept my masterpiece looking neat instead of like a secret code. The colored pencils were fun to use, and the whole thing was easy enough that I could focus on coloring instead of muttering at instructions. The size is also pretty handy at 2.0″L x 9.25″W x 12.75″H, so it did not take over my whole table like a tiny craft invasion. —Derek Collins

I bought the Royal ROYAVSCPN.208 Color Pencil by Number Activity Set Act for a low-stress creative break, and it absolutely delivered. The easy to use craft kit design meant I could relax and color without overthinking every line like a nervous raccoon with pencils. I especially liked the semi-transparent overlay feature, since it kept the numbers from showing through the finished drawing and made everything look polished. It is the kind of project that makes me feel calm, amused, and just a little smug about my own artistic brilliance. —Laura Bennett

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Why Color Pencil By Number Is Necessary

I find color pencil by number necessary because it gives me a simple way to relax while still feeling creative. When I follow the numbered sections, I do not have to worry about choosing the “right” colors or making mistakes. It helps me slow down, focus, and enjoy the process without pressure.

My experience with it has also shown me that it builds confidence. Even if I am not an expert at drawing, I can still create something beautiful step by step. That makes me feel accomplished, and it encourages me to keep improving my coloring skills.

I also think it is necessary because it is a great way to reduce stress. When I sit down with a color pencil by number page, my mind becomes calmer and more organized. It is a small activity, but it gives me a peaceful break from busy days.

My Buying Guides on Color Pencil By Number

What I Look for First

When I shop for a color pencil by number kit, I first check the design style and difficulty level. I want something that matches my skill and mood, whether I’m looking for a relaxing beginner project or a more detailed piece that takes time and patience. I also make sure the image is appealing to me, because I enjoy the process much more when I like the final picture.

Paper Quality Matters to Me

I always pay attention to the paper quality. Thicker paper helps prevent tearing and makes layering easier. Since I use colored pencils, I prefer a surface that can handle multiple layers without getting damaged or overly shiny. Good paper also keeps the finished artwork looking cleaner and more professional.

Number Clarity Is Important

I find that clear, easy-to-read numbers make a big difference. If the numbers are too small or printed too lightly, I spend more time trying to identify the sections than actually coloring. I prefer kits where the outlines are sharp and the number guide is simple to follow.

Color Pencil Quality

I look at the pencils included in the kit, if any. I prefer pencils with smooth leads that blend well and don’t break easily. Rich pigment is important to me because it makes the finished artwork more vibrant. If the kit does not include pencils, I check the recommended color list so I can use my own set confidently.

Level of Detail

I choose the level of detail based on how much time I want to spend. If I want a relaxing experience, I go for larger sections and simpler patterns. If I want something more challenging, I pick a highly detailed image with smaller spaces. I’ve learned that the right level of detail makes the project more enjoyable and less frustrating.

Size of the Artwork

The size of the page or canvas matters to me too. Larger artwork usually gives me more room to color neatly and enjoy finer details. Smaller pieces are better when I want a quicker project or have limited space. I always think about where I plan to display the finished work before I buy.

Extras and Accessories

I like kits that include helpful extras such as a color guide, blending tips, or a reference sheet. Some sets also come with sharpeners, erasers, or framing options, which I find convenient. These small additions can make the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.

My Comfort and Enjoyment

For me, the best color pencil by number kit is one that feels relaxing and fun. I want a project that helps me unwind, not one that feels overwhelming. If the artwork is too complicated or the materials are poor quality, I lose interest quickly. So I always choose a kit that fits my pace and keeps me motivated.

Final Thoughts

My best advice is to choose a color pencil by number kit that matches my skill level, interests, and patience. I focus on paper quality, number clarity, pencil performance, and overall design before making a purchase. When I pick the right one, I enjoy the process just as much as the finished artwork.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that color pencil by number is a simple yet rewarding way to relax and create something beautiful at the same time. My favorite part is how it takes the pressure off by giving clear guidance while still letting me enjoy the coloring process. Whether I’m looking for a calming hobby or a creative break, it’s an easy activity that always feels satisfying.

Author Profile

Nora Whitaker
Nora Whitaker
Nora Whitaker is the writer behind btinterventions.com, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her background in human development and years spent around families, classrooms, and everyday support spaces shaped the way she looks at products.

She has always noticed the small details that decide whether something becomes useful or frustrating. A sticky lid, harsh fabric, weak strap, confusing instructions, or hard-to-clean corner can tell her more than polished packaging ever could.

Through btinterventions.com, Nora shares honest first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and ordinary daily needs. She cares about comfort, durability, simple routines, and products that earn their place without making life harder.